East Windsor Veterans Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 5th, 2009
Opening: This meeting was called to order at 7:04 P.M. at the East Windsor Town Hall meeting room by the Chairman, Ernie Teixeira. There were eight commission members present: Ernie Teixeira, Ron Hwalek, Mark Simmons, Jim Barton, Nick Macsata, Ken Crouch, Ed Filipone and George Butenkoff. A quorum was established.
Absent: Fred McDermott, Bill Abbe, Sr., Rick Webster and Gil Hayes. Edward Bonneti and Dave Malo have resigned their memberships on the E.W.V.C.
Chairman, Ernie Teixeira, led the commission in reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance”
Added Agenda Items: None
Treasurer’s Report: Ron Hwalek, Treasurer, asked that the chair entertain a motion to withdraw $6,000.00 from the E.W.V.C. “revolving fund” and deposit this amount into the E.W.V.C. “trust fund”.
MOTION: George Butenkoff moved to withdraw the amount of $6,000.00 from our E.W.V.C. revolving fund and deposit it into the E.W.V.C. trust fund. This was seconded by Ron Hwalek and carried unanimously. Ron Hwalek reported the E.W.V.C. treasury balance was now at $3,276.00 in our revolving fund and $17,000.00 in our trust fund.
Secretary’s report: Mark Simmons, Secretary, presented the minutes from the February 5, 2009, E.W.V.C. regular meeting for those present to review.
MOTION: George Butenkoff moved to accept the Feb 5, 2009, regular meeting minutes as submitted. This was seconded by Ron Hwalek and carried unanimously.
Standing Committee Reports
Memorial Day Ceremony Committee: Ernie Teixeira reported that our Memorial Day ceremony plans are on schedule. A discussion was held regarding having the parade float contest and the award amount(s) for the parade floats entered. Ken Crouch and others present made suggestions on how to generate more attendance at our parade and ceremony
Poster / Essay Contest Committee: No report
Scholarship Committee: No Report
cont.
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Veterans Cemetery Project Committee: Ken Crouch discussed the planned purchase of East Windsor Veterans’ grave site flag holders. Ken reported that he has researched the various styles of flag holders and found a durable plastic model that sells for $5.00 each. This model is a generic style that reads “U.S. Veteran”. We have an estimate of approximately 800+ veterans’ graves existing in East Windsor cemeteries. Not all of these graves require a flag holder.
MOTION: Nick Macsata moved to purchase the required number of flag holders at $5.00 each for our East Windsor veterans’ graves. This was seconded by Ed Filipone and carried unanimously.
Ken Crouch said that he would research the number of flag holders required and purchase the amount needed. The commission would hopefully be able to install the flag holders prior to Memorial Day this year.
Veterans Day Road Race Committee: No report
New/Other Business:
Ernie Teixeira discussed our veteran’s commission proposed changes to the ordinance establishing the East Windsor Veterans Commission. After a brief discussion it was agreed by those present to reduce the number of E.W.V.C. members from 13 (thirteen) to 9 (nine) and to establish an “Honorary” E.W.V.C. membership classification.
MOTION: Jim Barton moved to reduce the membership of our commission from 13 to 9 members and to establish an “Honorary” membership classification. This was seconded by George Butenkoff and carried unanimously.
Ernie Teixeira reported that Rep. Joe Courtney, Enfield Dist., invited our commission to join him on March 18, 2009, Wednesday, at the Enfield Senior Center at 1:00 P.M. for a meeting to discuss veterans’ needs. Nick Macsata mentioned that the issue of tuition waivers for veterans should be brought up before Rep. Courtney. Nick said that more consistency is needed for these waivers to include the entire year and not just limited to the school year. Ernie Teixeira planned to attend.
Ernie Teixeia mentioned that he received a request from Ms. Marie Latelier, representing the annual Four Town Fair, requesting a donation for a new flag pole to be placed on the fair grounds. Ken Crouch said that before we donate to this he will research their intentions and get back to us.
cont.
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George Butenkoff reported that he plans to attend the East Windsor Cemetery Association’s meeting on Monday, March 9, 2009, at the Scantic Church at 7:00 P.M. George said that he also plans to meet with the Scantic Church elders to ask about placing our planned East Windsor veterans’ monument on their church property. Those present briefly discussed the monument placement.
Ernie Teixeira reminded those present that our next regular meeting will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2009, at 7:00 P.M. at PARK HILL.
Hearing of no further business to come before the commission Ernie Teixeira asked for a motion to adjourn.
MOTION: George Butenkoff moved to adjourn this meeting. This was seconded by Ron Hwalek and carried unanimously.
Ernie Teixeira closed this meeting at 7:50 P.M.
Submitted by,
Mark Simmons, Secretary EWVC Approved ________________
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