HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-03-18 VAC MINUTES•
VETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION
CITY OF CHULA VISTA
MINUTES
March 18, 2003
TUESDAY, 6:00 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER — 6:02 p.m.
Human Resources Conference Room
City Hall Building
ROLL CALL: RobertWhite P Stephen Millikin P A.Y. Casillas P --,_Carmen Fedje P,
Agustive Hermes, Jr. P , William Poindexter P , Bobby Price P ,
Guests: Mr. Stephen Arends (former Veterans Advisory Commissioner)
Capt. Rod McDougal — Vietnam Veteran requesting support for Prayer Rally for American
Soldiers fighting war in Iraq
103. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The February minutes were approved as written.
ACTION ITEMS
Unfinished Business
a. Veterans Park
Chairman White advised everyone of the email he received from Matt Little, who is handling the veterans park during the
design and construction phases. The opening of the park is scheduled for in October 2005. Mr. White has requested to
be apprised of the design stage when it starts.
Out of Order for this meeting only: Mr. Arends introduced Capt. Rod McDougal, Vietnam Veteran, who spoke about the
rally he is coordinating to the Support our Troops Rally on Saturday, April 5, 2003 at noon at Memorial Bowl hosted by
VFW Post 2111, led by Commissioner Bobby Price, District Commander of Post 2111. Flyers will be distributed to various
VFW posts or other Veterans organizations. It was also suggested that flyers be distributed to Congregational Towers.
Mr. Arends also gave a brief update on Assembly Bill 214. Per Chairman White, letters have been sent from the Veterans
Commission, Support Foundation, and the Veterans Home. Individual letters of support are being encouraged to create a
large stack to send to Assemblywoman Shirley Horton who will carry it forward.
b. Street and Bridge Names
• Mr. Millikin has no new update at this time. He has been in contact with people who have indicated that there are three
bridges and possibly four bridges for sure. Mr. Millikin will check at a later time to inquire if there are to be more bridges.
The names have been voted on and he will ensure that those names be used.
1
0 c. CWHSF Update
.7
Chairman White reported on the golf tournament. The latest report is that the tournament raised close to $7,000 which
goes into the Holiday Fund for the residents of the Veterans Home. This will now become an annual event.
The State has approved the final 60 dorm rooms so that the Chula Vista Veterans Home can accommodate the maximum
of 400 residents.
d. Veterans Home Update
Chairman White also reported on the new Veterans Homes that are scheduled to be built throughout the state. Everything
appears to be on track for the designs and drawings. They are scheduled to be built in West Los Angeles, Lancaster,
Ventura, Fresno and then Redding. This will bring the total to eight homes in the state. Mr. White was assured that there
would be no funding problems.
VFW Post 2111's fundraiser last year was a Four -Mile Walk which raised $3,000 will possibly become an annual event for
the Veterans Home. A new time and site for the golf tourney is being addressed for next year. Mr. Millikin advised that
earlier in the year is better for budget considerations and that Admiral Baker Field is being looked into, among other
places The Board will have good options to select from.
e. Chula Vista Agenda and Minutes
Mr. White continues to receive the Agenda and Minutes each week and will advise commissioners on information
regarding Veterans.
g. Mr. Scott Burress
Chairman White has not received a reply to his recent note to Mr. Burress, He will attempt to make contact again and have
a report by the next meeting.
h. Veterans Memorial Registry
Chairman White will update the Commissioners periodically on this issue.
i. Legislative Reports
Chairman White reported that the February 7`h issue discussed AB -14, tax -payer contributions. Discussion followed
regarding signatures
COMMUNICATIONS
CHAIR'S COMMENTS
The Chairman read Trudi's thank -you letter to the Commissioners
COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
Mr. Casillas informed the Commissioners that he has an additional commission assignment. He is on the Civil Service
Commission for the County of San Diego.
Mr. Millikin inquired about the veteran who was denied a CalVet loan.
organizations got involved and the issue went all the way to Sacramento.
the builder was property chastised. .
Mr. White updated the group on the issue. A lot of
It was quickly resolved, the loan was approved, and
2
Mr. Price commented on the Prayer Rally to be held Saturday, April 51h. He also informed the Commissioners that the City of
Oceanside passed a resolution against the war effort. He felt strongly that this was counterproductive to all the young men and
yeomen that are serving overseas. He suggested that Chula Vista could plan a "Support Our Troops" Day or something similar
Wperhaps put the City of Chula Vista on the map.
Mr. Hermes informed the Commissioners that in support of the troops, flags will be flown to the Chapel of the Roses at Glen
Abbey. For the Memorial Day weekend, more flags will be placed along Bonita Road and the entrance to Glen Abbey.
Mr. Hermes also advised that his term(s) on the Veterans Advisory Commission will end on June 30, 2003.
STAFF COMMENTS
Please be advised that the next meeting of the Veterans Advisory Commission will be held at the CHULA VISTA
VETERANS HOME, 700 East Naples St. Plan to arrive by 5:45 p.m. for dinner with the residents prior to the meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
4. ADJOURNMENT — 6:50 p.m. Next regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday,
April 15, 2003 at the Chula Vista Veterans Home,
Trudi . Mayes
Clerical Support
•
3