Committee Report - Vets - 4-15-14 — File 196801

April 15, 2014 Veterans and Public Services Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 4/16/2014 REPORT OF THE VETERANS AND PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Matthew McLaughlin Chair Present Dennis M. Sullivan Vice Chair Present Mary Jo Rossetti Alderman at Large Present Others present: Jay Weaver Approval of the Minutes of July 02, 2013 195831 - That the Dedication Committee name the corner of Tremont Street and Webster Avenue in memory of Vietnam War veteran Arthur J. Downey.: A petition for information was sent to the family that requested the dedication.. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196154 - That the Dedication Committee update this Board on the park dedication in honor of Joseph Mackey.: The Dedications Commission has no progress to report on this matter, because it was never asked to take any action. Also, Foss and Draw Seven Parks are both DCR facilities, owned and operated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Dedications Commission has no authority to approve dedications on state property. The committee would like a response from the Mayor's office. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196381 - That the Director of Veterans Services appear before this Board’s Committee on Veterans and Public Services to discuss street corner dedications and how the committee may help on veteran's issues.: Mr. Weaver requested that all dedications be sent to his office. The city's Code of Ordinances has standards requiring that there must be a substantial contribution to the nation or commonwealth made in time of war. The Dedication Commission currently has 3 members,

Committee Meeting April 15, 2014 Veterans and Public Services Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 4/16/2014 which is 3 members less than stipulated in the Code of Ordinance. The committee also discussed redesigning dedication signs. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 196391 - The Commission on Monuments, Memorials, and Dedications responding to #196154 re: a Park Dedication for Joseph Mackey.: See item 196154, above. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 196598 - Director of Veterans Services responding to #196381 re: attending a Veterans and Public Services Committee meeting.: RESULT: WORK COMPLETED • Relocation of the Vietnam Veteran's memorial The memorial is difficult to see in its current location and relocating it would be costly. • 2014 Memorial Day Parade Mr. Weaver reported that more quality volunteers are needed for the parade. A list of participants for 2013 and 2014 was distributed and Mr. Weaver indicated that the parade may be smaller this year. There was a discussion about a potential Grand Marshall. • Valor Act Alderman Rossetti asked about the Valor Act and provided a copy of a related document. A discussion followed regarding a requirement for Veteran Service Officers to be certified by the state. The act may have some unfunded mandates, therefore, Alderman Rossetti requested that Paragraph 3 of the Valor Act II, be reviewed by the Finance Committee.