East Windsor Veterans Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, December 4th, 2008
Opening: This meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M. by the Chairman, Ernie Teixeira. There were nine commission members present: Ernie Teixeira, Jim Barton, Ron Hwalek, Mark Simmons, Warren Wenz, Dave Malo, George Butenkoff, Rick Webster and Ken Crouch. Absent: Nick Macsata, Fred McDermott, Bill Abbe, Sr., and Edward Bonneti.
Ernie Teixeira led the commission members in reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance”
Treasurer’s Report: Ron Hwalek will present a complete treasurer’s report at our next regular meeting when all expenses and revenue are accounted for.
Secretary’s report: Mark Simmons presented the minutes for the last regular meeting held on October 5th, 2008. George Butenkoff moved to accept the minutes as presented. This was seconded by Ron Hwalek and unanimously carried.
Standing Committee Reports
Memorial Day Ceremony Committee: No report
Poster / Essay Committee: No report
Scholarship Committee: No Report
Veterans Cemetery Project Committee: No report
Veterans Day Road Race Committee: Rick Webster reported that our recent road race was another successful day even though the number of registered runners this year (228) was down from last year. Several ideas were discussed to generate more interest in race day participation. The Chairman appointed Rick Webster to be a publicity contact person for our race day event.
Commission members also discussed the unsanctioned participation of a non EWVC group at the race. At our last race day the group of non EWVC members operated a pick up truck decorated with various flags and allegedly drove their truck among the race day participants. The group also allegedly displayed other questionable behavior. The Chairman said that he would take care of this matter by speaking to a known group member(s) involved.
The assistance of the race day volunteer helpers was also discussed and the members present agreed that their effort should be recognized by giving the volunteers race day T-shirts etc.
Ernie Teixeira, Chairman, added that the money made from this year’s road race should be used to purchase a basic, grave plot flag holder for all veterans buried in East Windsor cemeteries. Ernie anticipated paying about $5.00 for each flag holder and added that we need to look into this prior to Memorial Day. (cont.)
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New/Other Business: Election of Officers for 2009
The current slate of officers all agreed to remain in their current office until the E.W. Board of Selectman acts on the proposed ordinance change submitted to them on October 2, 2008. The proposed change asks that the EWVC membership be reduced from the current required thirteen members to nine members. This was unanimously agreed upon by those present and the Chairman tabled the election of EWVC officers until the new Town Ordinance is in place. The current slate of EWVC officers will remain for now as: Chairman – Ernie Teixeira, Vice Chiarman – Jim Barton, Treasurer – Ron Hwalek and Secretary – Mark Simmons. Ernie Teixeira said he will contact our non attending members asking them about the status of their appointed membership to the EWVC.
MOTION: Ken Crouch moved to donate $500.00 from our treasury to the “Food Shelf” charity recognizing the current hard economic times. This was seconded by Warren Wenz and carried unanimously.
George Butenkoff reported that he has been working on our proposed East Windsor veterans’ monument. George said that the initial step would be to find a suitable location for our monument. Once a location is decided then a proper design and cost estimate could be made. Several ideas were discussed and George Butenkoff said he would check out the various location suggestions and report back.
MOTION: George Butenfoff moved to establish an East Windsor Veterans’ monument fund as a separate fund within the EWVC. No second was made and the motion was withdrawn.
Ernie Teixeira reminded all those present that the “Wreaths across America” ceremony will be held at our East Windsor Veterans Cemetery on Saturday, December 13, 2008, at noon.
Mark Simmons presented a list of proposed EWVC 2009 regular meeting dates. By unanimous consent those present agreed to the 2009 meeting schedule. (see attached)
Hearing of no further business to come before the Commission the Chairman asked for a motion to adjourn. Warren Wenz moved to adjourn the meeting. This was seconded by Dave Malo and carried unanimously. The Chairman closed the meeting at 8:23 P.M.
Submitted by
Mark Simmons, Secretary EWVC Approved ________________
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