4970 CITY HALL BLVD  
NORTH PORT, FL 34286  
City of North Port  
Meeting Minutes  
Veterans Park Ad Hoc Committee  
Wednesday, August 23, 2023  
10:00 AM  
City Hall Room 244  
1. Call to Order  
Chair English called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.  
2. Roll Call  
5 -  
Present  
Absent  
Chair English, Vice Chair Burris, Board Member Bailey, Board Member Wilson and  
Board Member Stephens  
1 - Board Member Thomas  
Also Present  
Staff Liaison Jeff Nelson, City Clerk Heather Faust, and Recording Secretary Shari Tharp.  
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Chair Burris.  
There was no public comment.  
3. Pledge of Allegiance  
4. Public Comment  
5. Approval of Minutes  
23-1174  
A.  
Approve Minutes of the July 26, 2023 Veterans Park Advisory Committee  
Meeting  
A motion was made by Board Member Bailey, seconded by Board Member Burris,  
to approve the Minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously on a voice  
vote.  
6. New Business  
23-1247  
A.  
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Presentation of a Prisoners of  
War (POW) Obelisk  
Chair English introduced the item.  
Discussion ensued regarding flag location, costs, representation of veterans, design,  
purpose, and structure of park.  
A motion was made by Vice Chair Burris, seconded by Board Member Stephens, to  
review cost to add Prisoners of War (POW) flag to the circle. The motion passed by  
the following vote:  
3 - Chair English, Vice Chair Burris and Board Member Stephens  
2 - Board Member Bailey and Board Member Wilson  
1 - Board Member Thomas  
Yes:  
No:  
Absent:  
23-1248  
B.  
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Representation of an  
Emergency Services Obelisk  
Chair English introduced the item.  
Discussion ensued regarding purpose of the Circle of Honor; recommendation to  
commission, history of intention of Veterans Park, memorial versus park concept, and  
whether to include Emergency Medical Services (EMS) obelisk or flag.  
23-1270  
C.  
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Military Branches Flag  
Locations  
Chair English introduced the item.  
Mr. Nelson informed the board that this item was heard at the prior meeting and no further  
direction or discussion was needed.  
Discussion ensued regarding adding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Prisoners  
of War (POW) flags in lieu of obelisk, First Responder flag options, and review of prior  
minutes.  
23-1248  
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Representation of an  
Emergency Services Obelisk  
Chair English reintroduced the item.  
Discussion resumed regarding adding First Responder flag to the Circle of Honor.  
A motion was made by Vice Chair Burris, seconded by Chair English, to add First  
Responder flag to the Circle of Honor. The motion failed by the following vote:  
2 - Chair English and Vice Chair Burris  
Yes:  
No:  
3 - Board Member Bailey, Board Member Wilson and Board Member Stephens  
1 - Board Member Thomas  
Absent:  
7. Updates  
23-0312  
Updates Regarding Donation Collection Process (Jeff Nelson)  
A.  
Chair English introduced the item.  
Mr. Nelson provided an update regarding donation collection, tribute bricks, and donation  
process.  
23-0554  
B.  
Updates Regarding Developing A List of Possible In-Kind Donations (Jeff  
Nelson)  
Chair English introduced the item.  
Mr. Nelson provided an update regarding in-kind donations, challenges, costs, processes,  
solicitation methods, and specifications of donation items.  
Chair English announced the item.  
8. Future Agenda Items  
Future agenda items to include park plans, design, and processes update. Discussion  
took place regarding obtaining and encouraging public involvement.  
9. Public Comment  
10. Adjournment  
There was no public comment.  
Chair English adjourned the meeting at 10:30 a.m.  
By: _____________________________  
Chuck English, Chair