REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401/1402 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Michael Mcinerney, Chair Amber Schleuning, Vice Chair Christopher Wilson William Dahlstrom Maria Brown-Spence Armando Gonzales Patrick Bissett Mark Balch Philip Reichert Curtis Wyman Gustavo Ramirez CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES 16, 2024. AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of October DISCUSSION ITEMS DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT 2. Discussion and possible action on establishing a working group to set goals for next year including budget proposals, special topics, and guest speakers. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401/1402 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Michael Mcinerney, Chair Amber Schleuning, Vice Chair Christopher Wilson William Dahlstrom Maria Brown-Spence Armando Gonzales Patrick Bissett Mark Balch Philip Reichert Curtis Wyman Gustavo Ramirez CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES September 18, 2024. AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of 2. Discussion of upcoming Veteran's Day events in Austin — AVAFest, Veteran's Day parade, University of Texas veterans appreciation tailgate. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discuss and select primary and alternate representatives for the Joint Inclusion 4. Discuss and approve Commission on Veterans Affairs 2025 Annual Meeting Schedule. STAFF BRIEFING DISCUSSION ITEMS Committee. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, Sep 18, 2024 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401/1402 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Michael Mcinerney, Chair Amber Schleuning, Vice Chair Christopher Wilson William Dahlstrom Maria Brown-Spence Armando Gonzales Patrick Bissett Mark Balch Philip Reichert Curtis Wyman CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES 21, 2024. AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of August 2. Staff briefing regarding announcement of vacancy of district 10 seat on the commission. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion by Paul Bernal, Chief Operating Officer from American GI Forum on what services they provide, pending projects, and future plans. 4. Presentation and discussion by Gustavo Ramirez from the University of Texas at Austin and on student veteran needs and how the commission can support student veterans in Austin. 5. Presentation and discussion by Strider Johnson from St. Edward's University on student veteran needs and how the commission can support student veterans in Austin. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, Sep 18, 2024 The COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR Meeting on WEDNESDAY, September 18, 2024, at the City of Austin Permitting & Development Center at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752. Chair MICHAEL MCINERNEY called the COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MEETING to order at 7:05pm CST. Commissioners in Attendance: Michael Mcinerney (Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Patrick Bissett Christopher Wilson Curtis Wyman Amber Schleuning William Dahlstrom Commissioners Absent: Maria Brown-Spence Philip Reichert Armando Gonzales Mark Balch Staff in Attendance: Beverly Davis – Office of Civil Rights Jesus Simental – Veterans Administrator, Office of Civil Rights PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the meeting of 9/18/2024 were approved on Chair Michael Mcinerney’s motion, second by Patrick Bissett on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Maria Brown-Spence, Philip Reichert, Armando Gonzales, and Mark Balch were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Paul Bernal and Adrian Luna from the American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program. The AGIF is a congressionally chartered Hispanic veterans and civil rights organization founded in 1948. a. The NVOP currently runs a 90-room facility in San Antonio to provide housing, counseling, and employment assistance to homeless veterans. This facility is almost entirely supported with private donations, and grants from the State and Federal government. b. Mr. Bernal discussed the AGIF NVOP's plans to open a similar facility in Austin. c. Ms. Luna discussed the AGIF NVOP's current activities in Austin providing representatives to support homeless and disabled veterans 3. Presentation by Gustavo Ramirez, a student Veteran at the University of Texas at Austin provided a statement and answered questions about support for student veterans in Austin. 4. Presenter Strider Johnson from St Edward’s University was a no show but agreed to forward areas of possible support of veteran students at St Edwards University. 5. Discussed nominating primary and secondary JIC representatives and discussing and voting for the 2025 annual board schedule. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT END: 7:53 PM 3. Chair M. Mcinerney made the motion to adjourn, P. Bissett second the motion. Pass unanimously 6-0. Commissioners Maria Brown-Spence, Philip Reichert, Armando Gonzales, Mark Balch were absent. The minutes were approved at the 16 Oct 2024 meeting on Chair Michael Mcinerney’s motion, Armando Gonzales second on a 10-0 vote, Maria Brown-Spence was absent.
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, Aug 21, 2024 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401/1402 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Michael Mcinerney, Chair Amber Schleuning, Vice Chair Christopher Wilson Kevin Lenau William Dahlstrom Maria Brown-Spence Armando Gonzales Patrick Bissett Mark Balch Philip Reichert Curtis Wyman CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2024. AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of May 15, DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation and discussion by Glenn Towery on his upcoming event, AVAFEST and seek support by identifying and securing city owned facilities to host AVAFEST events 2024 as well as possible recognition for Jim Darwin, Austin Veterans Parade Foundation. 3. Presentation and discussion by Johanna Wynne from Patriot’s Hall Dripping Springs on experiences and best practices with connecting central Texas veterans with veteran service officers, services, and each other. 4. Discussion on the status of joining the Joint Inclusion Committee. 5. Discuss and update on Recommendation 20240320-004 requesting a study to understand real world needs of Travis County-based veterans and Recommendation 20240320-006 To create a department of Veterans Affairs and Military Affairs. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, Aug 21, 2024 The COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR Meeting on WEDNESDAY, August 21, 2024, at the City of Austin Permitting & Development Center at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752. Chair MICHAEL MCINERNEY called the COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MEETING to order at 7:05pm CST. Commissioners in Attendance: Michael Mcinerney (Chair) Armando Gonzales Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Patrick Bissett Christopher Wilson Curtis Wyman Mark Balch Commissioners Absent: Kevin Lenau Maria Brown-Spence Philip Reichert William Dahlstrom Amber Schleuning Staff in Attendance: Tamela Saldana – Interim Director, Office of Civil Rights Jesus Simental – Veterans Administrator, Office of Civil Rights PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the meeting of 5/15/2024 were approved on Chair Michael Mcinerney’s motion, second by Patrick Bissett on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Kevin Lenau, Maria Brown-Spence, Philip Reichert, William Dahlstrom, and Amber Schleuning were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Glen Towery on upcoming AVAFEST events as well as seek support to find city owned venues to host these events. 3. Presentation by Lieutenant General (3-Star) Scott McKean, Executive Director of Patriots Hall of Dripping Springs to inform the Commission on their upcoming grand opening and to share information about innovative best practices to serve Austin-area Veterans and their families. 4. We followed up on our bid to join the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC). The request has been working its way through the system at various meetings all Summer to approve our inclusion and amendment of the JIC's bylaws to include the Veterans Affairs Commission. The next and final step is approval by the City Council. 5. Discussed status of Recommendation 20240320-004 requesting a study to understand real world needs of Travis County-based veterans and Recommendation 20240320-006 To create a department of Veterans Affairs and Military Affairs. Chair Mcinerney mentioned that the proposal had made it on District 8 Council Member’s agenda Paige Ellis, believes the recommendations are getting traction and making progress. Commissioner Wilson discussed his conversation with his council member Paige Ellis on the needs of veterans in the City of Austin. ADJOURNMENT END: 7:59 PM 6. Chair M. Mcinerney made the motion to adjourn, P. Bissett second the motion. Pass unanimously 6-0. Commissioners Kevin Lenau, Maria Brown-Spence, Philip Reichert, William Dahlstrom, and Amber Schleuning were absent. The minutes were approved at the 18 Sep 2024 meeting on …
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, July 17, 2024 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401/1402 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Michael Mcinerney, Chair Amber Schleuning, Vice Chair Christopher Wilson Kevin Lenau William Dahlstrom Maria Brown-Spence Armando Gonzales Patrick Bissett Mark Balch Philip Reichert Curtis Wyman CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2024. AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of May 15, 2. Presentation and discussion by Glenn Towery on his upcoming event, AVAFEST and seek support by identifying and securing city owned facilities to host AVAFEST events 2024. 3. Discussion on upcoming opportunities to attend in person budget sessions with city 4. Discussion on the status and process of joining the Joint Inclusion Committee. DISCUSSION ITEMS council. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, May 15, 2024 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401/1402 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Michael Mcinerney, Chair Amber Schleuning, Vice Chair Christopher Wilson Kevin Lenau William Dahlstrom Maria Brown-Spence Armando Gonzales Patrick Bissett Mark Balch Philip Reichert Curtis Wyman APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of April 17, 2. Presentation and discussion by Kris Vandenberg on veteran needs and how the commission can support veterans in Austin. 3. Discussion on results and findings from Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence on a list of nonprofits from I Live Here I Give Here Amplify Austin nonprofits. 4. Discussion and updates regarding the status of Commission on Veteran’s Affairs Recommendation 20240320-004 and 20240320-006. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Kris Vandenberg kris@vettedkitchens.com (309) 846-8237 Affiliations ● The Mission Continues ○ https://www.missioncontinues.org/ ● Farmer Veteran Coalition of Texas ○ https://fvctexas.org/ ● VFW Post #4433 ○ https://www.vfw4443.org/ ● Bunker Labs ATX ○ https://bunkerlabs.org/Austin/ Agenda ● Knowing how to find the right points of contact in the Austin City Government ● How to effectively engage with the Council and City Leadership ● Connecting multiple Veteran Service Organizations & activities in Austin ● Veterans Chamber of Commerce The Mission Continues Position: Platoon Leader - Austin https://www.missioncontinues.org/service-platoon/Austin/ We want to empower local veterans, their families, and our community to work alongside each other, inspire, and exact positive change in the process. Our goal is to foster hope and enrich each person’s life who comes in contact with a TMC Blue Shirt. In Q1 of 2023, we will begin an operation focusing on the Pleasant Hill neighborhood in South Austin, TX. We will be working with community partners within this neighborhood that have a long-standing track record of engaging with community members. So far, we have three solidified partners: St. Elmo Elementary, Central Texas Food Bank, and Keep Austin Beautiful. We serve with St. Elmo Elementary in the Pleasant Hill neighborhood (St. Elmo’s adjoining neighborhood). The school has 305 students, ranging from pre-K through 5th grade. Our Platoon Leader, Kris Vandenberg, has served the school with his food truck and continues to work out in their parking lot and playgrounds with outdoor bootcamps. St. Elmo qualifies for the AISD Community Eligibility Program free or reduced breakfast and lunch program which many students take part in. Their vertical pathway leads to Travis and Crockett Early College High School. There are 8 staff members dedicated to the ‘Green Team’ and 8 families who regularly show up for certain improvements and projects designated by the school. Farmer Veteran Coalition of Texas Position: Treasurer https://www.fvctexas.org Veterans Transforming Agriculture - Where Service Meets Soil: Cultivating a New Generation of Texas Farmers From Battlefields to Farmlands: The journey from military service to farming is more than a career change; it's a life transformation. Our initiative is built on the foundation of utilizing the unparalleled skills, discipline, and determination honed in the military to revitalize and innovate the agricultural sector of Texas. We provide the training, resources, and support necessary for our veterans to transition smoothly into their new roles as stewards of the land, ensuring they are equipped to meet the …
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2024 The COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR Meeting on WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2024, at the City of Austin Permitting & Development Center at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752. Chair MICHAEL MCINERNEY called the COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MEETING to order at 7:10pm CST. Commissioners in Attendance: Michael Mcinerney (Chair) Curtis Wyman Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Patrick Bissett William Dahlstrom Amber Schleuning Christopher Wilson Armando Gonzales Commissioners Absent: Kevin Lenau Maria Brown-Spence Philip Reichert Mark Balch Staff in Attendance: Jesus Simental – Veterans Administrator, Office of Civil Rights PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the meeting of 4/17/2024 were approved on Chair Michael Mcinerney’s motion, second by Patrick Bissett on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Kevin Lenau, Maria Brown-Spence, Philip Reichert, and Mark Balch were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS veterans in Austin. 2. Presentation by Kris Vandenberg on veteran needs and how the commission can support 3. Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence was absent for the meeting, Chair Michael Mcinerney requested agenda item be removed, motion made by Chair Michael Mcinerney to be removed and second by Christopher Wilson on a 7-0 vote. 4. There was discussion on status of Recommendation 20240320-004 and 20240320-006. Chair Mcinerney and Vice Amber Schleuning both spoken to their respective council members and one stated that the recommendation has not been brought up yet and the other stated that they were unaware of the recommendation. There was discussion on how to best get the recommendations on the on the city council’s agenda. Possibility of getting a council member to champion the cause as well as joining the Joint Inclusion Committee would help to get support from other Commissions. ADJOURNMENT END: 7:51 PM 5. Chair M. Mcinerney made the motion to adjourn, P. Bissett second the motion. Pass unanimously 7-0. Commissioners Kevin Lenau, Maria Brown-Spence, Philip Reichert, and Mark Balch were absent. The minutes were approved at the 21 August 2024 meeting on Chair Michael Mcinerney’s motion, Armando Gonzales second on a 6-0 vote. Maria Brown-Spence, Kevin Lenau, Amber Schleuning, William Dahlstrom, and Philip Reichert were absent.
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, April 17, 2024 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1406 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov Amber Schleuning Patrick Bissett Mark Balch Philip Reichert Michael Mcinerney AGENDA CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Christopher “Cam” Wilson, Chair Kevin Lenau, Vice Chair William Dahlstrom Maria Brown-Spence Armando Gonzales Curtis Wyman CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES 20, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of March 2. Reminder to complete Sexual Harassment Awareness Training by 10 May and also available in person on Tuesday 23 April at 0930am. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion by Sergio Torres-Peralta, Office of Sustainability on the Food Planning process and an opportunity to provide feedback on the upcoming Food Plan draft. 4. Presentation and discussion by Kris Vandenberg on veteran needs and how the commission can support veterans in Austin. 5. Discussion on results and findings from Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence on a list of nonprofits from I Live Here I Give Here Amplify Austin nonprofits. 6. Discussion on Austin Veterans Day Parade. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2024 The COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR Meeting on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024, at the City of Austin Permitting & Development Center at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752. Chair CHRISTOPHER WILSON called the COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MEETING to order at 7:07pm CST. Commissioners in Attendance: Christopher Wilson (Chair) Armando Gonzales Michael Mcinerney Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kevin Lenau (Vice-Chair) Mark Balch Patrick Bissett William Dahlstrom Amber Schleuning Philip Reichert Commissioners Absent: Curtis Wyman Maria Brown-Spence Staff in Attendance: Jesus Simental – Veterans Administrator, Office of Civil Rights PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the meeting of 3/21/2024 were approved on Chair Christopher Wilson’s motion, second by Michael Mcinerney on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Curtis Wyman and Maria Brown-Spence were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Staff liaison, Jesus Simental, reminded all Commissioners of the requirement to complete Sexual Harassment Training by 10 May 2024. 3. Presentation by Sergio Torres-Peralta from the Office of Sustainability on the Food Planning Process and gave the Commission an opportunity to provide feedback on the upcoming Food Plan draft. 4. Presentation by Kris Vandenberg on veteran needs and how the commission can support veterans in Austin was postponed and rescheduled for the May 15, 2024 meeting. 5. Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence was absent for the meeting so discussion on results and findings on a list of nonprofits from I Live Here I Give Here Amplify Austin nonprofits is postponed and rescheduled for the May 15, 2024 meeting. 6. Commissioners were seeking details on the upcoming meeting for the Veterans Day Parade. Staff liaison, Jesus Simental, advised commissioners that the agenda and date for the start of the planning meetings have not yet been released and when they do send it out it will be forwarded to all commissioners. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Michael Mcinerney was elected chair, nominated by Christopher Wilson second by Patrick Bissett on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Curtis Wyman and Maria Brown-Spence were absent. Amber Schleuning was elected vice-chair, nominated by Christopher Wilson second by Michael Mcinerney on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Curtis Wyman and Maria Brown-Spence were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 8. Commissioners recommended they follow up with their appointed council member on Recommendation 20240320-004 and 20240320-006 and report findings in the May meeting. ADJOURNMENT END: 7:51 PM 9. Chair …
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, March 20, 2024 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1406 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov Amber Schleuning Patrick Bissett Mark Balch Philip Reichert Michael Mcinerney AGENDA CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Christopher “Cam” Wilson, Chair Kevin Lenau, Vice Chair William Dahlstrom Maria Brown-Spence Armando Gonzales Curtis Wyman CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES 21, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of February 2. Discussion from Commissioner Marc Balch on his talk with the Veterans Administration on what they are doing for veteran outreach and solicit them to speak at the Veterans Affairs Commission meeting. 3. Discussion on results and findings from Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence on a list of nonprofits from I Live Here I Give Here Amplify Austin nonprofit. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and vote on resubmitting request for study to understand real-world needs of Travis County-based veterans. 5. Discussion and vote on joining the Joint Inclusion Committee. 6. Discussion, amend, and vote on resubmitting a recommendation to create a department of Veteran Affairs and Military Affairs. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS Recommendation Number: 20240320-004: RECOMMENDED STUDY TO UNDERSTAND REAL-WORLD NEEDS OF TRAVIS COUNTY-BASED VETERANS WHEREAS, Texas has the largest veteran population in the United States and Travis County has a veteran population of 56,000+/-; and WHEREAS, veterans are not a monolith and possess a diverse sets of needs, senses of identity, and challenges; and WHEREAS, there remains a great opportunity to better understand the diversity of current needs and estimate future needs for Travis County-based veterans so to design programs, policies, and budgets that are informed by this real-world understanding of evolving needs of this population; and WHEREAS, Travis-county does not currently possess a sufficiently deep understanding of its veterans and thus lacks an ability to make data-driven decisions for and with this dynamic and cherished population; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Veterans Affairs encourages the Austin City Council to commission a small study (to include surveys and qualitative research) to better understand the nuanced needs, perceptions, challenges, and barriers facing Travis County-based veterans today, across all demographics. Date of Approval: March 20, 2024 Record of the vote: For: Not Present: Attest: _____________________________________________ Christopher ‘Cam’ Wilson – Chair, Commission on Veteran Affairs
