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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 14, 2011 Approved Meeting MinutesSt. Lucie County Veterans Advisory Council Meeting Summary October 14, 2011 Meeting convened approx.10:00 a.m. with Vice Chair Cathy LaValle presiding. The meeting was called to order with the following 18 organizations in attendance: Band of Brothers Assn.; 82"d' All Airborne Assn.; AFSA 564; AFSA 564A; AL Post 40; AL 40 Auxiliary; AL Post 318; AL Post 355; AL 355 Auxiliary; AL 358; Legion Riders Post 358; AMRA Chap. FL -1; AMVETS 15; DAV Chapter 113; Special Forces Assn. 85; Special Forces Motorcycle Club; USSVI TC Base; Vietnam Veterans of America Chap. 566. Excused: Chairman Ron Knepshield. County Staff attending: Beth Ryder, Director Housing & Community Services; Stefanie Myers, Social Services Manager; Donna Carlsen, Coordinator/County Veteran Service Officer. Old Business: groups coming into St. Lucie County for the purpose of soliciting funds for outside "Veterans" organizations. Discussion deferred, as members were previously updated during the United Veterans meeting. New business: possible recommendation to the BOCC to change the way Veterans Services office is aligned under the Housing & Community Services Department. History: Prior to the County wide reorganization, Veteran Services was a department, headed by a Director who reported to the Assistant County Administrator. Now, Veteran Services is a program, supervised by the County Veteran Service Officer with the title of Coordinator, who reports to a Social Services Manager, who reports to fhe Housing & Community Services Director, who reports to the County Administrator. Discussion: Members spoke openly about their dissatisfaction of the current alignment of the Veterans office and the title of the CVSO, Donna Carlsen, as the "Coordinator". Vince LaValle stated that while members understand the budget reasons for the reorganization and that Ms. Ryder (Beth) and Ms. Myers (Stefanie) put their heart and soul into their work, the bottom line is that Ms. Carlsen should have the title Manager of Veteran Services and the "program" should be a division. Ms. Carlsen (Donna) is a war era combat veteran, and as such she needs to be the face and voice of Veteran Services, and with all due respect, not Ms. Myers. Donna speaks the same language as other veterans and is respected in the Veteran community as such. Ms. Ryder responded that Donna is the Veterans expert. Donna was the one appointed County Veteran Services Officer when Paul (Hiott, former Director) retired. Ms. Ryder wants members to understand that the #1 mission is getting benefits to the veterans as they deserve. Ms. Ryder wants members to know-that Community Services is committed to delivering this service under Donna's leadership. ~Ms. Ryder assured members that Donna has her full support to be able to go out into the veteran community and speak about Veterans benefits and issues on behalf of the office. Ms. Ryder explained that yes, the County had to make St. Lucie County Veterans Advisory Council -October 14, 2011 a decision to reorganize departments, but sees that it is a good partnership between social services and veteran services. Members continued sharing their. opinions. Vince stated that when he attended the budget meeting earlier this year, he noticed that on one of the presentation boards, that non- essential programs would be chopped in 2-3 yrs. Members do not like the idea that Veteran Services is considered by the County as "non-essential". Members do agree that Donna needs to be recognized officially as the Manager of Veteran Services and the one in charge. Vice Chair Cathy LaValle showed members two brochures. One specifically made for Veteran Services listing what the office provides, and another made for Housing & Community Services - with a list of Veteran Services on the back section. Several members voiced disappointment -and once again, they feel Veteran Services has lost their identity. Lynn Steele stated his concern is that in providing services to veterans you need to be visible and vocal. He is concerned that as a "coordinator" Donna does have the power she should. Bill Arnold asked if Donna is authorized to speak to the BOCC on behalf of the Veterans office, in particular during the budget process. Roy Brewer shared his views about the reorganization and that he feels strongly that the title of "coordinator" is not a good thing. Roy tried to explain that veterans have a unique camaraderie, and as such expect to have someone in charge who understands this. Ms. Ryder responded that CVSO is Donna's title and function -and she does not have to use the title "coordinator" if she does not choose to, and she does see Donna's role as a Supervisor. Carol Waldrop sees Donna's role as a "Manager" and believes. the veteran's community should have a focused force in the County -and supports an official change in title from Coordinator to Manager. Jerry Padrta feels the County regulated Veteran Services to just another egg in the Community Services basket. Ms. Ryder explained that Donna is authorized to speak to the community, newspapers and the BOCC as it relates to Veterans issues, however per County procedure; Donna is expected to confer with her when she does. Lynn Steele asked if Donna can be out in the community. Ms. Ryder answered yes, of course and that Donna has had many speaking engagements, and attends veteran's events. 2 St. Lucie County Veterans Advisory Council -October 14, 2011 Ms. Myers reminded members that Donna stated from the beginning that she did not want to do all what Paul did. Donna replied that she was referring to the non-veteran activities Paul did for County Administration, not anything Veteran related. Donna explained the county reorganization, and that under the umbrella of Housing and Community Services, Veteran Services is a program, not a division. Throughout the state, of all the other CVSO's, Donna is the only one who has the title "coordinator". Roy Brewer made a motion to table any recommendations to the BOCC for change in the Coordinators title and the realignment of Veterans Services in order to give management and members more time to think about it until the November meeting. Motion seconded by Carol Waldrop. All in favor.' Aye. Motion carried. There being no further business, motion to adjourn made by Rich Vassar, seconded by Roy Brewer. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, C-Aileen ~°~yerlr6rst Housing & Community Services -Veteran Services 3