07/18/2007 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Eric Rip Wieler, 420 Coconut Palm Road, Indian River Shores, member of Veterans Council, said Mr. Wapnick was speaking on his own behalf, because they had not discussed or voted on this matter at their meeting. He was opposed to the request and felt volunteers could handle the issues. The Chairman called a recess at 3:00 p.m. and reconvened the Workshop at 3:15 p.m. Michael Weiss, Secretary of Veterans Council, thought the Veterans were doing something that is not in their best interest, by airing dirty laundry in public. He believed it would be best if the Council took the matter under consideration until after the election of a new Board in September. Chairman Wheeler agreed and suggested they straighten out the matter within their organization, as this was not the place to debate whether they want a new position. He sought legal advice from the County Attorney. Attorney Collins explained that the purpose of the Workshop was to adopt a budget and not look at organization structure. Chairman Wheeler recommended that the members of the Veterans Council get together, agree on the issues, and then bring the matter to the Board. Commissioner Davis did not like to see the dissention in an organization that he holds in high esteem. Commissioners O'Bryan and Bowden concurred with Commissioners Davis and Wheeler. Ardra Rigby, Treasurer of the Veterans Council, agreed that the issues should be handled behind closed -door. He said the Executive Board had voted 3-1 to let Mr. Wapnick have this position, and hearing that there is no continuity or a divide was news to him. Joe Martorana, 5151 North AlA, said it was the Executive Board that voted on this and the entire 22 -member organizations were told about this at a surprise meeting. He acknowledged that Mr. Wapnick has done a tremendous job, like previous presidents of the Council, but he could not support the request for the new position. July 18, 2007 21