COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MINUTES The Commission on Veterans Affairs convened in a Regular Meeting on February 16, 2022 at the City of Austin, Austin Energy Mueller Building 4815 Mueller Blvd., Training Room 1125 Austin, TX 78723. Chair Manuel Jimenez called the Board Meeting to order at 7:01 PM. Board Members in Attendance: REGULAR MEETING February 16, 2022 Manuel Jimenez - Chair Adrenne Mendoza-Luna Vice Chair Alfred Bingham Maria Brown-Spence Jose Carrasco Pete A. Salazar Staff in Attendance: Sherisa Davis-Larry, Administrator, Office of Civil Rights (OCR); Jonathan Babiak, Business Process Consultant, OCR; Flynn Lee, Investigator, OCR CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None 1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Jimenez asked the Commission members to review the minutes from the regular called meeting on January 19, 2022. Commissioner Bingham made a motion to approve the meeting minutes, Commissioner Salazar second. Motion passed on a vote of 6-0 with Chair Jimenez, Vice Chair Mendoza-Luna, and Commissioners Bingham, Brown-Spence, Carrasco, and Salazar in favor. 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 The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. b) Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to correct or revert the park name “Veterans Pocket Park” to read “Veterans Park.” (Sponsors: Manuel Jimenez, Jason Denny) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES c) 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) The presenter was unavailable. The Commission took no action on this item. The Commission agreed to return this item to a future agenda. 3) NEW BUSINESS 4) STAFF UPDATES None None FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURN: Chair Jimenez adjourned the meeting at 7:46 PM on unanimous consent.
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 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 CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Elisabeth Collura-Rosenberg – Kathie Tovo (9) Jason Denny – Ann Kitchen (5) Thomas Just – Paige Ellis (8) Kevin Lenau – Allison Alter (10) Pete Salazar – Leslie Pool (7) Speakers who register will be allowed a three-minute allotment 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 November 17, 2021. 2) OLD BUSINESS None 3) NEW 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) Discussion and possible action on the recommendation to rename the Veterans Service Office to HRD USERRA program. (Sponsors: Pete Salazar, Manuel Jimenez) c) Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to correct or revert the park name “Veterans Pocket Park” to read “Veterans Park.” (Sponsors: Manuel Jimenez. Jason Denny) d) 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) 4) STAFF UPDATES None FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS NOTE: Next meeting is Wednesday, February 16, 2022 ADJOURNMENT 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 Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at 512-974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Veterans Commission, please …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Veterans Affairs Recommendation Number: (20220119-3b): Rename the Veterans Services Office to HRD USERRA Program WHEREAS, the City of Austin Human Resources Department Veteran Services Office (HRDVSO) supports City employees who are veterans, guard, and reserve members of the armed forces. HRDVSO Office is a resource for individual employees, City departments, and City management. WHEREAS, the HRDVSO was created to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) and is an inward-facing program meant to assist city employees in the National Guard, Reserves, or those ordered to active duty. USERRA applies to members of the Armed Forces, Reserves, National Guard, and other "Uniformed Services" (including the National Disaster Medical System and the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service). WHEREAS, Texas Labor Code §302.151 assimilates United States Code 38 USC §101(2) and defines a Veteran as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. Active services include full-time duty in the National Guard or a Reserve component, other than full-time for training purposes. In accordance with the various statues, Veterans are no longer serving in the armed forces. The primary purpose of the Veterans Service office was to assist city employees who are National Guard and Reserves. The majority of those that fall under USERRA are not Veterans; however, they are Guard and Reservists who have not yet become Veterans since they have not been discharged from service and met specific requirements. WHEREAS, over 50,000 veterans living in the Capital area are not city employees who are often seeking veteran services. The name, City of Austin Veterans Service Office insinuates that they provide services for veterans. This misnomer has led many in the Veterans Community to believe the City of Austin offers services to Austin veterans. The name Veteran Service office does not reflect their primary function of assisting non-veterans who are National Guard and Reservist who are city employees. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission on Veteran Affairs recommends that the name of the City of Austin Human Resources Department Veterans Service Office be changed to the HRD USERRA program. This action will alleviate the confusion and assist with the efficient delivery of services. Date of Approval: January 19, 2022 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 7-0 vote, Commissioner Denny motion, Commissioner …
COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MINUTES The Commission on Veteran Affairs convened in a Regular Meeting on January 19, 2022 at the City of Austin Planning and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752. REGULAR MEETING January 19, 2022 Chair Manuel Jimenez called the Board Meeting to order at 7:01 PM. Board Members in Attendance: Manuel Jimenez - Chair Alfred Bingham Maria Brown-Spence Jose Carrasco Jason Denny Kevin Lenau Pete A. Salazar Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak, Business Process Consultant, Office of Civil Rights (OCR); Flynn Lee, Investigator, OCR CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Jimenez asked the Commission members to review the minutes from the regular called meeting on November 17, 2021. Commissioner Denny made a motion to approve the meeting minutes, Commissioner Lenau second. Motion passed on a vote of 6-0 with Chair Jimenez and Commissioners Bingham, Brown-Spence, Carrasco, Denny, and Lenau in favor. 2. OLD BUSINESS None 3. NEW 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 City of Austin iii) Identifying any veteran encampments and number of homeless veterans located in the The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES b) Discussion and possible action on the recommendation to rename the Veterans Service Office to HRD USERRA program. (Sponsors: Pete Salazar, Manuel Jimenez) The Commission discussed this item. Chair Jimenez read the draft recommendation. After discussion, Commissioner Denny moved adoption, Commissioner Salazar second. The recommendation was adopted on a vote of 7-0 by all members present. c) Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to correct or revert the park name “Veterans Pocket Park” to read “Veterans Park.” (Sponsors: Manuel Jimenez. Jason Denny) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. d) 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) The Commission discussed this item. The presenter was not available. By unanimous consent the item will be returned to a future agenda. The Commission took no action on this item. 4. STAFF UPDATES None ADJOURN: Chair Jimenez …
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2021, 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 – Mayro Steve Adler Jose Carrasco – Greg Casar (4) Charles W. Cupp – Mackenzie Kelly (6) CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Elisabeth Collura-Rosenberg – Kathie Tovo (9) Jason Denny – Ann Kitchen (5) Thomas Just – Paige Ellis (8) Kevin Lenau – Allison Alter (10) Pete Salazar – Leslie Pool (7) Speakers who register will be allowed a three-minute allotment 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 September 15, 2021. 2) OLD BUSINESS a) Discussion and possible action on the process for the City of Austin to formally identify veterans in encampments. (Sponsors: Pete Salazar, Manuel Jimenez) b) Discussion and possible action regarding AVAFest by Glenn Towery. (Sponsors: Pete Salazar, Manuel Jimenez, Elisabeth Collura-Rosenberg) 3) NEW BUSINESS a) Discussion and possible action on the recommendation to create an Office of Veterans Affairs. (Manuel Jimenez, Pete Salazar) 4) STAFF UPDATES None FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT 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 Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at 512-974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Veterans Commission, please contact Jonathan Babiak at 512-974- 3203 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/content/commission-veterans-affairs-1
Commission on Veterans Affairs Community Interest Announcement Veterans Pocket Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Thursday, November 11, 2021 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 2200 Veterans Drive, Austin, Texas 78703 https://www.austintexas.gov/event/veterans-pocket-park-ribbon-cutting A quorum of commission members may be present. No action will be taken. For more information, please contact the commission’s staff liaison, Jonathan Babiak, at (512) 974-3203 or by email at Jonathan.Babiak@austintexas.gov.
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2021, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1401 Austin, TX 78752 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Manuel Jimenez (Chair) Sabino Renteria (3) Adrenne Mendoza (Vice) Vanessa Fuentes (2) Alfred Bingham – Natasha Harper-Madison (1) Jose Carrasco – Greg Casar (4) Elisabeth Collura-Rosenberg – Kathie Tovo (9) Charles W. Cupp – Mackenzie Kelly (6) CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Jason Denny – Ann Kitchen (5) Thomas Just – Paige Ellis (8) Kevin Lenau – Allison Alter (10) Pete Salazar – Leslie Pool (7) (vacant) – Mayor Steve Adler Speakers who register will be allowed a three-minute allotment 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 May 19, 2021. 2) OLD BUSINESS a) Update from Chair Jimenez as the Liasion for the Commission on the newly developed Winter Review Task Force Group. (Sponsors: Manuel Jimenez, Adrenne Mendoza) b) Discussion and possible action on the process for the City of Austin to formally identify veterans in encampments. (Sponsors: Pete Salazar, Manuel Jimenez) c) Discussion on the recommendation to create a Department of Veterans and Military Affairs. (Sponsors: Thomas Just, Jason Denny) 3) NEW BUSINESS a) Discussion and possible action regarding AVAFest by Glenn Towery. (Sponsors: Pete Salazar, Manuel Jimenez, Elisabeth Collura-Rosenberg) b) Discussion and possible action on the goals and objectives for July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 (Sponsors: Manuel Jimenez, Adrenne Mendoza) c) Discussion and possible action to approve the 2020 meeting schedule. (Sponsors: Manuel Jimenez, Adrenne Mendoza) 4) STAFF UPDATES None FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT 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 Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at 512-974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Veterans Commission, please contact Jonathan Babiak at 512-974- 3203 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/content/commission-veterans-affairs-1.
COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MINUTES The Commission on Veteran Affairs convened in a Regular Meeting on May 19, 2021 via videoconference meeting. REGULAR MEETING May 19, 2021 Chair Doris Williams called the Board Meeting to order at 1:05 PM. Board Members in Attendance: Doris Williams - Chair Manuel Jimenez - Vice Chair Alfred Bingham Jose Carrasco Jason Denny Thomas Just Kevin Lenau Adrenne Luna Staff in Attendance: Tina Lee Jonathan Babiak 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Williams asked the Commission members to review the minutes from the regular called meeting on March 19, 2021. Vice Chair Jimenez made a motion to approve the meeting minutes and Commissioner Mendoza seconded the motion. Motion passed with no objection on a vote of 8-0. 2. OLD BUSINESS Office. 3. NEW BUSINESS a) Update and status of the Service Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise from the Purchasing Yolanda Miller, Deputy Purchasing Officer, City of Austin Purchasing Office, addressed the Commission and answered questions from members. The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. a) Update from Vice Chair Jimenez as the Liaison for the Commission on the newly developed Winter Review Task Force Group. (Sponsors: Manuel Jimenez, Doris Williams). Vice Chair Jimenez updated the Commission on this item. The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. b) Discussion and possible action on the process for the City of Austin to formally identify veterans in encampments. (Sponsors: Pete Salazar, Manuel Jimenez) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES c) Officer Nominations and Elections. Vice Chair Jimenez nominated himself for the Office of Chair. Chair Williams closed the nominations. Vice Chair Jimenez was elected Chair on a vote of 8-0. Commissioner Mendoza was nominated by Vice Chair Jimenez for the Office of Vice Chair. Chair Williams closed the nominations. Commissioner Mendoza was elected Vice Chair on a vote of 8-0. 4. STAFF UPDATES a) Introduction of Carol Johnson, Civil Rights Officer, City of Austin Office of Civil Rights and discussion and possible action regarding Commission on Veteran Affairs and Office of Civil Rights. Carol Johnson, Civil Rights Officer, introduced herself and answered questions from members. ADJOURN: Chair Williams adjourned the meeting at 2:08 PM without objection upon motion by Commissioner Bingham and second by Commissioner Mendoza.
Versión en español a continuación. Meeting of the Commission on Veteran Affairs July 28, 2021 Commission on Veteran Affairs to be held July 28, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (July 27, 2021 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the Commission on Veteran Affairs Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Reunión del Commission on Veteran Affairs FECHA de la reunion (July 28, 2021) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (July 27, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. la Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: junta en 512-974-3203 o • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los residentes …
COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MINUTES The Commission on Veteran Affairs convened in a Special Called Meeting on May 19, 2021 via videoconference meeting. REGULAR CALLED MEETING May 19, 2021 Chair Doris Williams called the Board Meeting to order at 1:05 PM. Board Members in Attendance: Doris Williams - Chair Manuel Jimenez - Vice Chair Alfred Bingham Jose Carrasco Jason Denny Thomas Just Kevin Lenau Adrenne Luna Staff in Attendance: Tina Lee Jonathan Babiak 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Williams asked the Commission members to review the minutes from the regular called meeting on March 19, 2021. Commissioner Jimenez made a motion to approve the meeting minutes and Commissioner Mendoza seconded the motion. Motion passed with no objection. 2. OLD BUSINESS Office. 3. NEW BUSINESS a) Update and status of the Service Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise from the Purchasing Yolanda Miller, Deputy Purchasing Officer, City of Austin Purchasing Office, addressed the Commission and answered questions from members. The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. a) Update from Vice Chair Jimenez as the Liaison for the Commission on the newly developed Winter Review Task Force Group. (Sponsors: Manuel Jimenez, Doris Williams). Vice Chair Jimenez updated the Commission on this item. The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. b) Discussion and possible action on the process for the City of Austin to formally identify veterans in encampments. (Sponsors: Pete Salazar, Manuel Jimenez) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. c) Officer Nominations and Elections. Vice Chair Jimenez nominated himself for the Office of Chair. Chair Williams closed the nominations. Vice Chair Jimenez was elected Chair on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Mendoza COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES was nominated by Vice Chair Jimenez for the Office of Vice Chair. Chair Williams closed the nominations. Commissioner Mendoza was elected Vice Chair on an 8-0 vote. 4. STAFF UPDATES a) Introduction of Carol Johnson, Civil Rights Officer, City of Austin Office of Civil Rights and discussion and possible action regarding Commission on Veteran Affairs and Office of Civil Rights. Carol Johnson, Civil Rights Officer, introduced herself and answered questions from members. ADJOURN: Chair Williams adjourned the meeting at 2:08 PM without objection upon motion by Commissioner Bingham and second by Commissioner Mendoza.
Versión en español a continuación. Regular Meeting of the Commission on Veteran Affairs May 19, 2021 Commission on Veteran Affairs to be held May 19, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (May 18, 2021 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the Commission on Veteran Affairs Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3306 AND tina.lee@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to tina.lee@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live la Reunión del Commission on Veteran Affairs FECHA de la reunion (May 19, 2021) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (May 18, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: junta en 512-974-3306 AND • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de tina.lee@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los …
Versión en español a continuación. Regular Meeting of the Commission on Veteran Affairs March 17, 2021 Commission on Veteran Affairs to be held March 17, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (March 16, 2021 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the Commission on Veteran Affairs Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3306 AND tina.lee@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to tina.lee@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live la Reunión del Commission on Veteran Affairs FECHA de la reunion (March 17, 2021) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (March 16, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: junta en 512-974-3306 AND • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de tina.lee@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los …
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MINUTES The Commission on Veteran Affairs convened in a Special Called Meeting on March 17, 2021 via WebEx Remote meeting. Chair Doris Williams called the Board Meeting to order at 1:08PM Board Members in Attendance: Doris Williams - Chair March 17, 2021 Manuel Jimenez - Vice Chair Alfred Bingham Jose Carrasco Staff in Attendance: Tina Lee 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Jason Denny Adrenne Mendoza Pete Salazar Chair Williams asked the Commission members to review the minutes from the special called meeting on February 10, 2021. Commissioner Salazar made a motion to approve the meeting minutes and Commissioner Mendoza seconded the motion. Motion passed with no objection. 2. OLD BUSINESS The Veterans pocket park is to be complete and open to the public early February. Contract needs to replace the handicap ramp for the new ADA parking space and replace the plants that were lost in the freeze. Opening ceremony projected to be around Memorial Day. 3. NEW BUSINESS a) The 2021 AVAFest by Glenn Towery will move forward as planned and possibly have the event outside due to social distancing and multi-media presentations for various channels. b) Commissioner Salazar met with the City of Austin strategy officer to discuss the veteran homeless population. Next meeting to be scheduled in three weeks and will provide an update at the next meeting. ADJOURN: Chair Williams adjourned the meeting at 1:47PM without objection
Versión en español a continuación. Special Meeting of the Commission on Veteran Affairs February 10, 2021 Commission on Veteran Affairs to be held February 10, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (February 9, 2021 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the Commission on Veteran Affairs Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3306 AND tina.lee@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to tina.lee@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live la Reunión del Commission on Veteran Affairs FECHA de la reunion (February 10, 2021) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (February 9, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: junta en 512-974-3306 AND • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de tina.lee@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los …
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING February 10, 2021 COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MINUTES The Commission on Veteran Affairs convened in a Special Called Meeting on February 10, 2021 via WebEx Remote meeting. Chair Doris Williams called the Board Meeting to order at 10:31AM. Board Members in Attendance: Doris Williams - Chair Manuel Jimenez - Vice Chair Alfred Bingham Jose Carrasco Staff in Attendance: Tina Lee 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Jason Denny Josephine Hinds Pete Salazar Chair Williams asked the Commission members to review the minutes from the special called meeting on November 19, 2020. Commissioner Salazar made a motion to approve the meeting minutes and Commissioner Bingham seconded the motion. Motion passed with no objection. 2. NEW BUSINESS a) Texas Folklife presented to the commission about their mission and how one of their programs “Creative Forces” for veterans and family members has assisted with connecting with other veterans to express their stories and folklore through audio production training. Texas Folklife offers their workshops and programs to veterans in Texas primarily in the central Texas region. For more information about the program: https://texasfolklife.org/ b) The City of Austin Intergovernmental Relations Office briefed the Commission on the City of Austin State legislative Resolution that S.B 29 would have limited the ability of the City to utilize community advocates to effectively advocate on behalf of the policies created and supported by its residents. Commissioner Salazar made a motion to have the Commission on Veteran Affairs sign and support the resolution made by Intergovernmental Relations Office. Commissioner Bingham seconded the motion and the resolution was approved on a 6-0-1 vote. Vice Chair Jimenez abstained himself. c) Vice Chair Jimenez discussed the faulty comparison to the military made by the equity assessment SWOT analysis and report on racial inequity within the Austin Police Department. Commissioner Salazar made a motion to provide a recommendation to COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES address the comparison explained on officers within APD being affiliated with he Military. Vice Chair Jimenez seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. ADJOURN: Chair Williams adjourned the meeting at 11:15AM without objection
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Veterans Affairs Recommendation Number: (20210210-C002) Faulty Comparison to the Military from the SWOT Analysis WHEREAS, many veterans face several challenges when making the transition from military to civilian life. There has been a growing military to civilian division over the years as military veterans and civilians compete in the job market. There is also the trend of fewer and fewer of the population serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This division and competition have led to typecasting and stereotypes of our modern-day military veterans. WHEREAS, there are some in the civilian sector who have no idea of or have ever served in the military. These individuals have stereotypes of military service that inhibit servicemembers from transitioning smoothly back into civilian life. WHEREAS, some stereotypes indicating military training is inferior and "warrior-like" is toxic. This type of stereotype is not based on a factual basis but rather unfounded typecasting. Language such as military "warrior" is misleading as present-day servicemembers' training is based on physical fitness and stamina than on a so-called "warrior" mindset. There is a belief that the military culture is a ‘us versus them mindset.” The military veteran is one who took an oath to serve this country negating this kind of thinking. WHEREAS, the Equity Office assessment, and SWOT analyses and report on racial inequities, within the Austin Police Department make faulty claims of comparisons to military service and further promotes dangerous stereotypes. These stereotypes interfere with returning military veterans gaining employment. They contribute to a number of issues military veterans face while transitioning from a sometimes-unappreciated military career to civilian life. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission on Veteran Affairs rejects the stereotypes used by the Equity Office assessment and SWOT analyses and report on racial inequities within the Austin Police Department because they are not congruent with the military and encourages the Austin City Council to do the same. Date of Approval: February 10, 2021 Record of the vote: (Unanimous on a 7-0 vote, with the names of those voting yes listed) Doris Williams Manuel Jimenez Alfred Bingham Jose Carrasco Jason Denny Josephine Hinds Pete Salazar Attest: _____________________________________________ Manuel Jimenez Jr., Vice Chair Commission on Veteran Affairs
Versión en español a continuación. Special Meeting of the Commission on Veteran Affairs January 21, 2021 Commission on Veteran Affairs to be held January 21, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (January 20, 2021 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the Commission on Veteran Affairs Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3306 AND tina.lee@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to tina.lee@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live la Reunión del Commission on Veteran Affairs FECHA de la reunion (January 21,2021) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (January 20, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: junta en 512-974-3306 AND • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de tina.lee@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los residentes …
