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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-11-20 VAC MINUTESVETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION CITY OF CHULA VISTA MINUTES November 20, 2001 Human Resources Conference Room TUESDAY, 6:30 P.M. City Hall Building 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER — 6:30 p.m. The meeting was delayed by 30 minutes while the Commissioners attended the City Council where Chair Steve Arends received the Veteran of the Year Proclamation by the Mayor. ROLL CALL — Stephen Arends P , Carmen Fedje E , Agustive Hermes, Jr. P , William Poindexter P , Robert White P , A.Y. Casillas A , Stephen Millikin_E_ Guests: Trevor Angood, Eastlake High School is 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - The minutes of October 16, 2001 were approved and accepted with corrections. 5. ACTION ITEMS a. Election of a New Chair Mr. Raskin has declined membership in the Veterans Advisory Commission and Mr. Arends is requesting that the commissioners look for new applicants for the commissioner position. The Mayor has requested Mr. Arends remain as a commissioner until a replacement can be found. Unfinished Business a. Street Names Mr. Arends advised regarding the naming of Ayers Court. A discussion ensued on information surrounding the community park and street names. b. Veterans Memorial Mr. Arends continues to request formally and informally for staff support for the design of the memorial. At this time there have been no responses. He thanked the Fleet Reserve Post 61, American Legion Post 434, VFW Post 2111 for the Memorial Service held on Veterans Day. Mr. Arends stated that this patriotic event was very well done. c. Chula Vista Veterans Home Support Foundation Update Mr. Arends updated the commissioners on the activities of the Foundation. He reported that the Foundation will have to file Federal and State income tax returns for 2001 because donations were over $25,000. He also reported that the golf tournament on Veterans Day was a huge success, and about $6,600 was made from the tournament. Everyone had a 1 great time, and it will become an annual event on Veterans Day. The next Foundation meeting will be Thursday, February 21, 2002 Mr. White commented that $20,000 from donations was set aside to use for the hobby shop, and about $6,600, which was made from the golf course, is programmed to be used for Christmas for the residents. Mr. White and Mr. Millikin continue to be members of the commission who are on the Board of Directors. d. Veterans Home Update As of the date of this meeting, the Veterans Home has 206 residents, all living in the Assisted Living and Independent Living area, The Skilled Nursing Facility is not open nor has it been scheduled for certification inspection. Chair Arends reported that Barstow may never be certified, and the governor is being encouraged to move forward on Chula Vista. He commented that the Federal Department of the Veterans Affairs as already contributed over $22 million to the construction of the Chula Vista Veterans Home and want the Assisted Living and Independent Living facility opened. The Veterans Home is prepared and waiting for the inspection to certify their skilled nursing facility. Chair Arends referred to an article written by the editor in the November 16th issue of the Star News. The commissioners discussed the content of the story regarding the ongoing delays in the opening of the skilled nursing facility in Chula Vista. It was motioned by Commissioner White and seconded by Vice Chair Hermes, that Chair Arends send his response to the editor,Manny Cruz urging Star News readers to convey to their elected representatives in Sacramento the urgent need to fully open the Chula Vista Veterans home immediately. e. Veteran of the Year Award Congratulations to Chair Steve Arends being selected as Chula Vista's Veteran of the Year. It was the unanimous decision of the committee and the commissioners as well. He was also nominated as County Veteran of the Year. He was presented with a City Proclamation in front of the Council on November 201h at their weekly meeting.. f. Goals and Objectives Continue to advise and make recommendations to the City Council regarding veterans concerns, and on matters which the Board has special knowledge and expertise. Elect new chair for the Commission. g. Legislative Reports None. h. Oral History Mr. Poindexter reported that he has a meeting scheduled for December 6th with Jerry Rindone. 6. COMMUNICATIONS The Chair mentioned a request from Councilwoman Mary Salas to assist Community Health Group on Bay Blvd, on how to prepare our flagpole and flag for display. Veteran's organizations will be called on to assist. Chair has been exchanging commission information with Imperial County Veterans so they can re -start in their community. CHAIR'S COMMENTS Chair Arends encouraged all the commissioners to fill out the County Veterans survey forms. Deadline is end of November. Chair mentioned three important issues discussed at the County Board of Supervisors Meeting on November 14, 2001. Chair Arends testified at the public meeting on these agenda items; 2 a) Opening the Skilled Nursing Facility at the Veterans Home b) Establishing the VA satellite cemetery at Glenn Abbey in Bonita. c. Granting military, veterans, and their families the same in-state college tuition status as is now given undocumented immigrants after the Governor signed AB -540 on October 12, 2001. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS None STAFF COMMENTS None. PUBLIC COMMENTS None 7. ADJOURNMENT — 7:23 p.m. Next regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 15, 2002 in the Human Resources Conference Room at City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910 Trudi W. Mayes Clerical Support • F 3