COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Veterans Affairs Recommendation Number: 20240320-006 WHEREAS, the City of Austin seeks to be a national leader and community model in bridging the military-civilian divide by intentionally reintegrating those who have served as well as their families into our communities with purpose; WHEREAS, the Council passed Ordinance No. 20130214-043, creating the Commission on Veterans Affairs to serve as an advisory board to the city council concerning the wellbeing of military veterans in the Austin area; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Veterans Affairs has found that Veteran employment, housing, education, training, family counseling, PTSD/mental health, healthcare, and VA benefits counseling are dispersed throughout Austin placing access to vital services out of reach for many with limited economic and transportation resources; and WHEREAS, City Council has previously recognized the great need for veteran support services, passing Resolution No. 20170622-035 directing the City Manager to draft a business plan to establish a Veterans Resource Center; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Veterans Affairs passed Recommendation No. 20200115-B003 encouraging City Council to create a Department of Veterans and Military Affairs. The Commission's intent is to consolidate all veterans and military-related matters "internal' and "external" under one office. Currently, Veteran's initiatives and programs are dispersed within the City of Austin. The office would serve to engage the Veteran's community by attending local VFW, American Legion, and Disabled Veterans of America post meetings. The Veteran's office must work in partnership with the Travis County Veteran Service office. WHEREAS, City Council has previously recognized the need to provide veterans services, passing Resolution No. 20211209-057 directing the City Manager to explore the establishment of a Veterans and Military Affairs Office. The City Manager's report findings identified the need to create an additional Program Manager II position at an annual cost of $127,000 a year. The City of Austin has a funded vacant Veterans Program manager position under the Civil Right Office and a funded Veterans Consultant position under the Human Resources Department. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED. that the Commission on Veteran Affairs recommends the creation of a Veterans and Military Affairs office. It is recommended that the Program manager II position identified in the report to establish a Veterans and Military Office by the City managers, the current vacant Veterans Program Administrator position under the Office of Civi I Rights, and the Veteran Services Consultant under the Human Resource Department all be placed under a newly …
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024 The COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR Meeting on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 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 7:04pm CST. Commissioners in Attendance: Christopher Wilson (Chair) Armando Gonzales Curtis Wyman Michael Mcinerney Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mark Balch Patrick Bissett William Dahlstrom Amber Schleuning Commissioners Absent: Philip Reichert Kevin Lenau (Vice-Chair) 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 2/21/2024 were approved on Chair Christopher Wilson’s motion, second by Michael Mcinerney on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Kevin Lenau, Maria Brown-Spence and Philip Reichert were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Commissioner Marc Balch updated the rest of the commission on his talk with the Veterans Administration on what they are doing for veteran outreach. Individual was identified at the Temple VA that would assist with identifying what the VA is doing. 3. Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence was not present at the March meeting so item 3 was skipped on the agenda and will carry over to the April meeting. 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. There was a discussion and vote to resubmit Recommendation 20240320-004 Requesting a study to understand real world needs of Travis County-based veterans. Chair Christopher Wilson made a motion to approve the resubmission and Commissioner Michael Mcinerney second the vote. Recommendation was passed on an 8-0 vote. 5. There was a discussion and vote on joining the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC). Chair Christopher Wilson made a motion to join JIC and Commissioner Michael Mcinerney second the vote. Passed on an 8-0 vote. 6. There was a discussion and vote to resubmit Recommendation 20240320-006 To create a department of Veterans Affairs and Military Affairs. Chair Christopher Wilson made a motion to approve resubmission and Commissioner Michael Mcinerney second the vote. Recommendation was passed on an 8-0 vote. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT END: 8:03 PM 7. Chair C. Wilson made the motion to adjourn. M. Mcinerney second the motion. Pass unanimously 8-0. Kevin Lenau, Philip Reichert, and Maria …
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, February 21, 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 18, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of January 2. Staff update regarding Sexual Harassment Training, FY25 Budget Recommendation process, and Attendance/Sign-In Sheet requirements. 3. Update on the City of Austin Internal Work Group initial meeting. Presentation by staff liaison, Jesus Simental. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation and discussion by Amanda Afifi, Chair Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission and Chair of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) about having the Commission of Veterans Affairs join the JIC. 5. Presentation and discussion by Christian Duran and Julie Smith from the City of Austin Housing Department which would present on the housing department’s federally-funded programming and solicit input/discussion from Commissioners on needs and priorities that our federal funding should address. 6. Presentation and discussion by Jim Darwin, Chair of the nonprofit Austin Veterans Parade Foundation about discussing future collaboration between the City of Austin and the Austin Veterans Parade Foundation. 7. Continued discussion and update on nonprofits that service veterans of Austin and Travis County. Chair Wilson agreed to research these nonprofits. 8. Discuss results and findings 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. 9. Discuss results and findings from Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence on a list of nonprofits in our area that service veterans. 10. Discussion on findings from all commissioners on status of Recommendation Number 20230719-006 Recommended Study to Understand Real-World Needs of Travis County- Based Veterans. DISCUSSION …
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 The COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR Meeting on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 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 Curtis Wyman Michael Mcinerney Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kevin Lenau (Vice-Chair) Mark Balch Maria Brown-Spence Patrick Bissett William Dahlstrom Commissioners Absent: Amber Schleuning Philip Reichert Staff in Attendance: Jesus Simental – Veterans Administrator, Office of Civil Rights PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the meeting of 1/17/2024 were approved on Chair Christopher Wilson’s motion, second by Patrick Bissett on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Amber Schleuning and Philip Reichert were absent. 2. Staff liaison, Jesus Simental, Veteran Administrator with the Office of Civil Rights briefed requirement regarding Sexual Harassment Training, FY 25 Budget Recommendation process and attendance/sign-in requirements. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by Amanda Afifi, Chair Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission and Chair of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) about having the Commission of Veterans Affairs join the JIC. 4. Presentation by Christian Duran, Senior Research Analyst with the City of Austin Housing Department. Discussed federally-funded programming and solicited input/discussion on veteran needs and priorities that federal funding should address. 5. Presentation by Jim Darwin, Chair of the nonprofit Austin Veterans Parade Foundation. Discussed future collaborate efforts between the City of Austin and the Austin Veterans Parade Foundation. 6. Continued discussion and update on nonprofits that service veterans of Austin and Travis County. Chair Wilson has put together a list of about 20 nonprofits and will forward to staff liaison, Jesus Simental, to disseminate to rest of the Commissioners with the intent of soliciting these nonprofits to present at the monthly meeting and see how the Commission can aid these nonprofits in assisting veterans. 7. There was no update 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. 8. Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence wills secure a list of nonprofits from I Live Here I Give Here Amplify Austin and will forward to staff liaison, Jesus Simental for dissemination to the rest of the commissioners. 9. There …
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, January 17, 2024 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 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 Amber Schleuning Patrick Bissett Mark Balch Philip Reichert Vacant – D9 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 November 15, 2023. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Continued discussion and update on working group to research nonprofits that service veterans of Austin and Travis County and make goals of what we will do with that list. 3. Discuss possible alternative locations to meet. 4. Discuss best method to solicit speakers for the monthly meeting. 5. Define what cadence to use to collect information and make recommendations to city council. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 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, JANUARY 17, 2024 The COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR Meeting on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 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 7:01pm CST. Commissioners in Attendance: Christopher Wilson (Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Amber Schleuning Armando Gonzales Curtis Wyman Mark Balch Maria Brown-Spence Patrick Bissett Philip Reichert William Dahlstrom Commissioners Absent: Kevin Lenau (absent) Staff in Attendance: Jesus Simental – Veterans Administrator, Office of Civil Rights PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the meeting of 11/15/2023 were approved on Chair Christopher Wilson motion, second by William Dahlstrom on a 9-0 vote. K. Lenau was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence stated she had no update on working group to research nonprofits that service veterans of Austin and Travis County. Chair Wilson volunteered to research these nonprofits. Question was asked if there is a list anywhere that list all these nonprofits in an effort to seek out areas where the Veterans Affairs Boards and Commissions can assist. Question was also asked as to where the funding goes that the city receives for veteran programs. Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence agreed to find someone that can speak on this subject. 3. It was determined that no other alternative locations will be considered and that the Commission on Veterans Affairs will continue meeting at it’s current location at PDC. 4. Discussed the best method to solicit speaks is by finding a list of nonprofits and have Chair Wilson solicit organizations to speak in an effort to determine the needs of our veterans in our community. Target speakers will be the Veterans Administration and nonprofits that assist veterans. 5. Discussed the status of the needs assessment that was submitted in July 2023, each of the commissioners agreed to reach out to their appointed council member to inquire of the status of the request. In addition, the commissioners inquired about studies that have been done in the past to include the city funded study by Combined Arms and other needs assessments studies funded by the state including a study by Texas A&M University conducted in 2020 and a study conducted by Texas State University conducted in 2017. Staff liaison, Jesus Simental, agreed to forward …
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, November 16, 2022 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1215 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 Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov Elisabeth Collura-Rosenberg Jason Denny Pete Salazar Charles W. Cupp Alfred Bingham AGENDA CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Christopher “Cam” Wilson, Chair Kevin Lenau, Vice Chair Manuel Jimenez Maria Brown-Spence Vacant CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION STAFF BRIEFINGS APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2022 1. Staff Liaison to update the commission on the Minutes and Meeting from Oct 19, 2022 2. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of May 18, 3. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of Sept, 21 2022 DISCUSSION ITEMS veterans in the region 4. Discussion and possible presentation how and which Austin non-profits are involved with 5. Commissioner Salazar to follow up on the voucher’s discussion with TSO for Veterans 6. The Office of Civil Rights to present and provide an update to Military/Veteran Affairs Office and Resolution No. 20211209-057 DISCUSSION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS 7. Continue to Identify any veteran encampments and number of homeless veterans located 8. Update from Vice-Chair Lenau for discussion and possible vote on the establishment of a 9. Discuss and vote for the continued time to meet 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7pm 10. Opportunity for anyone to share future agenda items and possible vote in the City of Austin Stand Down and hybrid. 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 Sammi Curless at 512-974-3256 or damian.pantoja@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, October 19, 2022 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401 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 Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Christopher “Cam” Wilson, Chair Kevin Lenau, Vice Chair Manuel Jimenez – Renteria, Sabino Maria Brown-Spence Jose Carrasco Elisabeth Collura-Rosenberg Jason Denny Pete Salazar Charles W. Cupp Vacant 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 speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: 2022 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of May 18, 2. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of Sept, 21 2022 DISCUSSION ITEMS in the City of Austin veterans in the region 3. Continue to Identify any veteran encampments and number of homeless veterans located 4. Discussion and possible presentation how and which Austin non-profits are involved with 5. Continue the vouchers discussion with TSO for Veterans 6. Discussion, update, and possible presentation of the addition of Military/Veteran Affairs Office 7. Discussion about the Veteran Day’s Parade DISCUSSION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS 8. Discuss and possible vote on the establishment of a Stand Down 9. Discuss and vote for the continued time to meet 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7pm and took them hybrid. 10. Opportunity for anyone to share future agenda items possibly vote 11. Staff to provide update about attendance STAFF BRIEFINGS 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 …
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, September 21, 2022 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401 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 Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Christopher “Cam” Wilson (Chair) Kevin Lenau (Vice) Manuel Jimenez Adrenne Mendoza Maria Brown-Spence Jose Carrasco Elisabeth Collura-Rosenberg Jason Denny Pete Salazar Charles W. Cupp 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 speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov AGENDA ADDENDUM CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of May 18, 2. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Special called meeting of 2022 Aug 5, 2022 DISCUSSION ITEMS City of Austin STAFF BRIEFINGS ADJOURNMENT 3. Identifying any veteran encampments and number of homeless veterans located in the 4. Vouchers with TSO for Veterans 5. Keeping the meetings in a hybrid model and begin the conversation of new meeting date/time for the new calendar DISCUSSION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS 6. Opportunity for anyone to share future agenda items possibly vote 7. Reminder-email addresses used for Boards and Commissions. Requirement for use of City email only 8. Reminder for everyone about the communication and attendance policy 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 Sammi Curless at 512-974-3256 or damian.pantoja@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
SPECIAL MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Friday, August 5, 2022 3:30 PM – ADJOURNMENT City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401 Austin, TX 78752 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Christopher “Cam” Wilson (Chair) Kevin Lenau (Vice) Manuel Jimenez Adrenne Mendoza Maria Brown-Spence Jose Carrasco Elisabeth Collura-Rosenberg Jason Denny Pete Salazar Charles W. Cupp 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 speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 1. Opportunity for anyone to share future agenda items DICUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to Council regarding fee waivers for Austin Veteran Arts (AVA) Festival from Glenn Towery presentation regarding the AVAFEST 2022. Sponsors: Jimenez/Salazar 6. Reminder-email addresses used for Boards and Commissions. Requirement for use of 7. Reminder for everyone about the communication and attendance policy STAFF BRIEFINGS City email only 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 Sammi Curless at 512-974-3256 or damian.pantoja@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
SPECIAL MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Friday, August 5, 2022 3:30 PM – ADJOURNMENT City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401 Austin, TX 78752 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Christopher “Cam” Wilson (Chair) Kevin Lenau (Vice) Manuel Jimenez Adrenne Mendoza Maria Brown-Spence Jose Carrasco Elisabeth Collura-Rosenberg Jason Denny Pete Salazar Charles W. Cupp 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 speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov AGENDA ADDENDUM DICUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Discussion and possible action on the report dated July 1, the establishment of a Veterans and Military Affairs Office (Resolution No. 20211209-057) 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 Sammi Curless at 512-974-3256 or damian.pantoja@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS WEDNESDAY, July 20, 2022, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1406 Austin, TX 78752 Maria Brown-Spence – Mayor Steve Adler Jose Carrasco – Greg Casar Elisabeth Collura-Rosenberg – Kathie Tovo Jason Denny – Ann Kitchen Pete Salazar – Leslie Pool Charles W. Cupp – Mackenzie Kelly CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Christopher “Cam” Wilson (Chair) – Paige Ellis Kevin Lenau (Vice) – Allison Alter Manuel Jimenez Sabino Renteria Adrenne Mendoza - Vanessa Fuentes Alfred Bingham – Natasha Harper-Madison Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at damian.pantoja@austin.texas.gov AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs called meeting of May 18, 2. Identifying any veteran encampments and number of homeless veterans located in the 2022 DISCUSSION ITEMS City of Austin 3. Vouchers with TSO for Veterans 4. Opportunity for anyone to share future and agenda items DICUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and possible action on the report dated July 1, the establishment of a Veterans and Military Affairs Office (Resolution No. 20211209-057) STAFF BRIEFINGS City email only 6. Reminder-email addresses used for Boards and Commissions. Requirement for use of 7. Reminder for everyone about the communication and attendance policy 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 contact the Damian Pantoja at the Office of Civil Rights Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov for additional information. TTY users are routed through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, please contact the Office of Civil Rights at (512) 974-3251.
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS WEDNESDAY, May 18, 2022, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Rooms 1401 &1402 Austin, TX 78752 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Manuel Jimenez (Chair) Sabino Renteria (3) Adrenne Mendoza (Vice) Vanessa Fuentes (2) Alfred Bingham – Natasha Harper-Madison (1) Maria Brown-Spence – Mayor Steve Adler Jose Carrasco – Greg Casar (4) Charles W. Cupp – Mackenzie Kelly (6) Elisabeth Collura-Rosenberg – Kathie Tovo (9) Jason Denny – Ann Kitchen (5) Kevin Lenau – Allison Alter (10) Pete Salazar – Leslie Pool (7) Christopher “Cam” Wilson – Paige Ellis (8) 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 their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please contact Jennifer Harless at 512-974-3471 or jennifer.harless@austintexas.gov AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers who register will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES a) Discussion and possible action regarding approval of the minutes from the Commission on Veterans Affairs regular meeting on April 20, 2022. 2) OLD BUSINESS a) Discussion and possible action regarding Commission Working Groups and the Commission’s 2021-22 goals. (Sponsors: Pete Salazar, Manuel Jimenez) i. Create and fund a Veterans Office ii. Identifying any veteran encampments and number of homeless veterans located in the City of Austin iii. Organize a task force to work with other commissions to organize a Veterans Festival b) Presentation by Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager, City of Austin Office of Sustainability, followed by discussion and possible action on the food planning process and emergency operations. (Sponsors: Manuel Jimenez, Pete Salazar) c) Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to Council regarding fee waivers for Austin Veteran Arts (AVA) Festival from Glenn Towery presentation regarding the AVAFEST 2022. Sponsors: Jimenez/Salazar 3) NEW BUSINESS a. Election of Commission Officers 4) STAFF UPDATES City email only. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT NOTE: Next meeting is Wednesday, June 15, 2022 a. Reminder-email addresses used for Boards and Commissions. Requirement for use of The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon …
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS WEDNESDAY, April 20, 2022, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1406 Austin, TX 78752 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Manuel Jimenez (Chair) Sabino Renteria (3) Adrenne Mendoza (Vice) Vanessa Fuentes (2) Alfred Bingham – Natasha Harper-Madison (1) Maria Brown-Spence – Mayor Steve Adler Jose Carrasco – Greg Casar (4) Charles W. Cupp – Mackenzie Kelly (6) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Elisabeth Collura-Rosenberg – Kathie Tovo (9) Jason Denny – Ann Kitchen (5) Kevin Lenau – Allison Alter (10) Pete Salazar – Leslie Pool (7) Christopher “Cam” Wilson – Paige Ellis (8) Speakers who register will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES a) Discussion and possible action regarding approval of the minutes from the Commission on Veterans Affairs regular meeting on February 16, 2022. 2) OLD BUSINESS a) Discussion and possible action regarding Commission Working Groups and the Commission’s 2021-22 goals. (Sponsors: Pete Salazar, Manuel Jimenez) i. Create and fund a Veterans Office ii. Identifying any veteran encampments and number of homeless veterans located in the City of Austin iii. Organize a task force to work with other commissions to organize a Veterans Festival b) Presentation by Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager, City of Austin Office of Sustainability, followed by discussion and possible action on the food planning process and emergency operations. (Sponsors: Manuel Jimenez, Pete Salazar) 3) NEW BUSINESS a) Presentation by Glenn Towery, Event Consultant/Coordinator, Austin Veteran Arts (AVA) Festival, followed by discussion and possible action on a recommendation to Council regarding fee waivers for AVAFEST 2022. Sponsors: Jimenez/Salazar 4) STAFF UPDATES None FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT NOTE: Next meeting is Wednesday, May 18, 2022 The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans 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 Jennifer Harless of Flynn Lee, Office of Civil Rights, at 512-974-3471/ 512- 974-3255 or jennifer.harless@austintexas.gov / Flynn.lee@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Veterans Commission, please contact Jennifer Harless of Flynn Lee, Office of Civil Rights, at 512-974-3471/ …
