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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM041807Jefferson County Service Officers Association MEETING MINUTES April 18, 2007 Service Officers present: Delmer Sayer, VFW 7498; Dick Wiltse, VFW 7014; Bill Wheeler, VFW 3213; and Ken Gaul, VFW 10706 Chairman Delmer Sayer called the meeting to order at the appointed time. Approval of Minutes: It was moved and seconded to approve the minutes of July 27, 2006. The vote on the motion was unanimous. Officers for 2007-2008: It was moved and seconded to approve the following slate of Executive Board Officers for 2007-2008: Chairman Delmer Sayer Secretary/Treasurer Bill Wheeler Board Member Ken Gaul Board Member Dick Wiltse The vote on the motion was unanimous. Possible Amendments to Service Officers Agreement with Jefferson County: There was a discussion about how to get the word out to eligible Veterans about available funding. It was suggested that OlyCAP suggest that Veterans come to the County first. The Service Officers can assist veterans in getting help from other sources such as the State DVA. There was a discussion about tying into programs that help Veterans in other jurisdictions such as the Homeless Veterans Program in Clallam County. Research would need to be done on how to be able to transfer funds on a regular basis to ongoing programs. The following amendments were suggested to the agreement between the SOA and the County dated October 24, 2005. Section VII(A)(2)(B): receiving a net income, i.e., after taxes, that does not exceed 150% of the current federally established poverty level, or to say not exceed 200%. The basis for this increase is the high cost of living in Jefferson County with average rent at $900 per month. Section IX(A): Second paragraph, last sentence: A Veteran or Veteran's widow, widower, dependent, or authorized person on behalf of dependent shall be eligible to make application for assistance for emergency needs not to exceed $800 per CALENDAR YEAR. Increase the $800 to $1,000 due to the cost of living. Section IX(B)(6.0): Up to $500.00 may be paid for funeral expenses related to the death of a Veteran, his spouse, or dependent child up to 18 years of age. Add a Section 6.5 that allows the fund to pay the entire funeral cost for an indigent Veteran. Section IX(B)(1.0): Currently travel funds are restricted exclusively to those who need assistance for medical purposes. Assistance is granted either by purchasing a ticket for the applicant or by providing a voucher to assure the applicant has an adequate amount of gasoline to perform travel should be moved to a new Section IX(A)(4.3). Bill moved to approve the four amendments to the agreement as listed above. Dick seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. There was continued discussion about various other sections of the agreement. The members agreed that the amount for food vouchers can remain the same because the Veteran could come back and get another voucher. The Service Officers will talk with the State Department of Transportation about applicants receiving vouchers for ferry travel for medical appointments in Seattle. Discussion re: Deputy Director Lourdes Alvarado -Ramos, State Department of Veterans Affairs, Presentation to Board of Commissioners on Services for Local Veterans on Apri19, 2007- When the Deputy Director of the State DVA gave her presentation to the County Commissioners she mentioned several programs such as a Veteran's Incarceration Program where the DVA negotiates with a Prosecutor or Judge to reduce a veteran's sentence in order for them to go into drug and alcohol or psychological treatment. They also work with these veterans on housing and jobs. She suggested that smaller counties like Jefferson County could work with other counties on the Olympic Peninsula to set up a program. There is a Homeless Veteran's Program and a Veteran's Innovations Program for Washington State citizens deployed out of the National Guard and the Reserve who are eligible for financial assistance to pay for school, licenses, equipment and other things that will help them be competitive in the job market. If a veteranis a single parent and is taking classes, the DVA can pay for childcare. The Service Officers discussed the idea of working with other counties to create a regional county network to help Veterans. They agreed that this would have to be initiated at the State level. Their goal is to make it easier for Veterans in the County to receive State funding help. Discussion re: SOA Presentation to the Board of Commissioners: The Service Officers agreed that they would like to meet to discuss several issues with the County Administrator and Commissioner John Austin before they schedule a time to discuss their proposal on the Commissioner's agenda. A meeting will be scheduled in the next few months. Additional Business: Veteran's Standdown in Forks: A standdown is scheduled for May 3 at the Elks in Forks. Delmer will represent the Jefferson County Service Officers. Paving a Portion of the Clerk's Salary: They asked the Deputy Clerk to do research on the process necessary to be able to pay a portion of her salary for the administrative work she does for the SOA. It was suggested that they pay $85 per week. Breakdown of Categories of Applications Over Five Year Period: The Deputy Clerk was asked to research the spreadsheets over the past five years to determine the percentage of applications in each category. AEETINGADJOURNED: Ken moved to adjourn the meeting. Bill seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.