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09-09-1992VETERANS PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 9, 1992 2:00 PM CITY HALL MTNiiTF.0 MEMBERS PRESENT: Louise Martin, Sam Mancino, William Berg, William Muller and Jack Corder. Also present was David Mallory, Commander of DAV 145 and Harry Jones, Commander of American Legion 285 Mr. Corder stated in addition to this agenda, he was contacted about this year's Veteran's Services and this would be addressed first. He stated he received a letter from Mr. Mallory, suggesting a parade for the services. It was asked if Veterans Day was a working day holiday and Mr. Corder replied it was and would therefore be difficult to hold a parade in the middle of the week. Mr. Mallory asked about the weekend before and Mr. Corder replied he leaves that up to the Veterans organizations. The Committee determined that the Saturday, previous to Veterans Day would be the best time. Mr. Berg moved to permit the parade on November 7th and Mr. Muller seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5 -0. Mr. Jones asked if a flag post could be placed in the circle by the monument at Veterans Park and Mr. Corder stated that will be done. Mr. Corder addressed the agenda concerning Mr. Buddy Richardson and stated he stopped at Veterans Park and wrote down exactly the words written on the plaque which Mr. Richardson objects to. The Committee read the inscription and Mr. Corder stated that Mr. Richardson felt that everyone should be represented on the plaque and it particularly refers to DAV 145. Mr. Corder asked for input and Mr. Berg stated he was here at the time and he doesn't understand what the problem is. Mr. Corder said the DAV 145 donated time, money and materials for the monument, as well as the City. Mr. Corder stated the main portion of the Park was paid for by City funds and grants. Mrs. Martin stated she felt that all the organizations were represented on the plaque in question and asked if any organization had requested it differently. Mr. Mancino stated that only Mr. Richardson objects and perhaps Dick Culbertson, Commander of the New Smyrna Beach American Legion Post 17 who submitted a letter on behalf of Mr. Richardson. Mr. Corder stated Mr. Richardson is a member of that particular post. Mr. Berg asked where all the organizations were, whose symbols were on the letterhead and Mr. Mallory said it was against the law to use the symbol of the Purple Hearts without permission. He said there were other symbols on the letterhead from groups that Mr. Richardson did not have support from. Mr. Corder stated there has been discussion before with Council and the American Legion Post to move the monument in front of City Hall down to Veterans Park and he said possibly if other organizations wanted to have a plaque, it could all be agreed on together. The Committee expressed their desire not to have a separate plaque for everyone and felt that the plaque right now includes all veterans. Mrs. Martin expressed the plaque includes all veterans and not just the organizations in this area. It was brought up also that with several plaques, who would be listed first, or second, or third would come into question and it should remain a simple plaque. The Committee expressed the fact that the park was dedicated as Veterans Memorial Park, and the sign at the front of the park says this and does not single out just one organization, and the plaque in question singles out DAV 145 only because they donated it and includes all veterans. Mr. Corder addressed the issue of the letter written by Mr. Maloney, Commander of DAV 145, concerning funds that had been collected by a prior administration. Mr. Corder stated he was not sure what funds were in discussion and Mr. Mallory stated Mr. Rick Weeks had collected donations for erection of the park and there was $700. left which went into the DAV fund. Mr. Corder stated a year ago that Mr. Richardson and Mr. Edward Elder had written a letter to the State about misuse of funds by the DAV 145 and an audit was conducted, finding no misuse of funds whatsoever. Mr. Corder stated he wasn't going to get involved in what other organizations do with their money. Mrs. Martin suggested perhaps if other organizations wanted their own individual plaques, they could be erected to designate parking spaces. The Committee noted all would have to be uniform in size. Mr. Corder suggested making a recommendation to Council to either leave the plaque as is or to consider with plans in the future, the possibility of putting individual plaques designating parking spaces or other areas. Mr. Mancino moved to leave the park as it is, it's a beautiful park and why ruin it. He stated in all the years the park has been there, he's never had a complaint. Mr. Muller seconded the motion and it CARRIED 5 -0. It was noted that all of the Edgewater Commanders were happy with the plaque as it is. The Committee discussed the sale of the nameplates which Mr. Richardson was charging $10.00 each for and can be purchased for only $3.50. each. They also discussed the flag donations that people had made and later Mr. Richardson stated the flags belonged to him and then he later sold them. The Committee agreed they have no real part in the funds or funding for the DAV. Mr. Corder did say that the Parks and Recreation Department now handles the sale of the nameplates for the park and if the organizations want to collect within and then report to him for ordering, that is fine. It was asked if the City gets involved with the Veterans Services and Mr. Corder replied only to the extent of providing chairs, tables, tents, etc. Mr. Mancino asked about the eagles at the park and Mr. Corder replied they have ordered one to replace the one that was broken. Mr. Corder stated he would send a memo to Council about the parade. Mr. Mancino moved to adjourn and the motion was seconded. Minutes submitted by Barb Kowall Page 2 Veterans Park Advisory Committee September 9, 1992