Title
Consider a Resolution to:
a. Establish the Veterans Issues Advisory Committee; and
b. Approve the by-laws for the Committee.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution to:
a. Establish the Veterans Issues Advisory Committee; and
b. Approve by-laws for the Committee.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In September of 1994, the Fort Ord Army Base was closed by the Department of the Army. The closure provided 45 square miles of coastal property for local use. The Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA) was established to coordinate the use of land with Monterey County and local cities. FORA dissolved as of June 30, 2020 along with the forum through which the voices of active military, veterans and their dependents were heard and considered regarding the ongoing development of Fort Ord.
The Veterans Issues Advisory Committee (VIAC) will champion military and veteran specific interests and issues on or near the former Fort Ord Army Base for the benefit of all County military and veterans to include, disabled veterans, homeless veterans and other minority groups within the military and veteran community. Under the leadership and oversight of the Military & Veterans Affairs Office, the VIAC will identify, discuss, evaluate, advise and advocate for the veterans of Monterey County regarding the development of former Fort Ord and issues that will have a direct impact to the military, veteran, and dependent community. The VIAC will coordinate efforts regarding federal, state and local government and non-government stakeholders on formulation, coordination, and execution of military, veteran and dependent policy and strategy as appropriate. The VIAC will assist in the overall betterment of the Monterey County military, veteran, and dependent community by developing engagement strategies for federal, state and local governments, stakeholders, non-profits, and veteran organizations. The Military & Veterans Affairs Office (MVAO) has identified (18) specific areas of effort that will be used by the VIAC to ensure the committee properly serves the military, veterans, and dependents in Monterey County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Military and Veteran Affairs Advisory Commission and the United Veterans’ Council concur with this recommendation.
FINANCING:
This action has no impact on the County’s General Fund; all expenses associated with the staffing of the VIAC shall be absorbed within the MVAO’s budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement correlates to the Economic Development and Health & Human Services Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by adding military and veterans’ voices and concerns to Fort Ord development plans and supporting the expansion of programs and resources available to active military personnel and veterans.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
X Economic Development
__ Administration
X Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Joe Farotte, MA III, x7841
Approved by: Jason Cameron, Director, MVAO x7619
Attachments: By-laws; Resolution
The proposed resolution and by-laws are on file with the Clerk of the Board as attachments to this Board report.