Veterans’ Affairs Commission
Minutes
November 13, 2008
Regular Meeting
(December Meeting Cancelled)

I. CALL TO ORDER
The Veterans’ Affairs Commission meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. ROLL CALL/INTRODUCTIONS
Present: Commissioners Dow, Sams, Sarlls, Yett
Absent: Commissioner Bennett, Echols, Moody, Nowalk,
Staff: Barbara Shannon-Banister, Community Relations Division
Guests: Carol Kramer-Mitten, Marjorie Dow

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes approved.

V. CHAIR REPORT

Ø The following presentation/guest ideas were suggested for upcoming VAC meetings: (a) Denver United Veterans Council presentation about parades and the possibility of holding a Veterans parade in Aurora; (b) Jay Bobbick, President of United Veterans Committee
Ø Chair Sarlls mentioned that the Veterans Day events went well.
Ø The Veterans Salute was a success. Commissioner Dow received a suggestion that since the event is put on by the Aurora Center for Active Adults and that many veterans are part of the Center, a chorus from the Center could be part of the entertainment at next year’s event.
Ø A plaque for the memorial will be completed soon.
Ø The Veterans’ Forum will be held March 12, 2009 at the Aurora Municipal Center. Different Veterans organizations will be available to speak, distribute information and talk with attendees. The group felt the event must be publicized more widely in order to attract more participants. A commercial for the forum will run again on Channel 8. Commissioner Dow will work to get refreshments donated.
Ø The Commission has a POW/MIA flag they would like to display in the Council Chambers. A request to the Council must be made in order to get permission to do so.

VI. COUNCIL CONTACT REPORTS
No report.

VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ø Commissioner Sams reported on the progress of the veterans’ transitional housing.

o A meeting was held on November 3, 2008 with Housing Development to discuss working with the government in order to get the project started.
o The group is planning to have separate areas for men and woman at the facility.
o The Governor was trying to get $200,000 allocated for homeless veterans but Commissioner Sams believes they need up to $4 million. Commissioner Dow believes the Governor is hoping to start a committee in order to get a 2-for-1 grant.
o The group is still looking to get the property near Colfax and Buckley for housing.
o Commissioner Dow mentioned that he feels many people believe the state veterans nursing home is a VA facility but it is not. Chair Sarlls believes it will take a lot to convince the State Board of Veterans Affairs, UVC, and the VA to support the transitional housing because they are all invested in the veterans nursing home. She does feel it is positive that these groups are at least coming to the meetings.

Ø The article in the Aurora Sentinel was mentioned

VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
No report.

IX. NEW BUSINESS

o Commissioner Sams suggested that each Commissioner write a personal letter to the City Manager commending the people at the Aurora Center for Active Adults on the outstanding work they did in organizing the Veterans Salute. He heard the City Manager would like to have some authority at next year’s salute. He commented that the woman who has been planning the event has done an outstanding job for years and that she should be able to continue to be in charge of the event. Barbara Shannon-Banister mentioned that this is the Mayor’s event and that Council Members should be contacted with any suggestions or comments.
o Commissioner Sams mentioned that Rick Crandall has been soliciting help for the memorial.

X. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

Paula Sarlls, Chair, Veterans’ Affairs Commission

Transcribed by Pam Feigitsch, Administrative Technician

The December 11, 2008 Meeting was Cancelled
The next regular meeting is Thursday, January 8, 2009
6:00 p.m. Fletcher Room, 1^st Floor, Aurora Municipal Center

2009 Meeting Dates to Remember
01/06/09 8:00 a.m. KCRT, City Cafe, 2nd fl., AMC
01/07/09 6:00 p.m. HRC, Aurora Room, 1st fl., AMC
01/08/09 6:00 p.m. VAC, Fletcher Room, 1^st fl., AMC
01/09/09 9:30 a.m. NAHRW Western Region, Sand Creek Room, 4^th fl., AMC
01/10/09 10:00 a.m. NAACP, Aurora Central Library
01/20/09 6:00 p.m. Community Relations Div., City Cafe, 2nd fl., AMC
01/22/09 9:00 a.m. ACOF, Aspen Room, 2nd fl. AMC
01/22/09 6:00 p.m. KAC/ICCNA, Fletcher Room, 1^st fl. AMC