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Commission apologizes and retains Veterans Advisory Committee after packed public comment; directs mayor to reshape committee role
Summary
After a large public turnout urging the city to preserve its Veterans and Veteran Families Advisory Committee, the Winter Springs City Commission apologized for the process and unanimously voted to keep the committee and direct the mayor to convene a small working group to refine its scope.
More than a dozen veterans and family members urged the Winter Springs City Commission on Jan. 27 to retain the city’s Veterans and Veteran Families Advisory Committee, saying the group provides crucial services, outreach and a bridge to city government.
Many speakers described partnerships with local VFW and American Legion posts and cited programs such as toy drives, meal programs and rapid assistance to veterans in crisis. Laurel Ross, vice chair of the veterans advisory committee, told the commission the committee operates as volunteers “at the pleasure of the city” and represents roughly 2,810 veterans who live in Winter Springs; she said two of the committee’s last four meetings had been canceled by the city without coordination with committee leadership.
Several other speakers — including Steven Orff, Paul Bertram, Kim Bean, Joe Kaminski, Paul Dillman and others — described the committee’s volunteer work supporting veterans and recommended the commission preserve the advisory body. Speakers also cited disrupted communications between staff and the committee and asked for clearer lines of coordination.
Commissioner Mark Caruso moved that the commission publicly apologize to veterans for the way the matter was handled and to retain the committee; Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick seconded. The commission then unanimously approved a package of actions: a formal apology, direction that the veterans advisory committee remain active, and an instruction for the mayor to meet with a core group of veterans and staff to draft a revised resolution that clearly defines the committee’s mission, membership size, meeting frequency and staff liaison responsibilities.
Roll call on the motion: Commissioner Sarah Baker — Aye; Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick — Aye; Commissioner Mark Caruso — Aye; Commissioner Paul Diaz — Aye; Commissioner Victoria Bruce — Aye. The motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Kevin McCann said he would meet with veterans and staff, and commissioners asked that the mayor bring back specific, mission‑oriented recommendations to amend the committee resolution. Commissioners emphasized making the committee mission‑driven, identifying a staff liaison, and clarifying membership and meeting expectations.
Why it matters: The community turnout and the unanimous vote underline the committee’s local importance to veterans’ services and civic ceremonies. The commission’s direction aims to stabilize the committee’s operations and the city’s relationship with local veteran organizations.
What’s next: The mayor will convene the core group with veterans and staff; the group is expected to report back with a revised resolution or recommended amendment for the commission to approve.
