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HomeMy WebLinkAboutveterans council ad hoc committee january 14 2 St. Lucie County Veterans Advisory Council Meeting Minutes January 14, 2011 Meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. with Chair Ron Knepshield and Vice Chair Cathy LaValle presiding. The meeting was called to order with the following 18 organizations in attendance: nd 82 All Airborne Assn.; AFSA 564; AFSA 564A; AL Post 318; AL Post 355; AL 355 Auxiliary; AL 358; Legion Riders Post 358; AMRA Chap. FL -1; AMVETS 15 Aux.; Band of Brothers Assn.; DAV Chapter 113; Special Forces Assn. 85; Special Forces Motorcycle Club; USSVI TC Base; Vietnam Veterans of America Chap. 566. Members excused: Roy Brewer, AFSA 564; Lynn Steele, AL 355; Carol Waldrop, AFSA 564A. Chair Ron Knepshield reminded members of the purpose of the Ad Hoc Committee. Old Business none to discuss. New Business Election Elect the Chair for the 2011 term per the operational procedures as adopted by resolution th no. 09-241 on August 25, 2009 by the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners. Floor opened for nominations Cathy LaValle nominated Ron Knepshield for the position of Chair. Seconded by Flo Ripperger. Hearing no others, motion to close nominations for position of Chair made by Bill Arnold, seconded by Rich Vassar. Motion to elect Ron Knepshield for the position of Chair for the 2011 term by acclamation made by Cathy LaValle, seconded by Rich Vassar. Motion passed with unanimous vote. Ron Knepshield will hold the position of Chair for 2011. Recommendation to BOCC During the December meeting of the United Veterans of St. Lucie County, a motion was made to call for a SLC Veterans Advisory Board meeting in order to discuss making a formal proposal to the Board of County Commissioners to ask their help in preventing “outside” organizations from obtaining permits to solicit funds in St. Lucie County. Vice Chair Cathy LaValle has researched several organizations who are soliciting funds in St. Lucie County. Two specifically are “Disabled Veterans Foundation” and “Veterans Support Organization”. Both groups collect donations they state help veterans. Both groups are located outside of St. Lucie County. Cathy read emails she received from SLC Sheriff Ken Mascara and the States Attorney office. A previous email stated that since the organizations are legitimate nothing prohibits them from soliciting funds. Cathy cited a new law that was put into place October 1, 2010 (817.32) which makes it unlawful for anyone who did not serve in the US armed forces to wear medals or insignia, or wear a 1 St. Lucie County Veterans Advisory Council –January 14, 2011 uniform authorized by the armed services while soliciting funds for charitable contributions. Cathy read several responses she received regarding the new law. Sheriff Deputies can and will question individuals soliciting. Members discussed possible ways to keep outside veterans groups from soliciting in St. Lucie County. The consensus is to educate the public on these groups and inform them that their donations are not staying in St. Lucie County. It was noted that in 2009-10, the “Disabled Veterans Foundation” donated a total of $3,639.00 to the United Veterans of St. Lucie County for the sole purpose of helping St. Lucie Co. veterans in need. The “Veterans Support organization” has not made any local donations. Discussion continued. Concerns were raised. Are these organizations are misrepresenting themselves as veterans, and is their presence on the street corners and in medians hurting local veteran organizations? Most members agree there is a need to educate the public on these groups and inform them that their donations are not staying in St. Lucie County. It was noted that other Counties have banned soliciting of funds in the right of ways. Many members agreed that if St. Lucie County did the same, then organizations would have to ask permission from private property owners. Concerns were raised that enacting an ordinance like this would hurt local groups such as SLC firefighters. After further discussion, many feel the answer lies with educating the public. Motion made by Vince LaValle “to ask the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners to enact an ordinance allowing only bona fide veterans organizations in St. Lucie County can solicit funds to benefit veterans ”. Seconded by Bill Arnold. Vote by acclamation was unanimous. Stefanie Myers suggested she and Donna could coordinate with Commissioners. Ms. Myers also suggested Chairman Knepshield meet with each Commissioner individually. Advisory Council procedures indicate recommendations to the BOCC be made via letter from the members – either signed by the Advisory Council Chair or individual organizations. Members agreed that a “position statement” be prepared and signed by the Commander/President of each organization. There being no further business, motion to adjourn made by Vince LaValle, seconded by Hal Ripperger. Respectfully submitted, 2 St. Lucie County Veterans Advisory Council –January 14, 2011 Eileen Hagerhorst St. Lucie Co. Housing & Community Services – Veteran Services 3