March 12, 2013

Minutes for Veterans Affairs Commission Meeting of March 12, 2013

Call to Order
Having achieved a Quorum, the February Meeting (of the SFVAC was called to order (in City Hall Hearing Room #416) by Vice-President Jordan Towers at 6:05pm, (Note: Pres. Ramirez was inbound to meeting after a late work schedule). Meeting started with the traditional Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call
In Attendance for the Meeting: Commissioners, Burnette, Caldera, Gallagher, Guy, Levin, Maffei, Noetzel, Ramirez, Towers, Tramil, Weeby, Wilkerson, Wong. (13)
Absent: Commissioners Baldonado, Crichlow, Dacumos, – all excused by President.
Note: Commission strength on this date at 16 active members, 1 (Mayoral appointee) vacancy
Attending Guests: Mr. Roger Dong, Mr. Matthew Gabbe, Mr. Paul Cox, Ms. Maureen Morris, Mr. Zbigniew Stanczyk, Ms. Charlene Phipps, Mr. John Fuller, Mr. Nelson Lum, Mr. Marco Rotting and former Commissioner Dara Wong (Note: City Attorney W. Snodgrass was also in attendance.)

Approval of AGENDA
Motion to accept Agenda, as written, made by Comm. Maffei (2nd, Comm. Guy) Without further discussion, meeting Agenda was passed unanimously.

Review of Minutes of Previous VAC meeting.
Motion to Approve draft of Minutes for VAC meeting of February 12, 2013 (as written by Secretary Noetzel) made by Comm. Levin (2nd Comm. Wilkerson). In discussion, Comm. Levin requested that the account of the meeting of the Board of Trust (at Agenda item 7), include further amplification on a Committee Meeting prior to the BOT meeting. Corrections were noted and a vote to accept the Minutes for the 1/8/13, VAC, as corrected, passed unanimously.

Agenda item 1 – Call for PUBLIC COMMENT
Guest Matthew Gabbe introduced himself as a Navy veteran who is interested in the proceedings and work of the SFVAC.

Guest Charlene Phipps introduced herself and spoke of here interest in working on issues of Women Veterans. She works with homeless veterans. She has organized a WOMEN’S VET CONNECT on Friday 3/15, at the Vet Center @ 3rd. St. & Harrison. All are invited to visit and/or volunteer. She also announced additional Women’s History Month events, and intent to develop a Steering Committee to work on the special issues of Women Vets with children.

Guest Roger Dong of the Veterans Success Center spoke to announce that several vets have recently been placed in new jobs as a result of the work of the Center. He also reported on continuing negotiations to find alternative space for the VSC during the Veterans building shut-down. Their fund-raising efforts are also ongoing.

Guest Paul Cox of the ALWMC spoke to report on the re-opening of the historic Los Angeles Veterans Building after a long retrofit shutdown. He reported that the L.A. City Government mandated that the building must be used primarily for the benefit of VETERANS, as its designated purpose. He pointed out that this is in stark contrast to the current situation regarding the San Francisco War Memorial Veterans Building, where the City Government is taking no such position.

At this point, seeing that Pres. Ramirez had arrived, V.P. Towers called for a short RECESS in the proceedings for a “gavel transition” that enabled the President to Chair the balance of the meeting.

Agenda item 2 - Officers Reports (Note: Pres. Ramirez Presiding)
A. President’s Report;
President Ramirez began his report with an announcement of the 5/25/13 SFSU Veterans Graduation Event at the Marines Memorial Building. He suggested the item be included on April meeting Agenda for potential Endorsement.

Pres. Ramirez also introduced the idea for a potential change in the Parade Route for the Veterans Day Parade in November, and suggested further discussion as a future meeting Agenda Item.

B. Vice Presidents Report;
V.P. Towers reported on progress made in updating the SFVAC Website to include both FaceBook and Twitter pages. These new Social Media pages include volumes of information on services for veterans and as Social Media Coordinator for the SFVAC he is continually adding new information. Commissioners are urged to view the new website Social Media pages.

C. Secretary’s Report;
Secretary Noetzel reported on recent Commission Correspondence including:
a. A 2/22/13 letter from Pres. Ramirez to City Government that indicates Commission Endorsement for three new California Laws that support the Veterans Community.

b. A 3/12/13 letter from President Ramirez to ALWMC Chair Nelson Lum expressing interest in allocation of space (for the SFVAC) in planning for Space Usage in the WMVB on completion of building retrofit.

Sec’y Noetzel also reported on an SF Chronicle article about the opening of a new facility for housing of homeless veterans in the Mission District of the city. He expressed concern that unlike previous ceremonies for such facility openings, no one on the Commission was appraised of this event, or of the fact that new housing for Veterans was opened in the Mission.

Finally, Secretary Noetzel reported on a conference of Secretaries of City Commissions that he attended on 3/11. He received information on 2 specific questions that he raised, those being:

? What is City Policy on use of Social Media Accounts in connection with Commission business?
(Answer: There is no current policy as yet however a city Committee is studying this issue and will have recommendations in near future).

? When is the next scheduled training for new Commissioners, on Ethics and Transparency rules?
(Answer: There is no training session planned for 2013 however administration is providing a link to enable Commissioners to download and view the past Training Session).

Agenda Item 3. - NEW Business
A. Report and Discussion on progress in establishment of New Mailing Address for SFVAC.

Sec’y Noetzel reported t hat this issue is now moot as a new official Mailing Address for the Commission, was recently established; that being: SFVAC Room 53, San Francisco City Hall, 1 Dr. Carl B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102. He also reported that new mailing envelopes have been ordered, and new letterhead stationary is already available.

B. Report and Discussion on VAC Business Card Format. Potential Action Item. Comm. Burnette announced that he would be contacting individual Commissioners to determine what address and other information they want printed on VAC Business cards. After some discussion, Chair ruled that

C. General Discussion on potential for expanding audio recording of VAC meetings. Potential Action Item.
After considerable discussion on the pros and cons of both audio and video broadcast of SFVAC proceedings on City of S.F. Broadcast stations, Comm. Caldera made a MOTION that we forward a request (to City Broadcasting authority), to broadcast AUDIO of our meetings, so long as it is cost-free. (2nd by Comm. Burnette. A vote was taken, and the Motion failed. No further action on this issue.

D. Discussion on City of S.F. “311” System: Potential Action Item. President Ramirez delegated to Comm. Towers, the task of researching what the SFVAC would like to see included on 311 Website, and working toward that goal with appropriate City Administrators.

E. Discussion and Potential Action in support of the JAN KARSKI EXHIBIT in City Hall as part of Holocaust Rembrance Month. Guests J. Fuller, Z. Stanczyk, and Ms. Maureen Morris provided an comprehensive Power Point Presentation on both the history and life of Mr. Karski as well as the Exhibit, which was last shown in the lobby of the U.N. Building in NYC. Guests added valuable commentary to their Video-Screen presentation, and answered questions about the Exhibit.

On conclusion of the 10-minute presentation, Comm. Levin asked the Exhibit promoters why they had not first approached the leaders of the Jewish Community Relations Council and more directly, the City Officials who schedule exhibits in the City Hall Rotunda and adjoining rooms (i.e. Events Director Elsie McAteer). Mr. Fuller acknowledged that other avenues might have been explored but he found Mr. Paul Cox of the ALWMC to be receptive. Comm. Caldera commented that the Exhibit presentation lacked any mention of the inclusion of homosexuals who were also victimized in the Holocaust. Exhibit presenters took note and said they would look into inclusion.

Comm. Noetzel then made a MOTION requesting that having viewed the presentation, the SFVAC endorses the installation of the KARSKI EXHIBIT in City Hall, and supports an ADVICE LETTER to City Government, to that effect. (2nd. Comm. Guy).

After some discussion, a VOTE was taken and the Motion was passed with all Yea’s save one abstention. (Comm. Burnette).
The president will write an Advice Letter to City Government to support the installation of the KARSKI EXHIBIT.

Agenda Item #4 - .Commission GOALS AND PLANS President Ramirez asked Lead Commissioners to Report.

Commission Goal #1 – i.e. Establishment of a VETERANS COURT in San Francisco.
Lead Comm. Michael Maffei happily reported a major success in this effort, with an announcement that the San Francisco Superior Court has agreed to open a VETERANS COURT, starting in April! Comm. Maffei thanked all who worked to make this happen, and promised to send out an Email Announcement of the very first Court Date of the S.F. Veterans Court (when scheduled) so that all Commissioners have opportunity to attend.

Guest Nelson Lum, Chairman of the American Legion War Memorial Commission rose to request improved communication between the SFVAC and the American Legion (via the ALWMC), particularly on substantive issues such as the Veterans Court, where the Legion may be able to offer additional support and expertise. President Ramirez asked Secretary Noetzel to insure that the ALWMC be included on the mailing list to insure that they are informed of all of the issues and activities of the SFVAC. The Secretary agreed to do so.

Commission Goal #2 – i.e. Increase Respect for Issues of Women Veterans.
Lead Comm. Guy reported that she will be attending the WOMEN’S VET CONNECT event on Friday 3/15, (as described earlier by guest Ms. Charlene Phipps). She is also continuing work with other organizations in this area, and that information will be available on the FaceBook and Twitter pages of the SFVAC website.

Commission Goal #3 – i.e. Relocation of COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE into the Veterans Building.
Lead Comm. John Gallagher reported that their current “cramped quarters” at 27B Van Ness included a 4-chair entry lobby, (approx. 12.5’ x 8’), and two interview rooms (approx. 8’ x 9’ each), and a small files storage room for a total of approx. 300 square feet of total operating space. Comm. Gallagher says that this is already inadequate for their current staffing and a workload of 400-600 Veteran visitors per month, but it will be even more crowded if additional requested staff is added. Future space requirement includes a lobby area with seating for 8 – 10 veterans, plus a minimum of three interview rooms of adequate size, plus adequate storage area. Pres. Ramirez asked if the CVSO has ever expressed an interest in acquisition of office space within the renovated War Memorial Veterans Building. Comm. Levin, speaking as the official County Veterans Service Officer said that no such Letter of interest has been generated. Pres. Ramirez asked him if he would write such the Letter of Interest (addressed to the Space Allocation Officer of the ALWMC), and include within it the full space requirements sought by the CVSO.
Comm. Levin agreed to write the Letter of Interest.

Commission Goal #4 – i.e. Progress toward Establishment of the War Memorial Veterans Building as a ONE-STOP-SHOP.
President Ramirez reported that the MARCH Veterans Town Hall/Collaborative will meet as usual on the last Wednesday of the month (i.e. 27 March). He also announced that the LAST such meeting (prior to building closure) will be Wednesday the 24th of April. This one will be an day-long event as it will also include a UNIVERSITY VETERANS SUMMITT. Pres. Ramirez said he already has commitments from several colleges and Universities, and his hope is that this will be a fitting Grand Finale’ event before the WMVB is closed for remodel.

Pres. Ramirez asked if any Commissioners had any new or additional GOALS for the Commission to consider. Comm. Caldera reported that he has been working with the S.F. Dept. of Public Health with regard to a potential PUBLIC HEARING on the issue of PTSD within the Veterans Community. Pres. Ramirez asked Comm. Caldera if he would work ‘off-line’ with him on this potential. Comm. Towers suggested that any consideration of a PUBLIC HEARING requires more focus followed by a huge planning effort, and that if such Public Hearings were set into actual Planning Stage, other issues (such as Veterans Homelessness and the massive Veterans Claims backlog) might also be included on any Hearings Agenda.

Agenda Item #5 - Old Business.
A. Mailing Address for SFVAC (Covered at item 3A, above).

B. VETERANS COURT for San Francisco. (Covered at Agenda Item #4, above)

C. Report on Security lighting at Ft. Miley bus-stop (Comm. Guy, Lead). Comm. Guy reports that she will re-inspect the area on another after-dark visit and report on improvement, if any. As Pres. Ramirez works there he noted that any unsafe condition can also be reported to the Advisory Board.

Agenda Item #6 – Veterans Related LEGISLATION
(Covered in Secretary’s Report at item 2C, a, above).

Agenda Item #7 – WAR MEMORIAL VETERANS BUILDING
As Comm. Nelson Lum (Chair of ALWMC) was still present, Pres. Ramirez asked him to comment directly. Comm. Lum announced that 4/30/13 will be the last date for events in the WMVB, and 5/1 thru 5/16 will be “move out’ dates, and 5/17 will be the deadline for removal of all tenant property. After that anything remaining in the building is subject to be placed into trash bins.

He further stated that he had a meeting scheduled next week, with BOT Chair, Gen. Myatt, and he was hopeful about ongoing negotiations concerning retention of building space for Veterans use after the retrofit. He said he currently has only 3 Letters of Interest or Letters of Intent from veteran’s related groups/agencies that want to reserve space in the building after retrofit, but he is seeking more.

Agenda Item #8 - ANNOUNCEMENTS:

? Pres. Ramirez announced that the next Veterans Town Hall Collaborative meetings will be on Wednesday, the 27th of February 2013, in the War Memorial Veterans Building.

? He also announced that the APRIL Town Hall Collaborative meetings (and University Summit) will be on Wednesday, the 24th of April 2013. (See info on VAC Website FaceBook page).

? Comm. Guy announced that on Friday the 19th of April, 2013, in room 207 of the War Memorial Veterans Building, in collaboration with the ALWMC, Congresswoman JACKIE SPEIER and Congresswoman BARBARA LEE will host the Second Annual VETERANS FIX-IT EVENT. For full information and registration details, see EVENT FLYER on the FaceBook Page of the SFVAC Website.

? Comm. Weeby announced that she is also going to Washington D.C. (in APRIL) to participate in lobbying efforts to pass legislation designed to fight Sexual Trauma within the military.

? Comm. Guy announced that she is going to Washington D.C. to participate in the IAVA event called: Storm the Hill in DC next week. She will be working with numbers of ‘Post – 911” vets who will lobby federal government for action to reduce the horrendous VA backlog, and other Veterans related issues.

? Comm. Dacumos announced that the International Military Pilgrimage of Wounded Warriors will take place on the 19th of May, 2013. More details on this in future meetings.

? Comm. R. Wong announced that the California winner of the national VFW sponsored High School Speech Contest, Ms. Danielle Hayes, of Mercy High School in San Francisco, has recently gone on to WIN the NATIONAL CONTEST! Congratulations to Danielle on her Essay: “Is the Constitution Still Relevant?”. Essay can be viewed on VFW website.

Agenda Item #9 - Honors Report and Moment of Silence:
In memory of American Armed Service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in all wars and conflicts, plus the passing of homeless veterans and veterans who died while waiting approval of benefits requests and suicides within the veterans and armed services community” concluded the meeting.

Agenda Item #10 - ADJORNMENT
Meeting adjourned @ 8:09pm

Minutes of the 3/12/13 VAC Meeting written by VAC Secretary Stephen S. Noetzel and APPROVED (as submitted) at the SFVAC Meeting of 4/9/13.