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
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.
