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HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012, 3:00 PM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN ST, SEBASTIAN, FL
Chairman Piper called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. ROLL CALL
Jerry Piper, Chair, Commander of VFW
Ed Irons, Vice Chair, Commander of American Legion
Butch Dawson, Member, VFW
Pete Puzzo, Member, American Legion
Donna Goff, Member, Ladies Auxiliary of VFW
Ed Kilbane, Alternate Member, American Legion
Also Present:
Council Member Andrea Coy
City Attorney Richard Ginsburg
Recording Secretary Jeanette Williams
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. AUGUST 21, 2012 MEETING
MOTION by Mr. Kilbane and SECOND by Mr. Puzzo to approve the August 21, 2012
minutes passed with a voice vote of 6-0.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. BRICK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
David Wortmann, Brick Coordinator for the Four Chaplains Memorial, stated the balance of
the brick account was $10,631.94; they have postponed further marketing until it is decided
if they are pleased with the progress. He said Real Stone and Granite has made the first
three orders of bricks and he requested delay of payment for the second and third orders
because of the quality. He said he was interested in having a company called Brick Markers
from Riviera Beach finish up the remaining bricks or pull up all of the bricks and have them
redone.
Veterans Advisory Committee
October 1, 2012
Page Two
In response to Mr. Kilbane, he said there wasn't a contract but it looked like Larry Wapnick
made an agreement with Real Stone and Granite and he was not sure if they could receive
a refund. Chairman Piper said the North County Committee would still make the decisions
as to continuing or replacing the bricks and with respect as to who should replace the
treasurer that is moving out of town. The City Attorney agreed, the Sebastian Committee
could give recommendations to the North County Committee. Chairman Piper asked Mr.
Wortmann to keep them apprised of what is going to happen.
Mr. Wortmann said the North County Committee is planning another marketing push, they
have 1,800 bricks for sale, and they are planning to send a letter to Mayor Hill for the
outstanding work completed by the Public Works Department. He invited the Committee
members to look at the sample bricks or books at any time.
Amy Roberts, representing Real Stone and Granite, displayed a sample brick of what was
approved for installation. Mr. Wortmann noted it did not have the quality and it was the
consensus of the Sebastian Committee to see what the North County Committee decides on
the bricks.
B. HONOR GUARD COORDINATOR
A member of the Honor Guard Committee was not present therefore this item will carry
forward to the December 3rd meeting.
C. CONSIDER RESOLUTION TO CITY COUNCIL RE: CHARITIABLE SOLICITATION
WITHIN CITY
Council Member Andrea Coy stated about a year ago City Council decided the City will no
longer issue permits for street solicitation but there is still outside solicitation taking place on
private property. She asked the Committee to consider sending a resolution to City Council
recommending that only the VFW Post 10210 and American Legion Post 189 be the two
local organizations authorized to seek donations because money to any other organizations
will more than likely disappear. She said Chief Morris has offered to have the Department's
Community Spokesman speak to the businesses.
Chairman Piper and Vice Chairman Irons said it was a good idea; and Mr. Kilbane
suggested adding the in-house divisions as authorized solicitators. Council Member Coy
suggested having the commanders approve all of the organizations with one signature in a
letter.
MOTION by Mr. Kilbane and SECOND by Vice Chair Irons to direct the City Attorney to draft
a resolution to City Council requesting a letter or resolution for distribution.
The City Attorney stated he is not a fan of curtailing discussion, but wanted to note they are
dealing with 15t Amendment territory where the Supreme Court has said solicitations are
speech. Managers at Walmart, Publix, and Winn Dixies can make their own decisions on
private property without consequences but when government takes steps, there could be
consequences. He said he would prefer not to involve the Police Department because he is
concerned with the perception of the Police Department prohibiting an individual's
expression and making distinctions.
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Veterans Advisory Committee
October 1, 2012
Page Three
He offered to draft a resolution without involving the Police Department, but with information
letting people know some basic facts to get the word out.
Council Member Coy asked if it was inappropriate to recommend using local organizations
so money stays locally. The City Attorney said the resolution would have an emphasis on
providing information. Chairman Piper called for a Special Meeting November 5th at 3:00
p.m. to review and approve the resolution before sending it to City Council.
6. MEMBERS MATTERS
Chairman Piper said it is time for Indian River to have a veterans' transition house, there are
disabled veterans looking for jobs and living in the streets, and they should do their
homework to get emergency shelter for those who need it. He suggested a vacant building
at a church and asked if anyone knows of a real estate agent that could help.
There was no objection to placing Chairman Piper's request on the December agenda for
discussion.
7. OTHER MATTERS
A. SET NEXT MEETING DATE AND AGENDA
As previously discussed, a special meeting will be held on November 5th to review a
resolution to be drafted by the City Attorney regarding solicitation within the City. The
December 3�d agenda will include a presentation from the Honor Guard and the discussion
of a veterans' transition house.
8. The Committee saluted the flag, and Chairman Piper adjourned the meeting at 3:54 p.m.
Approved at the ove ber 5, 2012 Special meeting.
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