DWLRAVMS – April 10, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Attendance: 50 attendees and guests this evening.
Call to Order: Vice Commander Rick Davis called the meeting to order at 6:35pm, he led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the invocation. His opening remarks included a warm welcome to everyone in attendance. He mentioned that reports will be quite brief this evening because of our guest speaker.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Ned Conlin was not in attendance due to illness; Vice Commander Rick Davis announced approximately $1350.00 in the treasury currently with no debt.
Secretary’s Report: The secretary’s report is available for review by any member expressing an interest. Please contact Secretary Pat Sefton or any board member and a copy will be emailed to the individual requesting it.
Announcements: Vice Commander Rick Davis announced the decision of the board to purchase small flags for every resident of Del Webb to be placed at the corner of each driveway a couple weeks prior to Memorial Day. This show of patriotism will be an impressive reminder for all individuals who have served our country. Vice Commander Rick asked for volunteers and the following have agree to help member Johnny Weiner coordinate and implement this activity: Rich Hissrich, Fred Chapman, Guy Sumrall, Ernie Wawrowicz, Joe Scirica, Paul Hartforn, Ralph Stadalman, Larry Voith, Ann and Harvey Goldberg, Joe Ward, Walter Finkelstein, Linda Chambers and Peggy and Jerry Hufford. This will impact approximately 340 homes in the development.
Vice Commander Rick Davis also announced that Lakewood Ranch will have a Memorial Day Parade from 6-8pm, they are looking for volunteers with a convertible or restored open-roof car who might be willing to drive a veteran during the parade. They are also looking for volunteers to help in directing parking and helping throughout the parade. If interested, please contact Rick for further details.
Members Barry Pinkus and Amy Greenberg have agreed to review the bylaws before presenting to the general membership for approval. The Vice Commander expressed the gratitude of the organization for their participation.
Secretary Pat Sefton displayed some raffle items made to benefit the organization. Items included a patriotic quilt, flag banners and an Uncle Sam door banner. These items will be raffled off at the July 4th celebration. Tickets will be available during many community events over the next couple months.
Member Phil Orapallo mentioned that today is the fiftieth anniversary of the USS Thresher which sank on April 10, 1963 killing all 129 crew members, extending thoughts and prayers to all families involved.
Membership: Vice Commander Rick Davis mentioned that Membership Chair Jim Catone would like some volunteer help in stimulating new memberships. If you are interested in helping Jim, please contact him for guidance.
Introduction of Speaker: Commander Herman Martinez introduced Rick Wells, Manatee County Sheriff. His presentation included the following points:
- The Sheriff’s office has 1250 employees which include 511 sworn deputies, the department currently has 40 open deputy positions.
- He is responsible for all law enforcement in Manatee County; currently the jail houses an average of 1000 prisoners with a capacity for 1800.
- The department responds to over 330,000 calls per year with an average of 994 calls per day.
- The department currently serves over 282,00 residents in Manatee county, with open positions, it’s becoming more and more challenging to meet the needs of a growing community.
- Crime was down 7.2% in 2017
- The Sheriff is also responsible for Child Welfare Services in the County.
- Drug addiction continues to be the biggest issues facing the department, primarily because there are minimal treatments services for addicts to seek assistance, Rick has opened two treatment bays within the jail to individuals qualifying for assistance.
- Rick mentioned it’s very important to report suspicious behavior, nowadays individuals are not reporting crime as often as in the past.
- The best way to prevent being a victim of crime is to be aware of your surroundings, be vigilant and watch out for each other in your community.
- If anyone has questions regarding programs and services offered by the sheriff’s office, feel free to call the Crime Prevention line at 941-747-3011, extension 2500 for assistance.
- Rick answered numerous questions from the audience during the Q and A time.
Commanders Announcements: Commander Herman Martinez mentioned that anyone who has a golf cart and is a member may receive a free DWLRAVMS decal for their windshield. If interested, please contact Ned Conlin. Herman announced that Jerry Hufford is working on a website for the organization; he also encouraged active involvement from all members and community residents to support the goals of the organization.
Commander Herman Martinez announced that a meaningful display of the “Missing Man Table” will be on display in the Clubhouse lobby starting on May 1, 2018 and will remain in place throughout the entire month of May in honoring our men and women who are missing in action from all branches of our Armed Forces.
Commander Herman Martinez announced that on July 4, 2018 a golf cart parade is tentatively scheduled honoring our nations Independence Day. A joint effort between AVMS and the HOA’s Activity Director Amanda Arnold is in the works.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm.
The winner of the 50/50 was Paul Hartford.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Sefton, Secretary