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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-01-2022 VAB MinutesVETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 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. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. Ill. Present Stephen Hamerlin, American Legion Member Gary Spiecker, American Legion Member Gary Shaw, VFW Commander Neil Baumgartner, VFW Member Kim Paskiewicz, VFW Auxiliary Member Also Present Brian Benton, Director of Leisure Services Vice Mayor Jones Cathy Testa, Recording Clerk IV. Meetina Chair Makes Announcements Mr. Spiecker announced that the American Legion will be going into the schools again, probably in September, October or November. He stated that they teach Americanism. His group teaches the students inside the schools how to fold the flag, etc. Chairman Shaw announced that there will be a Celebration of Life for Butch Dawson on Saturday, August 6, at 3:30 at the VFW Acenda Modifications -- None VI. Aooroval of Minutes Hearing no corrections/additions from the Committee members, Chairman Shaw called for a motion. A motion approving the Minutes of the April 4, 2022 meeting as presented was made by Mr. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Spiecker, and approved unanimously via voice vote. VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 2 MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUGUST 1, 2022 VII. Public Input — None VIII. Unfinished Business -- None IX. New Business A. Patriots Day Ceremony Discussion Chairman Shaw stated that, since the Police Department is not going to be involved this year, he suggested combining the VFW and the American Legion to get together and plan something dignified. Mr. Spiecker stated that he believes that it cannot be held at the American Legion because of all the construction that is going on. He believes that there will be some light marching and music. As far as anything large, that probably will not happen. Chairman Shaw asked Mr. Benton if the City will allow a ceremony in Riverview Park. Mr. Benton said yes, and he offered assistance from the City if needed. He explained that the Police Department has not gotten clarification from the County yet if they are going to move forward with their ceremony. The County last year wanted to do a County -wide event at one location as opposed to splitting their assets into different areas. Sebastian's Police Department agreed to join them last year, which was then canceled due to COVID. He asked, if the Police Department is not involved, does this group want to go forward with a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial this year? Chairman Shaw said he will get in contact with the American Legion, and they will try to plan something for Riverview Park. He stated he will let Mr. Benton know as soon as possible. Mr. Benton said he needs to know what the start time will be, whether there needs to be road closures, seating, etc., or will it be something on a smaller scale. Chairman Shaw said he knows the Sons of the American Legion is planning something, and Barefoot Bay is planning something, and there may be something being planned in Vero Beach. His group will coordinate things. Ms. Paskiewicz stated that regarding the last ceremony that was had in the Park people were complaining that the handicapped people could not park closer because police cars were blocking their access. She said there needs to be a solution to that problem. Mr. Benton said his staff will begin to reallocate the handicapped spots for special events and to identify with some signage other ADA accessible parking spots right next to the already identified handicapped spots that are not within the closed -road perimeter. VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 3 MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUGUST 1, 2022 Ms. Paskiewicz added that the Fourth of July ceremony went well. The American Legion had a bus for the Honor Guard. She feels that something more personal should be done for the Honor Guard like a trailer which had been discussed. The bus picked up other people, and she felt the Honor Guard was sort of left stranded, and she does not want that to happen next year. For the seniors who wanted to get on and off the bus, it was not accessible. That was her understanding. Mr. Benton said the City did not have a bus there, so he does not know what bus is being discussed. There was discussion among Ms. Paskiewicz, Mr. Spiecker, Mr. Benton, and Chairman Shaw, after which Chairman Shaw said that that situation had nothing to do with the City of Sebastian; it was between the two organizations more than the Veterans Advisory Board. Mr. Benton added that if there is a different way the groups or vehicles need to line up, he can work those details out on site, or if he knows beforehand, he can make sure that those vehicles are in the proper locations. Chairman Shaw said the parade was great, and there was great tum-out by the public. Ms. Paskiewicz agreed. X. Items for next Agenda and Date: October 3, 2022 @ 3:oo p.m Chairman Shaw stated that the only thing coming up around that time would be the Veterans Day service on November 11' . That is the VFW's responsibility this year. He stated that he will not be there this year, but he will have someone covering for him. Mr. Benton said that at the October 3'd meeting Veterans Day will be discussed as well as Pearl Harbor Day. Pearl Harbor Day will be handled this year by the American Legion. He asked if anyone has anything else to add to the agenda, to please try to get it to him a week prior to each meeting so that he can get it on the agenda for discussion. XI. Adioumment There being no further business, Chairman Shaw called for a motion for adjournment. A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Hamerlin and seconded by Mr. Baumgartner. BY: / "` Date: i A