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Minutes 05-14-14 MINUTES OF THE VETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM "B ", AT CITY HALL,100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BLVD., BOYNTON BEACH, FL., ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014 AT 10:00 A.M. PRESENT: Thomas Kaiser, Chair Jeffrey Livergood, Board Liaison James Bowman Frank Bregoli Stuart Preston Bridget Roberts Karl Washington (amved at 10 15) Dottie Moore, Honorary Member Kurt Leuchter, Honorary Member ABSENT: Steve Anton Stanley Gavlick, Alternate Robert Mason, Alternate I. Call to Order Chair Kaiser called the meeting to order at 1001 a.m II. 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 No discussion VI. Approval of Minutes No discussion 1 Meeting Minutes Veterans Advisory Commission Boynton Beach, FL. May 14, 2014 VII. Comments/Visitors Chair Kaiser introduced the next presenter and asked Mr Livergood to give a brief update on the subject as well. Mr. Ken Nichols, Commander of American Legion Post 164, discussed the repair of the entry feature to the old Lake Boynton Estates subdivision entrance When 195 and the railroad tracks were built one of the two gateposts was destroyed leaving one post in much needed repair. Mr. Nichols stated he met with Mr. Warren Adams, Historic Preservation Planner and Ms. Alexandra Seltzer of the Palm Beach Post to discuss the gateway entry feature to collaborate the renovation of the remaining post and surrounding area There is also a small island area with a memorial monument most people do not know exist near the gateposts. Mr. Nichols inquired of the possibility of having signs installed in the area of the American Legion to let people know where the gatepost and the memorial park are located Mr. Livergood gave a brief update of what was happening in the area. He stated Mr Adams would be installing a plaque on the monument explaining the history and importance of the gatepost. The gatepost would be painted and the landscape around the small memorial park needs updating and cleaning as well. The Land Development Regulations and Code of Ordinances allow directional signage for not - for - profit organizations. Two off -site signs would be allowed, but the location must be well thought out. The signs cannot be too far from the sites and there are restrictions on which streets the signs could be installed Mr. Nicholas also requested the hedges at the memorial park be trimmed VIII. Old Business A. Dedication of granite bricks for Priest, NYFD September 11, 2014 Chair Kaiser stated he and Chief Ray Carter had discussions in regards to placing granite bricks instead of cement bricks in Veterans Park in remembrance of the first victim of 911, Father Mychal Judge. All 911 victims who died that day received a number and Father Judge's was 0001. There will be a granite brick for him as well as for the son of a Boynton Beach retired fireman who was killed that day. Chief Ray Carter commented the bricks would be placed on September 11 as part of the ceremony. Commissioner Casello is helping to locate the retired fireman for more information on his son. Jeff Montgomery, Manager of Home Depot at Woolbright Road, stated they would like to help the Veterans in any way they can. Mr. Montgomery commented Home Depot would not be able to contribute money, but have many volunteers who would 2 Meeting Minutes Veterans Advisory Commission Boynton Beach, FL. May 14, 2014 help with cleanup in the parks, painting the gatepost previously discussed or donating material to help offset expenses of some events. Chair Kaiser thanked Home Depot for their interest in helping the Veterans. Mr. Bregoli inquired if flyers promoting the American Legion could be posted at Home Depot Mr. Montgomery stated rules prevent them from posting anything in the store, but he would ask their Legal Department what other options are available. Ms. Alexandra Seltzer of the Palm Beach Post introduced herself. She has been assigned to cover Boynton Beach and recently wrote an article about the Lake Boynton Estates entry feature. B. Award of French Legion of Honor Medals Chair Kaiser stated medals were given out to 19 people. A total of almost 600 medals have been given out so far. Florida has been the number one state to give out Legion of Honor Medals to soldiers who served in France during WW II. Florida has been working with the French Government for the past five years Chair Kaiser thanked The First Presbyterian Church for hosting the celebration on March 20 where 27 men received medals. C POW /MIA Bg Scout Vigil — September 19 -20, 2014 Ceremony September 20 beginning at 5 p.m. This program started three years ago with Boy Scouts walking all night in tribute to soldiers classified as a prisoner of war or missing in action Chair Kaiser thanked the City for allowing the program to have an overnight stay. The event ends at 10:00 a.m. on September 20 after a brief ceremony and cleanup. D. Anniversary of D -Day — June 6, 2014 beginning at 10:00 a m The 70 Anniversary of D -Day will be celebrated on June 6 th at Veterans Park. Chair Kaiser also contacted D -Day survivors about a free trip to celebrate D -Day. Any soldier who was at D -Day during June 6 th and August 30 are eligible for a two -day, all - expense paid trip to Bedford, Virginia. Each person must be accompanied by someone younger than 65 years of age. Chair Kaiser recognized Mr. Kurt Leuchter, Honorary Member, who was in France during the war when he and his parents were captured by the Nazis. His parents were killed and the French Resistance helped get him out of the country. He was instrumental in preventing the Nazis from advancing by blowing up bridges leading into the City The French Government will bestow on him the Legion of Honor Medal. 3 Meeting Minutes Veterans Advisory Commission Boynton Beach, FL. May 14, 2014 E. Memorial Day Ceremonies — Sunday, May 25, 2014 at 2:00 p m. The graves would be decorated with flags on Friday, May 23 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers from Valencia Pointe and children from St. Joseph's would be there to help place flags Eric Hanson, Manager at Home Depot, stated he has 15 employees who have requested Friday May 23r off in order to help place flags on the gravestones This was a very generous offer and very much appreciated F. Veterans Day Event — November 11, 2014 The event begins at 10.00 a m and must end at 11 00 a m Veterans Day was the only day celebrated at the Park. Going forward the following events are being considered to take place annually. • Anniversary of D -Day on June 6 th • Battle of the Bulge on December 16 (with a tribute to Glenn Miller) • The Four Chaplains The monument for the Battle of the Bulge would be oversized to make it more noticeable. The name of anyone making a $100 donation would go on the monument. Only 10 to 15 names can be placed on the monument. Mr. Bowman offered to sing Frank Sinatra songs for one hour at the end of the ceremony. G. Update on Pvt. Metcalf Bust Recommendation — March 12, 2014 Report from Debby Coles - Dobay, Public Art Manager A granite bench with a ceramic plate of Pvt Metcalf's likeness was donated to the Park by the Veterans Commission in his honor He was the first Boynton Beach resident killed in Afghanistan The family of Pvt Metcalf attended a Veterans Advisory Commission meeting on March 12, 2014, when they requested to have a bust of Pvt. Metcalf placed in the Park Mr. Livergood reported the matter was referred to the Arts Commission. After much discussion the Arts Commission moved to recommend the family pursue a more appropriate, personal location relevant to Pvt Metcalf such as the school or church he attended. The Board members felt it would be better appreciated by people who may have known him. The motion was approved unanimously H. Update of Member Vacancy Tracking 4 Meeting Minutes Veterans Advisory Commission Boynton Beach, FL. May 14, 2014 Chair Kaiser inquired if there were any open position on the Board and was told there are two alternate member positions available. Mr. Livergood reminded Chair Kaiser the City Clerk's office tracks any openings and potential members must fill out an application for consideration. I Vietnam Travelling Wall — www.travelingwall.us.com Mr. Livergood explained if the City is interested in having the traveling wall come to Boynton Beach preparations must start now There are many factors to consider including the location and how it would impact that area, cost, traffic, parking and many other considerations. It could take up to three years before it was at the stage of actually coming to Boynton Beach Researching the possibility of having the wall come to Boynton Beach must start now Mr Livergood mentioned there are benefits the wall brings as well The memories connected to it and an economic development component for people traveling to Boynton Beach from other areas. Chair Kaiser suggested discussing this at the next meeting in September to give people time to think about an appropriate location Ms. Roberts commented she had the opportunity to see the wall in Davie and was very impressed. She suggests giving serious consideration to having the wall come to Boynton Beach It would be a great opportunity for people who cannot travel to Washington, D C to see it and as an educational experience for children Chair Kaiser again thanked the gentlemen from Home Depot and appreciated them wanting to be involved IX. Benediction - Moment of Silent Prayer Chair Kaiser gave the benediction followed by a silent prayer X. Next Board Meeting The next Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10 2014 at 10.00 a.m in Conference Room B. XI. Adjournment Having no further business to discuss, Chair Kaiser adjourned the meeting at 1054 a m. A orales 5/15/14 5