HomeMy WebLinkAboutM031009Jefferson County
Service Officers Association
MEETING MINUTES
March 10, 2009
Service Officers present: Delmer Sayer, VFW 7498; Dick Wiltse, VFW 7498; Ken Gaul, VFW 10706; Sol
Wiener, American Legion 26; and John Braasch, Service Officer at Large.
Chair Delmer Sayer called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the July 22, 2008 meeting were approved by unanimous vote.
Officers for 2009: Dick moved to retain the slate of officers from last year. John seconded the
motion which carried by a unanimous vote. The following slate of SOA Executive
Board Officers for 2009 is: Chair: Delmer Sayer
Vice -Chair: Dick Wiltse
Secretary/Treasurer: Ken Gaul
Update on DAV Van Purchase: Delmer said that he was told that the van will be here by June. A
driver is available to go back to Michigan and bring it back.
Stand Downs 2009; John reported that the first Stand Down for the year is scheduled in Forks at the Elks
Club on May 7. He has placed an order for clothes and outdoor equipment with Swains. Another Stand
Down is scheduled on July 27 at the Port Townsend Elks Club. They will place an order for VA surplus
some time in June. The next Stand Down is October 1 at the Clallam County Fairgrounds. Last October
marked the Voices for Veterans eleventh Stand Down and over the years they have worked to address
most areas where Veterans may need assistance. He said they are always open to suggestions for new
service providers if anyone has ideas.
Letter to the Secretary of State re: Charities Program Registration: The Clerk reported that the
Service Officers Association received a letter because of their 501(3)(c) status saying that if they raise
more than $25,000 as a charitable organization they are required to register under the Charitable
Solicitation Act. Delmer signed a letter to the Secretary of State stating that the SOA believes it is
exempt from this fee because the Association doesn't solicit funds.
Amendments to Service Officers Agreement with Jefferson County., The following amendments to the
2005 agreement were discussed and suggested. Section formatting needs to be adjusted because there
are two sections marked VII. Changes are marked in bold.
Page 2: VII. Operations of the Veteran's Advisory Board
The Veteran's Advisory Board member will be notified by the Clerk of the Board of
Commissioners or designee when a client calls for an appointment or if there are any
applications to be reviewed, approved, and vouchers to be issued.
Delete: C. All Service Officers making out Veterans Assistance Fund Application will call the
Commissioners' Office for a time and date to meet with the VAB in their designated office to
submit the application(s) for review and approval.
D....... In order for a Service Officer to receive a mileage reimbursement, the forms need to be
submitted monthly.
Page 3: VII. Applicant Eligibility
A.23 receiving a net income, i.e., after taxes, that does not exceed 200% of the current
federally established poverty level, or
B.2. Documents other than discharge certificates which give service dates and
character of service may be accepted in lieu of proper discharge papers only when they
are issued by a recognized agency, i.e. Veterans Administration, AMVETS Service Office,
or a copy of the application for a DD214.
Page 4: IX. Policy for Distributing Funds
A. General Information ...... 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 in general, limited to $1,500.00 per CALENDAR YEAR.
1.0 Food: 1.1 Food vouchers shall be issued for the maximum amounts as follows:
Single Veteran = $150.00
Married Veteran = $200.00
Married Veteran with dependents = $200.00 plus $50.00 per dependent
2.0 Rent: ...... A rental agreement or correspondence from the landlord is
required. Rent is usually not paid to relatives of the applicant. Rent must be
past due and to prevent an eviction.
2.2 Use of rent funds for rent deposits is allowed with a promissory note.
3.0 Utilities: Assistance for electricity, water, and natural gas will require a
late notice. (Delete: or a 72 hour shut-off notice.)
4.0 Medical: ...... Usually assistance is granted on a one time basis (Delete:
only) for up to $100.00. However, in cases of extreme medical need and
indigence, medical assistance may be granted on a monthly basis. (Delete: not to
exceed three (3) consecutive months.)
4.2 Medical assistance not to exceed $1,000.00 may be used to pay for eye
glasses, dental work, or dentures with a Doctor's note or a prescription.
B. Expenditures Not Eligible for Veterans Assistance Funds:
2.0 Travel assistance for job search is provided on a case basis.
7.0 ...... If the Veteran requests further assistance, two Service Officers will
meet with the Veteran to review the request.
MEETINGADTOURNED.• The meeting was adjourned at 12:26 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.