June 2020 Veterans Council Meeting MinutesJerry Guilebbe called the meeting to order at 5:07pm. The meeting was being live streamed and recorded.
Veterans council members present:
Jerry Guilebbe, President
Susan Moran
David Perinchief
Bob Laws
Paul Weinberg
Paul Lantz
Cory Paulette
Chuck Clark
Advisory members and guests:
Jan Pierce
Reading and Approval of the Minutes
Paul Weinberg made a motion to accept the meeting minutes. Motion was seconded and carried.
Financial Report
No changes to financial report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Homecoming Cookout – Due to covid, the VA and local businesses will not be able to provide support. Brian Williams reached out to Cory Paulette and would like to organize a drive-up
cookout. Mayor Cahill is on board as long as everyone maintains social distancing. The cookout will be held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Per David Perinchief, there is no room
in his budget for the cookout. Corey Paulette suggested that the City of Beverly should pay for it. The cost is estimated at $1,000.00. Jerry Guilebbe will reach out to the city
councilors and David Perinchief will email Bryant Ayles to see if there is any room in the city budget.
Memorial Day Recap – Memorial Day went well. The video was great and received good responses. Jerry Guilebbe expressed frustration that Bev Cam is never involved in veteran events.
He would like Bev Cam to record the Veterans Day ceremony.
Update on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – City Hall has not provided any updates on cutting the curb or putting up the name of the plaza. David Perinchief will email the Chief of Staff.
Memorial Middle School Plaques – Mike Collins has the plaques. The holdup is that the wall needs to be reinforced.
NEW BUSINESS
Reappointment of Members of the Board and Offices – David Perinchief will email the City Clerk’s office to get clarification on the status of reappointments given the status of the pandemic.
Placing Flags along Cabot and Rantoul Streets – Jerry Guilebbe received positive comments from Councilors Rotondo, Ames, and Flaherty, regarding the flags and bunting in Beverly Farms.
They wanted to know why that is not done uptown. The cost is $50 per pole. If ten poles were done on each street (Cabot & Rantoul), the total cost would be $1,000.00. No decisions
need to be made until next year.
Gloucester VA Clinic – In recent months there has not been a doctor at the Gloucester VA clinic. Jerry Guilebbe was informed that a new doctor would be at the clinic in the next 2-3
months. The clinic is still recruiting for a second doctor.
Bedford VA Transportation - Jerry Guilebbe was asked if there was still a van that goes from the Vittori-Rocci post to the Bedford VA. David Perinchief will find out if it is still
in service.
BVV & VFW – The Beverly Vietnam Veterans and the VFW did not hold their fundraisers this year. Both groups each gave out $5,000.00 in scholarships this year.
The American Legion – The legion has started a go fund me page to help them through these difficult times.
Good of the Order – Francisco Urena has resigned from the State due to the events at the Soldiers Home.
Kenny Cassola had back surgery. He is currently at a rehabilitation facility and is doing well.
Chuck Clark asked how long the flags would be left in the cemetery. Per Jerry Guilebbe, the flags will remain until after Veterans Day.
David Perinchief received the latest number of Beverly veterans from the State. There are currently 2,309 veterans in Beverly based off the last census. Jerry Guilebbe had Jan Pierce
send a letter to the Gulf War veterans asking for help taking over for the older veterans. He had two younger veterans respond. They are willing to help but do not want to join any
of the posts. They expressed that it is difficult for them because they work, their wives work, and they have younger children.
Adjournment – Paul Weinberg made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded and carried.