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Committee tables recommendation asking Wreaths Across America to buy 10% of wreaths locally
Summary
A City of Laredo veterans committee debated asking Wreaths Across America to commit to buying at least 10% of wreaths from local florists and vendors. After public comment and questions about authority and vendor vetting, a motion to table the item passed by voice vote.
The City of Laredo veterans committee on Sept. 16 debated asking the national nonprofit Wreaths Across America to commit to purchasing at least 10% of wreaths used in Laredo from local florists and vendors, then voted to table the recommendation.
The item originated as a recommendation from committee member Dante Lopez, who said the request would support the local economy during the wreath campaign and noted Wreaths Across America is a large nonprofit. “We—re asking is you—e gonna raise money, funds from the community. Let—s help the local economy by percentage of the wreaths from local vendors,” Lopez said.
Volunteer Lynette Mead, who identified herself as a local chapter volunteer for Wreaths Across America, described the organization—s history and said the national group follows a specific protocol and brings wreaths in from Maine. Mead said she is a volunteer and that the national group—s operations and sourcing are set by the parent organization.
Committee members asked whether the veterans committee had authority to mandate vendor sourcing for a national nonprofit and whether vendors would require vetting or preapproval. Albert Hernandez asked directly, “Is this committee does it even have the authority to mandate what is being proposed at this time?” A staff member and other committee participants said the body could only make a recommendation to the mayor and city council.
Jesus Rivas moved to table the item for later discussion; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The committee chair confirmed the item was tabled and explained procedural consequences for taking an item off the table later.
Because the committee recorded objections and factual questions about Wreaths Across America—s sourcing and whether the committee could compel changes, members requested more information before forwarding any recommendation to the mayor or city council.
The committee did not adopt any substantive requirement or directive to the national nonprofit; instead members voted to pause further action until additional information or a different recommendation is prepared.
A follow-up on this agenda item may appear on a future meeting agenda once the committee gathers more details or prepares a formal memo for the city council or mayor.
