VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMISSION
City of Aurora
June 12, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
Fletcher Room, 1^st Floor
Aurora Municipal Center

AGENDA

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. ROLL CALL/INTRODUCTIONS

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

V. PRESENTATION
Discussion on National Debt Memorial – Jay Arcuri, Dignity Memorial Community Partnership

VI. CHAIR REPORT

VII. COUNCIL CONTACT REPORTS

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Report on Memorial Day Parade
2. Report on Flag Raising Ceremony
3. Update on Flag Retirement Ceremony

IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

X. NEW BUSINESS

XI. ADJOURNMENT

Next Meeting for the Veterans’ Affairs Commission
July 10, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
Fletcher Room, 1^st Floor, Aurora Municipal Center

Veterans’ Affairs Commission
Minutes
May 8, 2008
Regular Meeting

I. CALL TO ORDER
The Veterans’ Affairs Commission meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. ROLL CALL/INTRODUCTIONS
Present: Commissioners Bennett, Dow, Moody, Nowalk, Jr., Rodriquez, Sarlls, VanSciver, Yett, Sr.
Absent: Commissioner Ford
Staff: Barbara Shannon-Banister, Chief of Community Relations Division

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved that the minutes be approved as amended with the address of the retiree website added.

V. FINANCIAL REPORT
No Changes. Approved.

VI. CHAIR REPORT
Chair Sarlls has a meeting with Barbara Shannon-Banister and a representative from Dignity Memorial to discuss the possibility of Dignity Memorial paying for the stand which will hold the National Debt model in the AMC lobby. It was questioned as to whether approval was needed from the Art in Public Places Commission. Commissioner Dow said that it was approved by the Art in Public Places Commission as well as the City Council because the VAC had already gone through the approval process at one point. He said that the entire project (along with the design) was approved a few years ago. Sarlls will write an email relaying that Commissioner Dow confirmed that the model was approved a number of years ago when the actual memorial was approved and General’s Park land was granted, and that presentations were made to the Art in Public Places Commission and the Open Space Board.

VII. COUNCIL CONTACT REPORTS
Chair Sarlls reminded commissioners that they have a responsibility to be in contact with their City Council representatives on a regular basis. Sarlls suggested that the commissioners tell their contacts that . . . the VAC is becoming more active and needs financial support for numerous activities such as the Veterans Salute sponsorship, the Volunteer of the Year reception, and the flag raising and flag retirement ceremonies. These activities and more need money allocated out of the city budget and the VAC would like to know how the City Council can help to get that done. Sarlls also suggested that the commissioners follow through on what the council members propose and report this back to her and the VAC.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ø The VAC will host a flag raising ceremony on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2008 on the east side of the AMC at noon. The event has be posted on and mentioned at different venues. A press release can be sent out through Barbara Shannon-Banister’s office. Bennett will ask a council member to announce the ceremony in the closing remarks at a City Council meeting which will then be aired on Channel 8. She also suggested sending personal invitations to the mayor and each council member for the Memorial Day event.
Ø Commissioner Bennett mentioned that everything is ready for the flag retirement ceremony. They are to contact Steve Knox at Facilities at the end of June to confirm arrangements for the ceremony. Commissioner VanSciver mentioned that the American Legion Post 23 is also having a flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day, June 14, 2008. The turnout at the VFW event was very large last year. Chair Sarlls suggested the VAC also have their ceremony on Flag Day, thus it was moved by Bennett that the VAC hold their flag retirement ceremony with the American Legion Post 23 this year. The motion was seconded and approved. Sarlls suggested giving away memorial tokens as they did last year. Flag pins and flag brochures were given as ideas. Sarlls will get items to give away to the 50 plus people that are expected to attend.
Ø Chair Sarlls inquired as to whether Commissioner Moody is working with Commissioner Ford on placing a “Veterans’ Forum Thank You” ad in local newspapers. Moody has not been able to meet with Ford on that but believes Ford is working on it on her own.
Ø Chair Sarlls mentioned that Commissioner Ford met with the Honor Flight Foundation with regards to their request for endorsement, and Ford was satisfied with their program and cause. Sarlls believes it is fine for the VAC to endorse the foundation if the commissioners agree. Vice Chair Dow moved that the VAC endorse the foundation. Commissioner Moody seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
Ø Chair Sarlls sent a Flag Day request to Council Members Sandstrom and Frazier but did not receive a comment.
Ø VAC participants in the Memorial Day Parade must assemble at 14^th and Bannock in Downtown Denver at 9:00 a.m. to start the parade at 10:00 a.m. The VAC will be marching behind the Women Marines.
Ø Regarding the Veteran Volunteer of the Year Award: Chair Sarlls would like to get nomination information out early this year so the award recipient is selected by September. The nomination forms will need to be updated from last year so dates are accurate. It was suggested that a list be generated of where the forms are being sent. Commissioner Bennett will bring forms to the veterans meeting. Sarlls will send it out to her organization email network. She suggested information sheets state “for more information contact . . .” and be distributed to ACOF, KCRT, Buckley, the VA, your hub space, etc. Sarlls believes that Mr. Liu from Mt. Fuji Hibachi Restaurant will host the award dinner, but it was agreed that a reception should also be held.
Ø The Veterans Salute Event will take place on November 12, 2008. The possibility of sponsorship of the event was discussed. The $250 sponsorship fee includes a table at the event. Commissioner Bennett suggested that, since the VAC does not have the money to fund the sponsorship, each commissioner ask their city council contact for financial support of this event.
Ø Commissioner Dow suggested the VAC follow a procedure when asking businesses for sponsorship or donations (for instance, asking Sam’s Club to help donate refreshments for an event). The procedure should include printing the request on City of Aurora stationery and being sure the request is submitted with adequate lead time so each business will have ample opportunity to respond.

IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS


X. NEW BUSINESS

Ø Commissioner Bennett mentioned she took part in the Citizen’s Academy with the Aurora Fire Department. This full-day academy included spending the morning with a crew learning how the fire department operates. Lunch was then served followed by an afternoon of ride-alongs on the fire trucks. Bennett thought this was a fun and worthwhile experience for anyone who is interested.
Ø Commissioner Dow mentioned the second annual Fallen Heroes Parade will be held in Denver in mid-September. This local weekend-long event honors all fallen heroes including military personnel, firefighters, and police officers. Due to its success, the event will be held nationally next year. Dow can get an invitation for the VAC if the group is interested. Commissioner Rodriguez said he would help to coordinate this.
Ø Dedication of The Walk of Heroes will be May 17, 2008 at Ft. Logan at 10:00 a.m.
Ø Heather Gardens Frolic Variety Show will be held next week.

XI. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.

The next regular meeting is Thursday, June 12, 2008
6:00 p.m. Fletcher Room, 1^st Floor, Aurora Municipal Center

Paula Sarlls, Chair, Veterans’ Affairs Commission

Recorded by Pam Feigitsch, Program Assistant

2008 Meeting Dates to Remember
06/03/08 8:00 a.m. KCRT, Aurora Room, 1st fl., AMC
06/04/08 6:00 p.m. HRC, Aurora Room, 1st fl., AMC
06/10/08 6:00 p.m. Police/Fire Community Forums, Aurora Room, 1st fl., AMC
06/11/08 9:30 a.m. Civil Rights/Human Rights, Sand Creek Room, 4^th fl., AMC
06/12/08 6:00 p.m. VAC, Fletcher Room, 1^st fl., AMC
06/17/08 6:00 p.m. Community Relations Div., City Cafe, 2nd fl., AMC
06/26/08 6:00 p.m. KAC/ICCNA, Fletcher Room, 1^st fl., AMC
06/26/08 9:00 a.m. ACOF, Aspen Room, 1st fl., AMC
06/28/08 9:30 a.m. NAACP, 12075 E. 14^th Street, Aurora, CO 80010