Minutes for Veterans Affairs Commission Meeting: Nov. 10, 2015

Call to Order

The general meeting of the SFVAC was called to order on November 10, 2015 at 6:02 p.m. by Acting President Mike Maffei.  Meeting started with the traditional Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call

Present:  (10) Dixon, Jenkins, Kennedy, Marshall, Pandey, Gallagher, Wong, Maffei, Rogers, Weeby. 

Absent:  (6) Noetzel, Dacumos, Guy, Baldonado, Smith, Miller.

City Attorney Wayne Snodgrass was in attendance.

Note: Commission strength currently at 14 members

Approval of Agenda

Motion to accept agenda was made by Comm. Kennedy ,2^nd by Comm. Pandey.  There was no discussion and Commission voted to unanimously to approve the agenda as written.

Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting

Motion to accept the minutes from the September 8, 2015 meeting was made by Comm. Marshall, 2^nd by Comm. Rogers.  There was no discussion and the Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes as written by Secretary Kennedy.

Public Comment

Acting President Maffei opened the floor for public comment. 

Seeing no speakers, the floor was closed for public comment.

Officers Reports

President’s Report:  No Report

Vice Presidents Report:  No Report

Secretary’s Report:

Secretary  Kennedy reported that meeting notices and agendas were made available to the public more than 72 hours prior the meeting including distribution the Mayor’s Office, BOS, SF Public Library and Interested Parties.

VAC Officers Nominations for 2016 Term. 

Vice President Maffei provided information and instruction on the officer elections for the 2016 calendar year and opened the floor to the Commission for nominations:

For the position of Secretary, Secretary Kennedy nominated Commissioner Rogers.  Commissioner Rogers accepted the nomination. 

For the position of Vice President, Acting President Maffei nominated Secretary Kennedy.  Secretary Kennedy accepted the nomination.

For the position of President, Commissioner Panday nominated Vice President Maffei.  Vice President Maffei accepted the nomination.

New Business

• Commission Attendance Policy and Discussion

Vice President Maffei opened the floor to Commissioners to offer input and ideas on how best to ensure meeting attendance and avoid meeting cancellations due to lack of quorum.  Commissioner Marshall suggested that calls be made to Commissioners to confirm meeting attendance.  Commissioner Jenkins suggested that we examine and remove barriers to attendance including transportation.  Secretary Kennedy acknowledged there would be times when members cannot attend the meeting and encouraged members to call as soon as they know they will be unable to attend.  Commissioner Dixon suggested that meeting announcements go out at least a week in advance. 

• Veterans Resource Fair and Veterans Welcome Home Celebration

  Vice President Maffei opened the floor for Commissioners to comment on the recent Veterans Resource Fair and Veterans Welcome Home Celebration.  There was no discussion or comment on this item.

• Services Guide for Bay Area Veterans

  Vice President Maffei opened the floor for discussion on the Bay Area Services Guide for Veterans.  Commissioner Panday provided some information on the origin of the Services guide. Commissioner Weeby encouraged the Commission to participate in this effort and volunteered to her time.   Commissioner Panday and Commissioner Weeby agreed to follow up on this item and report findings at a future meeting.  Commissioner Marshall had questions on data supply.   Commissioner Gallagher suggested that the County Veterans Services Office is replete with data that can be made available.

   

  OLD Business

• Restorative Justice for Port Chicago Sailors

  Commissioner Jenkins provided and update on recent events in the continuing cause to restore justice to the Port Chicago Sailors.  Specifically, credit is being given to the SFVAC for their work to advance the issue.  She also expressed appreciation from the Friends of Port Chicago, for the recent KQED TV coverage of the anniversary of the Port Chicago disaster.  Commissioner Dixon reported that AMVets and Lions Club will be making a proclamations on this cause.  City of Berkeley adopted a mirror resolution modeled after San Francisco.

   

• Veterans Mental Health

  Vice President Maffei reported on two prior events attended by President Noetzel.  There was follow up discussion on this item.

• Veterans Day Parade

  Commissioner Wong reported that 77 units participated in this year’s parade.  This years parade was routed through Fisherman’s Wharf for the first time and there was robust support from local merchants, visitors, dignitaries and others the parade.  Since this was the first year at this route, it is expected that future parades be include increased participation and support.  Commissioners discussed the need to send thank you letters to the Mayor and BOS members that supported the event.

   

• Veterans Related Legislation

  Commissioner Wong reported on recent legislative activity including SB 935.  SB 935 provides legislation that allows for a “Veterans” designation on California Drivers Licenses for veterans.  The law goes into effect on November 12, 2015.

   

• War Memorial Veterans Building

  Commissioners had a very brief discussion the War Memorial Veterans Building including the potential to hold future VAC meetings at the newly remolded building.  Commissioners acknowledged that this matter would be considered for action at a future meeting. for future location There was no information or discussion on this item. Discussion of Upcoming Events after re-opening of building.

   

• The floor was opened for short announcements of veteran related events and/or activities.  Commissioners provided event details for upcoming events.

Honors Report and Moment of Silence:

Vice President Maffei called for a moment of silence to honor the memory of American Armed Service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in all wars and conflicts, plus the passing of homeless veterans and veterans who died while waiting approval of benefits requests and suicides within the veterans and armed services community.

Meeting was adjourned at 6:47 pm.

Minutes of the 11/10/15 General Meeting of the SFVAC written by Secretary Dwane Kennedy, and unanimously approved, after minor corrections, at the SFVAC Meeting of 12/8/115