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Minutes 01-14-09 MINUTES OF THE VETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2009 AT 10:00 A.M. FIRE/POLICE TRAINING ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Thomas Kaiser, Chair Stuart Preston Karl Washington Robert Zimmermann Stanley Gavlick, All. Rev. Richard Smith, All. Donald Lee Scantlan, Alt. Chuck Magazine, City Employee Representative ABSENT: Morris Soruck Thomas Krabil Lester McKenzie I. CALL TO ORDER - Tom Kaiser, Chairman Chair Kaiser called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - All Hands The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. III. INVOCATION - Designated Chair Kaiser gave the invocation. Chair Kaiser welcomed the new alternates. He inquired if they had viewed Veterans Memorial Park. A monument to the Four Chaplains would be added on February 1, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. He invited all to attend. V. AGENDA APPROVAL (Heard out of Order) There were no changes to the agenda. IV. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS The Recording Secretary called the roll. A quorum was present. 1 Meeting Minutes Veterans Advisory Committee Boynton Beach, Florida January 14, 2009 Chair Kaiser noted Mr. McKenzie and Mr. Boruck called him to advise they would not be present at the meeting. Chair Kaiser explained absenteeism was an issue, and they cannot hold meetings without members. The Veterans Advisory Commission only meets four or five times per year and he requested the members make note of that. Mr. Magazine would send a letter explaining absenteeism. Chair Kaiser explained if a member cannot attend, they should contact the City Clerk's Office so they can note it. If a meeting was planned two months in advance, there was no reason to schedule anything that conflicted with the meeting. Mr. Magazine explained the procedure for Advisory Boards. The City Clerk's Office tracks member attendance. If a member missed three meetings per year, the member is notified and removed. He explained the Veterans Advisory Commission does not meet every month, and the established policy was for Advisory Boards that meet monthly. Mr. Magazine would contact the City Clerk and Chair Kaiser about the matter. VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES, September 10, 2008 Motion Mr. Preston moved approval of the minutes of September 10, 2008. Mr. Zimmermann seconded the motion that unanimously passed. Chair Kaiser wanted it on record the November meeting was cancelled due to his being sick. VII. COMMENTS BY Chair Chair Kaiser advised June 6, 2008 was the unveiling of the Veterans Memorial at Bicentennial Park. Approximately 150 people attended and he urged members and guests to bring folding chairs. He noted the landscaping and bricks had not been installed. The Four Chaplains event was normally held in a church or a temple. This year because of the Memorial Unveiling, they would have a tent in the park and then refreshments at St. Mark Church. It was noted some communities supply buses for their residents. Mr. Magazine requested the members contact him if they planned on bringing buses because parking is limited. VIII. COMMENTS FROM VISITORS None. 2 Meeting Minutes Veterans Advisory Committee Boynton Beach, Florida January 14, 2009 IX. OLD BUSINESS: a. Veterans Day, November 11, 2008, Bicentennial Park - completed b. Veterans Memorial Dedication, November 11, 2008, - completed c. Four Chaplains Memorial - approved by City Commission Chair Kaiser announced the Veterans Council had donated $30,000 to the City for the monument and spent an additional $2,500 for a nicer monument. Since then, they purchased the Four Chaplains Bronze plaque, and two more monuments, so each monument would be on the same type of stone. He hoped the Council would break even through the sale of bricks, which were $50 each. To-date, 125 bricks were sold and payment for an additional 29 was forthcoming. Mr. Magazine introduced Reverend Richard Smith and Donald Scantlon, the new alternates appointed by the City Commission. Chair Kaiser explained when a regular member is absent, the alternates step in and vote. X. NEW BUSINESS: a. Four Chaplains Memorial Dedication, Sunday, February 1, 2009, 2PM, Bicentennial Park Color Guards were planned for the event, and American Legion Post 164 would position the participants. The itinerary was normal, and the program would only indicate to advance the colors at the same place as normal. Instead of the Armed Forces, they will have the Disabled American Veterans and Korean War Veteran Color Guards. The Police Department would provide the Gun Salute. Chair Kaiser requested the members arrive at the Park at 1 :30 p.m. Generallrzyk and Mayor Taylor would speak at the event and State Representative Adam Hasner, would send a proclamation. Chair Kaiser thanked Mr. Magazine for his work on behalf of the Veterans. He advised Mr. Magazine a telephone pole was down at the monument and someone stole five or six of the flowers planted at the park. Mr. Magazine responded the plants were being replaced at the park and lights were on order. The Board discussed Memorial Day and agreed to hold the service on May 24, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Boynton Memorial Park. On Friday, May 22,2009, they would place flags on the graves of veterans. Chair Kaiser noted youth had been involved in the past and he hoped to enlist their services again. Chair Kaiser explained to the new members after every Veterans event, food is served. A barbeque is held on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The Four Chaplains Event has coffee and cake; however, because the event was a celebration, there would be additional refreshments. He explained this was a big year for the Boynton Beach Veterans, the Veterans Advisory Commission and City 3 Meeting Minutes Veterans Advisory Committee Boynton Beach, Florida January 14, 2009 of Boynton Beach. Chair Kaiser believed the Four Chaplains Monument may be the only one in the State. The Submarine Memorial Plaque was moved to Bicentennial Park and another plaque would be given to the VA Cemetery in Lake Worth, who agreed to place it on a wall in the main building. The members would receive an invitation from the Cemetery approximately the 30th of May. American Legion Post 164 would provide the Color Guard service at the Veterans Cemetery. Chair Kaiser had spoke with Mr. Livergood, Director of Public Works, about the street at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) building. Residents were dumping tires and trash on the property. When the street was redone, there was a section that was used as a dump and the street was supposed to be inspected every week or two to ensure trash was not an issue and the road was maintained. The VFW is a business and the Veterans had dinners at the location. Driving past trash on the way to dinner was very unsettling. Chair Kaiser requested if any members notice trash at the American Legion hall or VFW to contact the City or the Police. Chair Kaiser suggested meeting in March and then again in May. Mr. Magazine explained the Board meets every other month, and recommended adhering to the schedule. Chair Kaiser suggested holding the March meeting and discussing meeting in May at that time. XI. BENEDICTION, MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER Chair Kaiser gave the benediction. XII. NEXT BOARD MEETING - March 11, 2009 XII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 10:34 a.m. (lCLtAt'~0RL OltAfJJ Catherine Cherry () Recording Secretary 011409 4