HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-04-2022 VAB MinutesVETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022, 3:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN ST., SEBASTIAN FL 32976
Chairman Gary Shaw called the Veterans Advisory Committee meeting to order at
3:00 p.m.
it. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
III. Present
Gary Shaw, VFW Commander
Neil Baumgartner, VFW Member
Kim Paskiewicz, VFW Auxiliary Member
Gary Spiecker, American Legion Member
Stephen Hamerlin, American Legion Member
Also Present
Brian Benton, Director of Leisure Services
Gary Vicars, MIS Technical Analyst
Janet Graham, Technical Writer
IV. Meeting Chair Makes Announcements — None
V. Acenda Modifications — None
VI. ADDroval of Minutes — December 6. 2021
Hearing no correclionstaddilions from the Committee members, Chairman Shaw called
for a motion. A motion approving the Minutes of the January 10, 2022 meeting as
presented was made by Mr. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Spiecker, and approved
unanimously via voice vote.
VII. Unfinished Business -- None
Vill. Public Input — None
IX. New Business
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MINUTES OF MEETING OF APRIL 4, 2022
A. Memorial Day Event Plan
Mr. Shaw stated that this year it is being run by the American Legion Post 189.
Mr. Benton confirmed that the Memorial Day ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. as is
typical. He asked if the Sebastian River High School Band is going to participate. Mr.
Spiecker staled they are working on that presently. Mr. Benton asked if the Board
members who are in charge of getting the flyer out can get that to him at least a week in
advance so he can get it printed and copied so that copies can be handed out at the
event. Mr. Shaw said that usually the Boy Scouts or the Cub Scouts will hand out the
programs. He stated that last year the Boy Scouts contributed and distributed bottles of
water. So he will see that they are contacted in order to find out if they want to do that
again this year. Mr. Benton added that his main point of contact for the Memorial Day
event will be Mr. Spiecker.
B. July 4' Parade Participation Discussion
Mr. Shaw said the annual July 4v' parade sponsored by the City is usually run by the City.
Mr. Benton said that is correct. The City will operate the 41" of July parade. He asked
that the Board members who are members of the VFW and the American Legion discuss
with their members participation within the parade. The City would like to see increased
participation from all groups, not just veterans' groups. Effective this year, the City is
taking over the registration and complete operations for the parade. In the past, the City
has only handled the day -of -the -parade operations. Going forward, the City will handle
everything from registration to completion. He said July 4' is on Monday this year. The
parade will start at 8:30 a.m. on the northern end of Indian River Drive in the area of
Jackson Street. Mr. Shaw asked if the City wants decorated vehicles to participate. Mr.
Benton said yes, that in the past there were vehicles that were decorated with people
riding in them. There were floats, etc. He said he will be sending out the registration
forms over the next couple of weeks. He will make sure that each Board member gets
that. He will also send out a list of previous years' participants so they gel notified as
well. He staled that many people come out for the parade, and the City wants to gel as
much participation as possible in order to provide a quality parade with as many
participants as possible for the general public to see.
Mr. Hamedin staled that in the past few years there has been talk about providing a flat-
bed trailer or some type of platform for the Honor Guard, as there are many elderly
VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 3
MINUTES OF MEETING OF APRIL 4, 2022
members of the Honor Guard. Mr. Shaw said that would probably be up to the
organizations who want to make use of something like that rather than the City handling
that. Mr. Spiecker will investigate what vehicles might be available.
X. Staff Matters
Mr. Benton said he did not have anything more -- he just wanted to be sure that we were
on schedule for the Memorial Day Ceremony at Riverview Park. Mr. Spiecker will be
handling that. He also wanted to remind everyone regarding July 4' .
XI. Board or Committee Member Matters
Mr. Spiecker brought up a discussion about the 911 Celebration. He said the people in
Barefoot Bay are going to have a ceremony, and they would like to have it spread over to
the American Legion and the VFW. Peter Puzzo has agreed to provide some music. He
assumes that those activities will begin at approximately 11:00 a.m. and run till
approximately 2:00 p.m. Parking may be a problem due to the construction at Post 189.
So maybe the VFW will help regarding the parking.
Mr. Shaw asked regarding the City's website whether more of the activities of the veterans
could be published on the City's websile. Mr. Benton said if he gets the information, he
will look into getting that information displayed on the City's Facebook page and the City's
websile. He just needs the details of the activities such as contact person, who would
like to volunteer, etc. Mr. Shaw also asked if there is anyone at the City who can direct
the veterans' organizations as to whom to contact such as TC Palm, etc. in order to have
the veterans' activities included in their publications. Mr. Benton will get that information.
XII. Items for the Next Aoenda: Auaust 1°'. 2022 0 3:00 o.m.
Mr. Benton stated his plan is to have the next meeting on August 15t, 2022. He will work
with Mr. Spieckeras Memorial Day approaches. He does not see a need to have a formal
meeting before August 131.
Mr. Shaw said that Veterans' Day will be handled by the VFW which should be discussed,
and the 911 ceremony should also be discussed at the August meeting.
XIII. Adioum
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MINUTES OF MEETING OF APRIL 4, 2022
There being no further business, Chairman Shaw called for a motion for adjournment. A
motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Spiecker, and
approved unanimously via voice vote.
BY: �'/ Date:
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