Title
Adopt Resolution to:
Authorize and approve the dissolving of the Fort Ord Veterans’ Cemetery Citizens’ Advisory Committee.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution to:
Authorize and approve the dissolving of the Fort Ord Veterans’ Cemetery Citizens’ Advisory Committee.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In February of 2007, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors established the Fort Ord Veterans’ Cemetery Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CCAC) to take action to assist in developing a Business Plan and Implementation Program for the development of the proposed Central Coast Veterans’ Cemetery (CCVC) to be located on the former Fort Ord. The Committee’s bylaws included eight (8) specific areas of effort to liaison with stake holders and secure adequate funding.
The California Central Coast Veterans’ Cemetery opened on Tuesday, October 11th, 2016 at 2900 Parker Flats Road on land provided by the County and the City of Seaside on old Fort Ord. CCAC secured Phase 1 funding in the amount of $9.4M. The Phase 1 development included an administration building, public information center, maintenance complex, a committal service shelter, assembly area and memorial walk as well as a columbarium for 5,000 veterans. In September of 2019, CCAC’s efforts secured additional Phase 2 funding through a $6.4M grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration. Phase 2 is currently in progress with the construction of 1,912 pre-placed crypts, and 1,079 in-ground sites, 80 memorial wall plaques, a roadway, landscaping, and supporting infrastructure. The completed project will provide a final resting place for 84,400 veterans and their eligible family members.
CCAC successfully accomplished the primary purpose of assisting in developing the Business Plan and Implementation Plan for the CCVC and completed each of the eight (8) specific areas of effort. Their members and ex-officio members are encouraged to join, attend meetings, and work with the United Veterans’ Council and/or the Monterey County Military and Veteran Affairs Advisory Commission.
For this reason, the Director of the Military & Veterans Affairs Office recommends dissolving the Fort Ord Veterans’ Cemetery Citizens’ Advisory Committee.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Military and Veteran Affairs Advisory Commission and the United Veterans’ Council concur with this recommendation.
FINANCING:
CCVC has received all the financing from the Department of Veteran Affairs, the California Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and through donations to the Central Coast Veterans’ Cemetery Foundation. Approval of this action has no impact on the County General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The County initiatives supported through both the dissolution of the CCAC and the establishment of the VIAC are:
1. Economic development: Veteran committees support the County’s economic development initiative by adding military and veterans’ voices and concerns to development plans and policies. The committees are heavily involved in the development of old Fort Ord and the surrounding area to ensure military and veterans’ ideas and preferences are supported throughout the development cycle. These committees have had a profound impact on the development of the veterans’ cemetery, CSUMB buildings, and the growth of the Veterans Transition Center.
2. Health and Human Services: Veteran committees support the County’s health and human services initiative by supporting the expansion of programs and resources available to active military personnel and veterans. The expanded services include the establishment of veteran claim services available at multiple offices around old Fort Ord as well as expanded homeless services and transitional housing. The committees advocate for the inclusion of military and veterans services and resources throughout the ongoing development and expansion on old Fort Ord.
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