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Vero Beach advisory committee tables proposal for WWII Navy Armed Guard plaque
Summary
The Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary Advisory Committee discussed a request to place a World War II Navy Armed Guard recognition plaque on the island but voted unanimously to table the item for further review of ordinance and historical inputs.
The Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary Advisory Committee voted unanimously July 1 to table a proposal to place a World War II Navy Armed Guard recognition plaque on Veterans Memorial Island.
Chairman John Michael Matthews presented the continued discussion and said members needed more time to review the request and to get historical input. The motion to table—moved by Chairman John Michael Matthews and seconded by Vice Chairman Curtis Paulisin—passed without objection.
Ross Rowlinson, a retired United States Merchant Marine who brought the request forward, said he was motivated by the nation’s 250th anniversary and asked how to move the plaque request through the City’s process. "In view of our Nation’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations I wanted to begin by thanking all Veterans here and abroad," Rowlinson said, and he noted he had provided revised non-personalized insignia and proposed location samples to the City Clerk (on file).
Members raised practical and policy concerns during the discussion. Member Melissa Arndt said the primary issue included the anticipated volume of requests from military units. Vice Chairman Curtis Paulisin said the discussion was circling and recommended postponing action until members had more information. Chairman Matthews said the question likely requires review by City Council and potential revisions to the Committee’s governing resolution or ordinance.
Deputy City Attorney Melany Crawford advised that the Committee's role is to review and make a recommendation to City Council and noted there is an accompanying Resolution that was revised in 2019.
After brief additional remarks and thanks from Rowlinson, Matthews moved to table the discussion to the Committee’s next meeting; Michelle Dale seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
The Committee did not set a new deadline for follow-up; the plaque request and any recommended revisions to the governing ordinance will return for consideration at a future meeting. The Committee’s next scheduled meeting is Aug. 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in City Hall, Council Chambers.
