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Minutes 03-12-14 MINUTES OF THE VETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING HELD IN CITY HALL CHAMBERS, 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BLVD., BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014, AT 10:00 A.M. PRESENT: Thomas Kaiser, Chair Steven Anton Frank Bregoli Stuart Preston Bridget Roberts Stanley Gavlick, Alternate Robert Manson, Alternate ABSENT: James Bowman Karl Washington (arrived at 10 55 a m) I. Call to Order Chair Kaiser called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. Ill. Pledge of Allegiance — All Hands The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. III. Invocation Chair Kaiser gave the invocation. IV. Roll Call of Members The recording secretary called the roll. A quorum was present. V. Agenda A. Bronze Bust in Veteran's Park for PFC Michael Metcalf Kathy Gwynn, 7455 Canal Drive, Lake Worth, FL. 33467, proposed a bronze bust for PFC Michael Metcalf be placed at Veteran's Park. PFC Metcalf was the only soldier from Palm Beach County and Boynton Beach to be killed in Afghanistan. Although a bench has been installed in PFC Metcalf's honor at the Park, Ms. Gwynn requested approval for a bronze bust in addition to the bench so that it is more noticeable 1 MEETING MINUTES VETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION BOYNTON BEACH, FL. MARCH 10, 2014 Ms. Gwynn handed out flyers showing a depiction of the bust and information on upcoming fundraisers. The mone�r needed for the project will be obtained through a fundraiser on Wednesday, March 19' from 7:00 p.m. until 11 :00 p.m at The Backyard in Boynton. The Florida Panthers Ice Hockey team will hold a fundraiser on April 6 with part of the proceeds from the sale of the first 500 tickets going to the project. Frank Varga, Sculpture /Artist, will be doing this project if it is approved by the Veteran's Commission. Mr. Varga remarked adding a physical work of art to the Veteran's Park would enhance it rather than take away from it. The bust itself would be a portrait from the chest up showing the realistic likeness of PFC. Metcalf It would be cast in bronze so there is low maintenance. Mr. Varga stated the pedestal would be granite and he suggested using the same granite company that has done other monuments in the Park to keep it uniform. Mr. Varga has worked with the City's Art in Public Places program should the Board need to verify his capabilities. Ms. Roberts inquired as to the dimensions of the bust. Mr. Varga replied portrait busts are usually done at eye -level at about six feet high. The bust itself is a little larger than life -like so it is not lost visually and would be about three feet high. It would also include a dedication plaque to PFC Metcalf placed on the granite base with whatever information the family and the Board feel is appropriate. Mr. Anton asked how much it would weigh. Mr Varga responded he did not know and would depend on how wide the base is, but would be approximately 600 -800 pounds. Mr. Anton wondered if the Veteran's Park is the best place for the bust. His suggestion was to put it in the lobby at City Hall or somewhere on City Hall grounds so it would be seen by many people. Mr. Anton also mentioned possibly speaking with Debby Coles - Dobay, the Administrator for Art in Public Places for input as to the best place for the bust and possibly funding. Ms. Roberts stated she was told about an article in The Palm Beach Post where there was a comment made about finding a more appropriate place and if it is done for one it should be done for all. Ms. Roberts did not see the article herself, but commented it may reflect negatively on the Veteran's Commission that people are making comments like this. She suggested making a stipulation that only soldiers from Boynton Beach could be represented in the Park so it is not a free for all. Ms. Roberts does not think it is inappropriate for the bust to be in Veteran's Park but also felt the idea should be brought to the Art in Public Places program as well. Mr Preston does not have a problem with the statue going into the Park but feels it should be in a place that will be seen by more people like at City Hall. 2 MEETING MINUTES VETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION BOYNTON BEACH, FL. MARCH 10, 2014 Chair Kaiser stated the Board installed a bench in honor of PFC Metcalf at their cost in the Park with a likeness of him on the bench. Chair Kaiser commented he would like to see the bust go in a more suitable place where it can be seen by more people. He stated the Boynton Veteran's will make a donation. Mr. Anton suggested holding off on any decisions until the project can be discussed further in regards to the best location for it. It would also give the Board time to contact Ms. Coles -Dobay of the Art in Public Places program. Chair Kaiser commented Ms. Kim Metcalf, (mother of PFC Metcalf) suggested if the bust could not go into the Park, it could possibly be put somewhere near the Intracostal Waterway because her son loved the water Motion Mr. Anton moved to table the project until more information can be obtained from Ms. Coles -Dobay in terms of location and possible funding Ms. Roberts seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Chair Kaiser remarked the press will be contacting him for a comment about the outcome of the meeting in regards to the project. B. Two Memorial Bricks for 911 Memorial Chair Kaiser would like to dedicate a brick to the priest who was killed at 911. The second brick would be dedicated to the son of a man who lives here in Boynton Beach who was also killed that day. Motion Mr. Bregoli moved to go forward with two bricks to be added to the 911 monument. Mr. Anton seconded the motion that passed unanimously C. Battle of the Bulge Memorial — December 16, 2014 Chair Kaiser would like the unveiling of the monument to take place on December 16 and fundraising is currently going on. Chair Kaiser thanked the Valencia Pointe members who donated towards this project. A big band will play afterwards in recognition of Glenn Miller who was killed on the same day. 3 MEETING MINUTES VETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION BOYNTON BEACH, FL. MARCH 10, 2014 Motion Mr. Preston moved to have the memorial ceremony on December 16 Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion that passed unanimously. D. Medal Ceremonies (French) - March 20 Presbyterian Church Chair Kaiser announced there is a need for people to carry flags. The bugle will not be available due to a schedule conflict. The bugle is part of the ceremony and the Boynton Veteran's will purchase one. The French anthem will be sung and American and French flags will be presented Approximately 22 to 24 French soldiers will receive medals. Arnold May, Men's Club Valencia Pointe, Veteran's Support Committee, stated his Committee was proud to make a contribution towards the Battle of the Bulge monument. Mr. May stated his organization has donated over 30 flag poles to the South Florida Veteran's Cemetery, The members raise flags at the cemetery on Memorial Day, July 4 Wreaths Across America and Veteran's Day and he was asked to serve on a panel for the South Florida Veteran's Cemetery a few weeks ago. Mr. May handed out brochures given to him by the panel explaining the National Cemetery Administration and the South Florida Cemetery in terms of who can be buried there. Mr. May stated a resident of his community would like to donate an electric wheelchair that he purchased for his wife before she passed away. It has never been used and he would like to donate it to a veteran. E. Overnight For Boy Scouts — National MIA /POW Day September 19 & 20 Chair Kaiser explained this event has been going on for the past three years. The Scouts walk all night in tribute to those who are missing in action or a prisoner of war. A tent is needed so there is a place for the scouts to rest or in the event of bad weather. There will not be any cooking or open fires. Since the scheduled hours for each group are staggered every two hours, it puts a strain on the parents who would otherwise have to pick up their children at all hours of the night. Chair Kaiser would like to request of the City a one night variance for a couple of tents. This is affecting the number of Scouts who are participating and the program may cease to exist Jeffrey Livergood, Director of Public Works, inquired if there is adult supervision. Chair Kaiser responded the Scout leaders are there all night as well as a few veterans. Waivers will be given to the parents and permits are always obtained 4 MEETING MINUTES VETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION BOYNTON BEACH, FL. MARCH 10, 2014 Mr. Livergood asked if the Police Department is involved for added security. Mr. Kaiser responded they are not but a drive -by every hour or so would be appreciated Motion Mr. Bregoli moved to ask the City for a one night variance for tents. Mr. Preston seconded the motion that passed unanimously. F. Decorate Graves — May 23, 2014 Beginning at 8:30 a.m. Chair Kaiser is requesting help placing flags on the graves at the Boynton Memorial Cemetery on Friday, May 23rd, beginning at 8:30 a.m. This is done before Memorial Day so the flags are already placed on the day of the ceremony, May 25 Chair Kaiser noted James Bowman, who is still a Commander in the Navy and a district representative of the Boy Scouts, has not attended any meetings in the past few months. Mr. Bowman reported every Thursday to a specific location to keep his status but that ended. Chair Kaiser would like a letter sent to Mr Bowman explaining the rules in regards to his absences. Chair Kaiser also mentioned Mr. Washington arrived to the last meeting five minutes before it ended Mr. Bregoli brought to the attention of the members there are two alternate positions that need to be filled. G. D -Day — June 6, 2014 Beginning at 11:00 a.m. Chair Kaiser stated June 6 th marks the 70 Anniversary of D -Day. This year an organization is inviting 500 men, Stuart Preston among them, to attend the National D- Day celebration Airfare, hotel, meals and transportation for one person and a guest will be covered to attend the National D -day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. The airline will donate a plane to accommodate the participants. Mr. Washington arrived at 10:55 a.m VI. Next Board Meetings: May 14, 2014 September 10, 2014 (Meetings resume after summer break) 5 MEETING MINUTES VETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION BOYNTON BEACH, FL. MARCH 10, 2014 VI1. Adjournment Motion Mr. Bregoli moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr Preston seconded the motion. There being no further business to come before the Board, Chair Kaiser adjourned the meeting at 10:59 a.m. ko--q�� Grace Morales Records Coordinator 3126/14 6