Veterans’ Affairs Commission
Minutes
July 10, 2008
Regular Meeting

I. CALL TO ORDER
The Veterans’ Affairs Commission meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. ROLL CALL/INTRODUCTIONS
Present: Commissioners Ford, Moody, Nowalk, Sarlls, Yett, Sr.
Absent: Commissioners Bennett, Dow, Rodriquez
Staff: Barbara Shannon-Banister, Chief, Community Relations Division
Guests: Yvette Grimes from IRS Taxpayer Education; Commission Applicants Greg Echols and Todd McDonald

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Ø Changes to June minutes include: Section V. Approval of Minutes – should read “VFW Post 6331”; Section IX. Committee Reports – “Hammock Division” should read “Mars Division”. June minutes approved with corrections.
Ø It was requested that a change be made to the February 21, 2008 minutes to reflect a comment by Commissioner Dow which should read “Colorado Freedom Memorial” rather than “National Debt Memorial”.

V. FINANCIAL REPORT

VI. CHAIR REPORT

Ø Chair Sarlls will meet with the Community Partnership Committee to present the Dignity Memorial proposal.
Ø Regarding the VA Hospital – Veteran leadership of Colorado met with Undersecratary Gordon Mansfield of the VA and expressed concerns with the new design and proposed locations for the new hospital. The group handed out progress reports and it does not look like they have taken into consideration any of the veterans’ suggestions. A meeting will be held with Senator Salazar to discuss what will be done from this point. The American Legion was the most outspoken of the attendees and they mentioned that they have advised their members to contact local and national leadership and public officials to tell them they are unhappy with the proposed hospital plan.
Ø The VAC is ready to order the display case for the memorial model. Barbara Shannon-Banister suggested placing the order through the city. A discussion was held regarding the height of the case, as well as approval of case.

VII. COUNCIL CONTACT REPORTS
Chair Sarlls has been working with Council Members Molly Markert and Sue Sandstrom to get more funding for the VAC, as well as having the POW/MIA Flag flown daily at City buildings. Chair Sarlls and Commissioner Bennett are drafting a proposal to have funding for the flags moved to Library, Recreation, and Cultural Services or Art in Public Places funds. Barbara Shannon-Banister was told it would cost more than $10,000 each year to have flags flown throughout the city because an employee would need to be hired for that duty and the city is not willing to do that at this time given budget constraints. Sarlls suggested the flags be raised at the same time other flags are raised and that would cost no extra money. Sarlls mentioned that Council Member Bob Broom said he would help the VAC as much as he could.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ø No report.

IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Ø No report.

X. NEW BUSINESS

Ø Commissioner Ford spoke with Henry Mondragon with the VOC (Veterans Outreach Center) office. He will be glad to come to the VAC’s August 14, 2008 meeting and speak about the VOC’s procedures and contact information.
Ø Commissioner Moody inquired about the upcoming Retiree Appreciation. She asked if they need a banner for the event. Chair Sarlls suggested using metal plaques that she has instead of a banner. VAC brochures can be picked up from Barbara Shannon-Banister’s office to be handed out at the event.

XI. PRESENTATION
Yvette Grimes, IRS Taxpayer Education – Grimes presented information about the economic stimulus payment and how it affects veterans. The IRS would like to be sure everyone who qualifies for the payment actually receives it. Information regarding the stimulus program was handed out.

XII. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.

Paula Sarlls, Chair, Veterans’ Affairs Commission

Transcribed by Pam Feigitsch, Program Assistant

The next regular meeting is Thursday, August 14, 2008
6:00 p.m. Fletcher Room, 1^st Floor, Aurora Municipal Center

2008 Meeting Dates to Remember
08/05/08 8:00 a.m. KCRT, Aurora Room, 1st fl., AMC
08/06/08 6:00 p.m. HRC, Aurora Room, 1st fl., AMC
08/13/08 9:30 a.m. Civil Rights/Human Rights, Sand Creek Room, 4^th fl. AMC
08/14/08 6:00 p.m. VAC, Fletcher Room, 1^st fl. AMC
08/23/08 9:30 a.m. NAACP, 12075 E. 14^th Street, Aurora, CO 80010
08/28/08 9:00 a.m. ACOF, Aurora Room, 1st fl., AMC, 1^st fl. AMC
08/28/08 6:00 p.m. KAC/ICCNA, Fletcher Room, 1^st fl. AMC