Veterans’ Affairs Commission
Minutes
May 14, 2009
Regular Meeting

I. CALL TO ORDER
The Veterans’ Affairs Commission meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. ROLL CALL/INTRODUCTIONS
Present: Commissioners Bennett, Dow, Echols, Sarlls, Yett
Absent: Commissioners Mitten, Nowalk, Sams
Staff: Barbara Shannon-Banister, Community Relations Division
Guests: Doug Bahr, John Messervey

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes were approved for the February meeting. February was the last official meeting held by the VAC prior to the May meeting.

V. CHAIR REPORT

Ø Chair Sarlls asked the Commissioners for presentations they would like to see at upcoming meetings. Commissioner Dow mentioned the Aurora Mental Health Center is sponsoring a laugh class and he will invite the instructors to present at the July meeting. Commissioner Echols will invite Toastmasters International to speak at the June meeting. It was suggested that the American Legion and the Scottish Military Organization present at upcoming meetings.
Ø Jim Cox from Hire Green was at the Veterans Forum. They encourage employers to hire, train and gainfully employ veterans. Grant funds have become available for renewable energy projects so Hire Green is working on a Department of Labor grant. Hire Green is looking for someone to manage the grant and the entire veteran retraining and employment program. Chair Sarlls told them that is not something the VAC could do, but she did refer him to others that may be interested. Cox went to the UVC last week and made a presentation about the program. Hire Green is a resource for veterans inquiring about a job. Corrine Hogg, Arapahoe County Veteran Service Officer, is also a resource for job placement. Commissioners were encouraged to support Hogg in having her VSO position changed from a part-time to a full-time paid position.

VI. COUNCIL CONTACT REPORTS

Ø Commissioner Bennett spoke with a few Council Members about the flyover. Council Member Markert supports the event.
Ø Chair Sarlls went to the Community Partnership Committee with Council Members in attendance and spoke about the flyover. She also gave the required annual report on the Commission in writing and orally.
Ø Commissioner Echols spoke about the flyover at the following events: Committee Recognition for All of Aurora and the Ward III meeting with Council Member Beer.

VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ø POW/MIA Flags

o An outdoor flag has been placed in the Council Chambers but it will have to be replaced with an indoor flag.

Ø Memorial Day Parade

o Several Commissioners will participate in the parade on May 23, 2009.

Ø Veterans Salute

o The theme of this year’s Salute is “Honoring the Fallen”. VAC will do a proclamation and the Veteran Volunteer of the Year portion of the event. Chair Sarlls helped to choose the design for the flag pin.
o The Salute will take place on November 4, 2009. Tables for the event are being sold. Chair Sarlls will reserve a table for Commissioners interested in going. This year, attendees must have a ticket to enter the event. Barbara Shannon-Banister mentioned the tickets will be paid for from the VAC budget.

Ø Transitional Housing

o The group is still looking for a location.
o Commissioner Dow mentioned he received a mailing from a Colorado homeless organization and asked if they would be able to help with the transitional housing issue. Chair Sarlls suggested he offer that information to Council Member Broom.

VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Ø Bob VanSciver was honored at the UVC dinner. He received the “Volunteer of the Year” award.
Ø Regarding the Memorial Day flyover – Commissioner Bennett is getting in touch with people who know about the situation and the process. Chair Sarlls would like a copy of the flyover process to use for upcoming Memorial Day ceremonies.
Ø Douglas Bahr inquired about a contact referral list. Chair Sarlls can send out a resource list via email. Commissioner Bennett will provide a contact list for state legislators.
Ø It was suggested an operations manual be created for the functions of the VAC as well as for individual events the Commission participates in.

IX. NEW BUSINESS

Ø Chair Dow reminded the Commission they will need to start soliciting and submitting nominations for Veteran Volunteer of the Year.

X. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.

Paula Sarlls, Chair, Veterans’ Affairs Commission
Transcribed by Pam Feigitsch, Administrative Technician

The next regular meeting is Thursday, June 11, 2009
6:00 p.m., Fletcher Room, 1^st Floor, Aurora Municipal Center

2009 Meeting Dates to Remember
06/01/09 6:59 p.m. CCAMA, Rising Star, 1500 S. Dayton Street
06/02/09 8:00 a.m. KCRT, Aurora Room, 1st fl., AMC
06/03/09 6:00 p.m. HRC, Aurora Room, 1st fl., AMC
06/10/09 9:30 a.m. NAHRW Western Region, Sand Creek Room, 4^th fl., AMC
06/11/09 6:00 p.m. VAC, Fletcher Room, 1^st fl., AMC
06/13/09 10:00 a.m. NAACP, Aurora Central Library
06/16/09 6:00 p.m. Community Relations Div., City Cafe, 2nd fl., AMC
06/25/09 9:00 a.m. ACOF, Aspen Room, 2nd fl., AMC
06/25/09 6:00 p.m. KAC/ICCNA, Fletcher Room, 1^st fl., AMC