HomeMy WebLinkAbout081525MS VETS - DraftJefferson County Veteran’s Advisory Board SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES DRAFT August 15, 2025 – 10:00 a.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair John Hamilton called the meeting to order at the appointed time after establishing a quorum. The following Veteran Advisory Board members were in attendance: Jon Voelker, Peter Braccio and Andy Okinczyc, American Legion member. Also present was Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ariel Speser. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chair Hamilton called for public comments, and no comments were received. 3. DISCUSSION re: Election of Officers and VAB Membership: Chair Hamilton asked for a volunteer to serve as Vice President of the Veteran’s Advisory board due to the
previous Vice President Gary Lane’s resignation. Andy Okinczyc offered to serve in this role. Chair Hamilton moved to appoint Andy Okinczyc as Vice President of the VAB. Member Braccio seconded the motion which carried a unanimous vote. 4. REVIEW re: 2025-2026 Budget: Chair Hamilton discussed the current budget and asked for ideas on how to
spend the additional funds in the account to better serve county veterans. Chair Hamilton opened the floor for public comments, and one comment was received. Chair Hamilton addressed the comment by stating that there are legal restrictions on how funds can be distributed.
Chair Hamilton and members Voelker and Braccio have requested that quarterly budget statements be sent to the board for review. Each quarter the staff will include the number of veterans served and the type of assistance provided. 5. DISCUSSION re: Jefferson County VAB Policy:
Chair Hamilton noted that a few typos were corrected on the newly proposed VAB Policy drafted by the Prosecuting Attorney Office. The new VAB policy will replace the existing Veterans contract. After review, Chair Hamilton opened the floor for public comments, and one comment was received. Chair Hamilton moved to approve the new VAB Policy. Member Voelker seconded the motion which carried a unanimous vote.
Chair Hamilton discussed the newly proposed By-Laws. Chair Hamilton opened the floor for public comments, and two comments were received. Member Braccio asked if sub-committees can be created via the new language in the By-Laws. Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Speser explained the process of appeals. There was discussion about making a change to page 6, Sections A & B, regarding some descriptive verbiage.
Chair Hamilton moved to approve these changes as discussed. Member Okinczyc seconded the motion which carried a unanimous vote. Member Braccio made a motion to approve the new By-Laws. Member Okinczyc seconded the motion which carried a unanimous vote.
6. UPDATE re: Veteran Program Services: Chair Hamilton discussed the need for more trained service officers.
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS/CLOSING REMARKS: Chair Hamilton stated that the approved VAB
Policy and By-Laws will go before the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners on August 25, 2025, for
approval.
Chair Hamilton discussed The Wall of Healing that will be on display at the Jefferson County International Airport from September 11, 2025, through September 14, 2025. Volunteers are still needed to help set up, host
and break down the wall. Member Voelker has secured the use of three golf carts for those that are not able to
walk to the wall.
Chair Hamilton discussed the need to have another meeting in December to close out the year. The date has not been determined.
There were no future agenda items discussed.
8. NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Hamilton adjourned the meeting at 10:45 a.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed.
Respectfully submitted: Wendy Housekeeper, Executive Assistant