HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 8, 2011 Meeting MinutesSt. Lucie County Veterans Advisory Council
Meeting Minutes April 8, 2011
Meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. with Vice Chair Cathy LaValle presiding. The meeting was
called to order with the following 20 organizations in attendance:
Band of Brothers Assn.; 82nd All Airborne Assn.; AFSA 564; AL Post 40; AL Post 171; AL
Post 318; Legion Riders Post 318; AL Post 355; AL 355 Auxiliary; AL 358; Legion Riders Post
358; AMRA Chap. FL -1; DAV Chapter 113; Jewish War Veterans 705; Korean War Veterans
Assn.; Special Forces Assn. 85; Special Forces Motorcycle Club; USSVI TC Base; VFW
10554; Vietnam Veterans of America Chap. 566. Excused: Chairman Ron Knepshield; Roy
Brewer, AFSA 564; Carol Waldrop, AFSA 564A; Marilyn Raczynski, AFSA 564A; Art Walker,
82nd; All Airborne Assn. /Special Forces Assn. 85.
Discussion:
During the March 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 further discuss concerns
over outside veterans groups soliciting funds in St. Lucie County.
Background: As a result of the Veterans Advisory meeting held January 11, 2011, a motion
was made "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". Members then agreed that a "position statement" be prepared
and signed by the Commander/President of each organization. These letters were
prepared and to date 16 organizations have signed and returned them.
Update: Cathy LaValle recently attended an informal SLC BOCC meeting. Cathy
summarized what she understood from the meeting: The County Attorney proposed to do
something about the situation. The Commissioners decided it would be best to wait until
Port St. Lucie and Ft. Pierce City Council are also on board to do something. The BOCC
would like to see all three governmental entities agree on a course of action, thereby
avoiding confusion due to the three jurisdictions within St. Lucie County.
Following the BOCC meeting, Cathy spoke to Stefanie Myers, Housing & Community
Services Manager. Ms. Myers suggested the Veterans Council send two representatives
to speak to each of the City Council members prior to the next joint meeting between
County, Port St. Lucie and Ft. Pierce. However, before that could be arranged, Ms. Myers
told Cathy that the joint meeting between County and Cities had not been scheduled.
Regardless, Cathy asked for volunteers to speak to the Port St. Lucie City Council
members and the Ft. Pierce City Council members. Cathy will write a letter and email to
Eileen who will print the letter for the veteran's reps to take with them to the city councils.
All agreed the letter will outline just veteran's issues regarding outside solicitors.
Members discussed. Mike Girraffa and Rich Vassar volunteered to talk to the Port St. Lucie
City Council. No one volunteered to speak to Ft. Pierce City council. Mike and Rich said
they will if no one else comes forward. Cathy reminded everyone that it makes a stronger
impact if the visit is by a "voting" resident of the respective City.
St. Lucie County Veterans Advisory Council -April 8, 2011
Once the meetings have taken place, the results need to be presented to the St. Lucie
County BOCC.
There being no further business, motion to adjourn made by Cathy LaValle, seconded by Hal
Ripperger.
Meeting adjourned 9:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
C-Aileen C~'ayerh6rst
Housing & Community Services -Veteran Services
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