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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-15 VAC Agenda Package ; ; **POST-MEETING AGENDA** Date:Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Time:6:00 p.m. Location:City Hall, Bldg. C, Conference Room B-111 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA Veterans Advisory Commission Regular Meeting ______________________________________________________________________________ In-Person Public Comments: Join us for the Veterans Advisory Commission meeting at the time and location specified on this agenda to make your comments. Each person will be allotted three minutes to address the Commission, unless otherwise adjusted by the presiding officer. Electronic Public Comments: At  www.chulavistaca.gov/boardmeetings, locate this meeting and click on the comment bubble icon. Select the item and click on "Leave Comment." The deadline to submit e-comments or any comments emailed to VAC@chulavistaca.gov will be noon on the day of the meeting. Accessibility: Individuals with disabilities are invited to request modifications or accommodations in order to access and/or participate in a Veterans Advisory Commission meeting by contacting the commission staff at VAC@chulavistaca.gov (California Relay Service is available for the hearing impaired by dialing 711) at least forty-eight hours in advance of the meeting. We encourage community participation—sign up at www.ChulaVistaCA.gov/Boards to receive email notifications when agendas are available. Pages 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.ROLL CALL Commissioners Castro, Jimenez, Nava, Pine, Vice Chair Akana 3.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG 4.CONSENT CALENDAR (Item 4.1 through 4.2) Consent calendar items are considered together and acted upon by one motion. There is no separate discussion of these items unless a commissioner or staff removes the item from the Consent Calendar. Recommended Action: To approve the recommended action appearing below Consent Calendar Items 4.1 through 4.2. The motion was carried by the following vote: 4.1 Approval of Meeting Meeting Minutes 4 Recommended Action: Approve meeting minutes dated: May 20, 2026. 4.2 Approve Annual Activity Report 7 Recommended Action: Approve Annual Activities Report for submittal to City Council. 5.PUBLIC COMMENTS The public may address the Commission on any subject matter within the Commission’s jurisdiction that is not listed as an item on the agenda. State law generally prohibits the Commission from discussing or taking action on any issue not included on the agenda. The Committee may schedule the topic for future discussion or refer the matter to staff. 6.ACTION ITEMS Action items are considered individually by the Commission and are expected to elicit discussion and deliberation. 6.1 Recommendation to City Council Regarding Enhanced Flagpole Lighting at City Hall This item was continued from the May 20, 2026 meeting. City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission July 15, 2026 Post Agenda Page 2 of 23 Recommended Action: Receive an update from staff regarding the enhanced flagpole lighting project currently underway at City Hall; discuss whether any further recommendation to the City Council is warranted; and, if appropriate, authorize the Chair to prepare and transmit a memorandum to the City Council. 6.2 Updates from Veterans Advisory Commission Subcommittee 11 Recommended Action: To include and Action item on a future Agenda for the VAC to request that the Fire Chief consider acceptance of a donation of a banner on behalf of the VAC. The item will include the attached letter and Donation Acceptance Form. 6.3 Election of Chair and Vice Chair Recommended Action: Elect Chair and Vice Chair. 7.ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR 8.STAFF COMMENTS 9.CHAIR'S COMMENTS 10.COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS 11.ADJOURNMENT to the regular meeting on August 19, 2026. Materials provided to the Veterans Advisory Commission related to any open- session item on this agenda are available for public review, please contact the Fire Department at VAC@chulavistaca.gov. City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission July 15, 2026 Post Agenda Page 3 of 23 Page 1 City of Chula Vista Regular Veterans Advisory Commission Meeting MINUTES -112 276 4th Avenue, Chula Vista Minutes are prepared and ordered to correspond to the agenda. _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Fire Captain Kastelic called the roll. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Led by Chair Nava. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were none. 5. PRESENTATIONS There were none. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR Moved by Commissioner Pine Seconded by Vice Chair Akana Page 4 of 23 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission July 15, 2026 Post Agenda 2026-05-20 Veterans Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 To approve the recommended action on the below consent calendar items. The motion was carried by the following vote: Result: Carried (4 to 0) 6.1 Approval of Excused Absence of Commissioner Pine for the Regular Meeting of February 18, 2026 To approve an excused absence for Commissioner Pine from the February 28, 2026, meeting. 6.2 Approval of Excused Absence of Vice Chair Akana for the Regular Meeting of April 15, 2026 To approve an excused absence for Vice Chair Akana from the April 15, 2026, meeting. 6.3 Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2026 To approve the minutes dated: February 18, 2026 6.4 Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2026 To approve the minutes dated April 15, 2026, as amended to reflect City Council events related to the Veterans Advisory Commission. 7. ACTION ITEMS 7.1 Update on Veteran of the Year Subcommittee The Commission requested updates to the Veterans of the Year application and corresponding website. 7.2 Update on Outreach Subcommittee Commissioner Pine provided an update. 7.3 Update on Starlight Parade Subcommittee Commissioner Pine provided an update. 7.4 Discussion on the Merging of the Outreach and Starlight Parade Subcommittees Page 5 of 23 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission July 15, 2026 Post Agenda 2026-05-20 Veterans Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 Moved by Commissioner Pine Seconded by Commissioner Jimenez To approve combining the Outreach Subcommittee and Starlight Parade Subcommittee. The motion was carried by the following vote: Result: Carried (4 to 0) 7.5 Recommendation to City Council Regarding Enhanced Flagpole Lighting at City Hall No action was taken. Chair Nava requested that this item be placed on the agenda for the next Commission meeting. 8. STAFF COMMENTS Fire Captain Kastelic asked for clarification and provided updates on City events related to Veterans. 9. CHAIR'S COMMENTS There were none. 10. COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS Commissioners discussed Commission vacancies and the process for filling seats, as well as City point of contacts. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m. Minutes prepared by: Sunem Carballo, Deputy City Clerk _________________________ Sunem Carballo, Deputy City Clerk Page 6 of 23 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission July 15, 2026 Post Agenda Veteran’s Advisory Commission Annual Activity Report Fiscal Year 2025-26 Highlights of Activities1 Veterans Advisory Commission Annual Activity Report Military Reintegration Program  Maintained ongoing communication with the San Diego Veterans Coalition regarding the Military Reintegration Program.  Coordinated with Veterans Coalition representatives to identify a local Chula Vista branch to serve as the program's lead organization and community point of contact.  Explored additional opportunities for the City to support veterans transitioning and reintegrating into the community.  Received a presentation from the Center for Military and Veterans Reintegration (CMVR) on its regional partnerships and services.  Officially endorsed the Center for Military and Veterans Reintegration (CMVR) program for City endorsement and issuance of a press release.  Determined to remove Military Reintegration Program updates from future agendas until further developments occur. Veteran of the Year Program  Reviewed nominations and selected the annual Veteran of the Year recipient.  Coordinated proclamation preparation and City Council recognition ceremony.  Successfully conducted the Veteran of the Year recognition during the City Council meeting, noting increased attendance and participation over the previous year. Page 7 of 23 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission July 15, 2026 Post Agenda  Developed recommendations for future ceremonies, including: o Rotating color guard organizations. o Designating a commission point of contact for ceremonial coordination. o Including the National Anthem during the award presentation. o Featuring the Veteran of the Year recipient in future community parades. Outreach and Community Engagement  Began developing an outreach strategy to increase awareness of the Commission and its mission.  Proposed presentations to local veteran organizations regarding Commission initiatives and opportunities for collaboration.  Initiated development of a comprehensive directory of local veteran organizations for future outreach.  Explored collaboration with the City's Communications team re garding social media engagement.  Expressed interest in increasing Commission participation in community veteran events, including Memorial Day observances. Library and Veteran Recognition Initiatives  Initiated discussions with the City Library regarding: o Annual display of the Veteran of the Year recipient's photograph. o Display of artwork created by local veterans within library branches.  Began development of formal recommendations and parameters for a Veteran Art Program.  Considered establishing a dedicated subcommittee to oversee veteran artwork initiatives. Community Events and Civic Participation  Discussed Commission participation in the 2025 Starlight Parade.  Recommended additional planning time to ensure successful future participation.  Gathered information from the City of Imperial Beach Veterans and Military Affairs Committee regarding: o Community partnerships. Page 8 of 23 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission July 15, 2026 Post Agenda o Collaboration with the American Legion. o Sponsorship and donation practices. Veteran Organization Collaboration  Continued engagement with the San Diego Veterans Coalition on reintegration initiatives.  Explored partnerships with local veteran organizations and the American Legion.  Discussed expanding Commission relationships with community organizations and veteran-owned businesses. Commission Administration  Recognized the service and resignation of Commissioner Stewart.  Acknowledged the resignation of Commissioner Williams.  Received updates regarding temporary staff liaison assignments and administrative support.  Reviewed updates to City Board and Commission regulations affecting future appointments. Additional Commission Initiatives  Discussed obtaining ROTC contacts for future collaboration.  Expressed interest in participation in the San Diego Veterans Parade.  Explored methods to promote the Veterans Advisory Commission while complying with City branding policies.  Encouraged directing members of the public to the Commission's official webpage for information and engagement opportunities. Comments or Recommendations to the City Council Page 9 of 23 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission July 15, 2026 Post Agenda  Approved recommendation to City Council for installation of an individual uplight for the American Flag at City Hall.  Initiated discussions regarding installation of a flagpole outside the Civic Center Library and approved forwarding a formal recommendation to Cit y Council.  Began research into establishing a formal process and eligibility criteria for adding veterans' names to the Memorial Park War Wall.  Deferred War Wall recommendations pending additional historical research and policy development. Page 10 of 23 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission July 15, 2026 Post Agenda RE: City of Chula Vista - Veterans Advisory Commission Meeting Cancellation Notice for June17, 2026 From:RoseMarie Horvath (rhorvath@chulavistaca.gov) To kbigelow@chulavistaca gov ckastelic@chulavistaca gov epietanza@chulavistaca gov Cc:klafarga@chulavistaca.gov; scarballo@chulavistaca.gov Date Wednesday June 17 2026 at 09 56 AM PDT Hi Commissioner Pine, I agree with Kerry that discussing VAC business outside of a noticed meeting would likely result in a Brown Act violation. All discussions about VAC business (including all subcommittees) must be transparent. The alternatives set forth by Kerry are viable alternatives to discussing the information to the Chair one-on- one. I am forwarding this email trail to Elizabeth in our office who works with the VAC and attends the meetings. She may opine further and have other suggestions. RoseMarie R. Horvath Deputy City Attorney Office of the City Attorney 276 Fourth Avenue Chula Vi ta, CA 91910 Cell rhorvath@chulavistaca.gov From: Kerry Bigelow <KBigelow@chulavistaca.gov> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 9:12 AM To: Lynne <>; RoseMarie Horvath <RHorvath@chulavistaca.gov>; Christopher Kastelic <CKastelic@chulavistaca.gov> Cc: Karina L. Lafarga <klafarga@chulavistaca.gov>; Sunem Carballo <scarballo@chulavistaca.gov> Subject: RE: City of Chula Vista - Veterans Advisory Commission Meeting Cancellation Notice for June 17, 2026 Hello, Commissioner Pine. Thank you for your message and for your diligence in ensuring compliance with the Brown Act. Communicating with the Chair outside of a meeting could constitute a violation in this case, since you and Commissioner Castro are already involved in the discussion I’m looping in @RoseMarie and @Christopher, in case they have other thoughts. A couple of options I see to continue the conversation and preserve time you have remaining: 1 You can request that the Chair schedule a special meeting before the next regular meeting to allow you to update the Commission. If you don’t have the Chair ’s contact information already, you can send the request to us, and we can relay the request If you do have the Page 11 of 23 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission July 15, 2026 Post Agenda Page 12 of 23 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission July 15, 2026 Post Agenda On Tue, Jun 16, 2026 at 14:15, Karina L. Lafarga <klafarga@chulavistaca.gov> wrote: Good afternoon, Please see the attached cancellation notice for the Veterans Advisory Commission meeting on June 17, 2026 Thank you, Karina Lafarga CMC, Deputy City Clerk II City of Chula Vista | Office of the City Clerk 276 Fourth Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910 (619) 476-2300 | Klafarga@chulavistaca.gov Email correspondence with the City of Chula Vista, including attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act and, therefore, may be publicly disclosed unless otherwise e empt Page 13 of 23 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission July 15, 2026 Post Agenda Page 14 of 23 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission July 15, 2026 Post Agenda Thank you so much Kerry! We very much appreciate the time you both made for helping us on these items. Great and informative follow up. I do have a few remaining questions: - Who is the POC that we should get with regarding possible participation (annually) for the Starlight Parade? - Is it possible to receive a generic request template for seeking potential funding from the City Council? It would be great if we could receive an outline of the general format expected for requesting City-sponsored funding, and hopefully we can mirror a prior successful request. We can then add an agenda item for our commission to discuss, and Francia and I can have a proposed letter ready to submit with the agenda item. Thanks for your support to everyone and your efforts for Chula Vista. You're doing an awesome job, and we appreciate you! Lynne Pine On Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 08:22:06 AM PDT, Kerry Bigelow <kbigelow@chulavistaca.gov> wrote: Commissioners Castro and Pine, It was nice meeting with you both last week I’m following up on a few of the outstanding items we discussed: · Flag Placement & Lighting o City Hall flag lighting The City’s Facilities Manager is going to have an electrician evaluate the lighting and potentially have a night survey completed, if necessary I asked that he keep me posted so I can relay the status to you. Please feel free to check back in with me and I can follow up. o Library flag placement City staff provided me the following update At this stage, we are still evaluating the overall project scope and grant scope, including distinguishing between project needs, desired enhancements, available funding, and long-term maintenance considerations. The request for a flagpole will be included in the list of items for discussion as the renovation planning process continues. · VAC Business Cards o The City Clerk’s office will order business cards for the VAC. We probably won’t have them in time your June meeting but will get them to you as soon as possible (July at the latest). As I mentioned, they don’t have each commissioner’s name on them, but they are personalized to the VAC and include your website and email address, as well as a QR code for people to email the Commission Public communications through that email address are provided to the Commission, other than those that are procedural and Page 15 of 23 City of Chula Vista Veterans Advisory Commission July 15, 2026 Post Agenda can be handled by staff (e.g., sending a link to apply for the VAC, advising of upcoming meeting dates, directing to minutes or agendas, etc.). · City Celebrations of Veteran-Related Events o Attached is the City Council policy that includes the specific events the Human Relations Commission (HRC), including July 4, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. A good next step in looking into a possible partnership with the HRC would be to connect with HRC staff on what the HRC currently has planned. Angel Ibarra is the Commission Liaison. He can be reached at AnIbarra@chulavistaca.gov. I connected with Angel yesterday, and he relayed that he is happy to collaborate with the VAC on the HRC-coordinated recognition events. He has already reached out to Capt. Kastelic to get the ball rolling. I would encourage you to include Capt. Kastelic (CKastelic@chulavistaca.gov) in your communications so he can be best prepared to support the VAC. · Donations o As RoseMarie mentioned, the Municipal Code (CVMC 2.25.270) prohibits Commissions from accepting gifts or grants without express City Council approval. I have attached the City Council’s policy on donations that we briefly discussed. RoseMarie will provide additional information on what options may be available to the Commission. Those were the outstanding items I had noted for follow up. Please let me know if I may have missed something. Feel free to reach out with any questions or if we can help you further. Sincerely, Kerry Kerry Bigelow, MMC | City Clerk | City of Chula Vista, Office of the City Clerk 276 Fourth Avenue | Chula Vista, CA | 91910 | (619) 407-3590 | kbigelow@chulavistaca.gov Email correspondence with the City of Chula Vista, including attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act and, therefore, may be publicly disclosed unless otherwise exempt. 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