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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08042014VAC AgendaVETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2014, 3:00 PM CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN ST, SEBASTIAN, FL 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. June 2, 2014 Meeting 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Update on Adding Informational Signs to Existing Monument Area 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Preparation for Patriot Day Ceremony — September 11, 2014 B. Discussion on Veterans Day Ceremony — November 11, 2014 C. Selection of New Chairman of Veterans Advisory Board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hairman Newland called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. ROLL CALL Present: Wayne Newland, Commander of American Legion Jack Willis, Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Frank Cutrone, VFW Barney Giordan, Alternate Member of American Legion Absent: American Legion Member Alternate VFW Member Ladies Auxiliary Member Also, Present: Joe Griffin, City Manager Chris McCarthy, Parks Superintendent Jeanette Williams, Recording Secretary 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. April 7, 2014 Meeting MOTION by Mr. Giordan and SECOND by Mr. Cutrone to approve the April 7, 2014 meeting minutes carried with a voice vote of 4 -0. 5. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Giordan thanked the City and Parks Department for the May 26th Memorial Day Park preparation which attracted a record crowd. He also thanked Walmart for the water, donuts, and coffee. Mr. Cutrone and Mr. Newland reiterated Mr. Giordan's gratitude for the successful event. Veterans Advisory Committee June 2, 2014 Page Two 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Additional PA Speakers Chairman Newland noted at the May 26`h ceremony the PA speakers covered the audience but not the area behind the podium where the band and Honor Guard were. He asked if additional speaker boxes could be added to the PA head. The Parks Superintendent said it was reported by staff that the broadcasters did not hold the microphone close to their mouth; he offered to provide a microphone stand for their future events; and have staff meet with future broadcasters prior to the events for a sound check. In response to Mr. Giordan, the Parks Superintendent said wireless speakers would help cover the expanding crowd each event draws if they are compatible with the City's system. Mr. Cutrone confirmed it is difficult to hold the microphone and papers as a broadcaster. Mr. Giordan noted there are grants available to embellish community buildings and structures. Mr. Willis said Ed Motyka is an excellent speaker /master of ceremony and more speakers might be the solution. The Parks Superintendent said his employee reported only one broadcaster could be heard. B. Dates of Conflict on the Existing Stones Chairman Newland explained the monuments do not have dates which would be helpful to educate younger people when the conflict happened. He said it has been suggested to add the dates to the existing stones. The City Manager said while the first Marines went into Viet Nam in 1965 but there were advisors there long before that and he cautioned that a date might exclude those who worked on the conflicts. Discussion followed on the actual United States occupation of each conflict. Mr. Willis suggested that informational plaques like at the zoo be placed in front of the monuments. Mr. Newland, Giordan, and Cutrone agreed; plaques would achieve the goal of educating the public. Mr. Cutrone agreed to look into the option of engraving the existing stone or constructing little plaques and report back at the next meeting. The City Manager said the monuments are a tribute to all veterans —past and forward; the changes should be approved by City Council. 2 Veterans Advisory Committee June 2, 2014 Page Three C. Block off Indian River Drive During Ceremonies Mr. Giordan said he has worked with the Sebastian Police Department in the past on several events and noted the noise factor is increasing during the events. He suggested closing Coolidge Street down during the ceremony. The City Manager said he supports closing the road and suggested a perpetual, blanket resolution to cover Memorial Day, Patriots Day, Veterans Day, Pearl Harbor Day, Four Chaplains, and 9/11 Day. The City Manager suggested blocking off south of Sebastian Boulevard down to the south entrance of the Splash Pad Park as they do for the Clambake event. Mr. Giordan suggested putting the "street closed" sign out where it can be seen from the main thoroughfare. The City Manager suggested including a finite time of road closure in the resolution. The City Manager offered to get with the City Clerk to draft a resolution. D. Additional Bleachers Chairman Newland asked for additional bleachers as the crowds are growing for each of their events. The Parks Superintendent said that would be possible but he would like to know where they would like them. Mr. Giordan suggested closing Coolidge Street off so it is part of Park or across the street. The City Manager noted everyone is getting older and negotiating walkers and canes over the grass seems to be an issue. He said the event set up will be a "work in progress ". There was no consensus to the suggestion of moving the events to the Sebastian River High School football field to accommodate the growing crowds. In response to Mr. Willis, the Parks Superintendent said staff would check bleachers in the future to make sure they are stable. E. Transportation to Viera VA Hospital Chairman Newland asked if anyone knew of transportation options for veterans to the VA Clinic in Viera. Mr. Giordan reported he is a delegate for the Indian River Veterans Council and they have a bus that runs from Sebastian down to Vero, down to a little section in St. Lucie County onto the hospital in West Palm Beach. He advised them to come before the Veterans Council to request a bus to go north. 7. MEMBERS MATTERS Mr. Giordan submitted his list of concerns for future events. (See attached) Mr. Willis requested that if the City receives any veterans funding, they be included in any decisions regarding those funds. Veterans Advisory Committee June 2, 2014 Page Four The City Manager said the City did receive funding about two years ago to assist 7 or 8 disabled veterans homes that went through a review and screening process. He said if the program was renewed, he would bring it before the Board. 8. OTHER MATTERS Chairman Newland thanked the City Manager for his input and support. Mr. Cutrone reported that throughout the project of adding the Iraq and Afghanistan monuments to the Park, he encountered families who have fallen short of getting the help they need. He committed himself and asked the City to look at the new veterans coming up to see how they can get help. Mr. Giordan asked him to refer the families to the Indian River County Veterans Council who has housing, money, and mental facilities for those that want to use it. 9. On MOTION by Chairman Newland and SECOND by Mr. Giordan, the meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m. with a 4 -0 voice vote. Approved at the August 4, 2014 Veterans Advisory Board Meeting. By: Chairman 4