Veterans Affairs Commission

CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2019 VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH DEPARTMENT MAIN BUILDING COMMISSION MINUTES 2525 GRAND AVENUE, ROOM 204, 5:00 PM Ricky Fernandez, Chair Gustavo Orozco, Commissioner Ryan Antes, Vice Chair Mike Shaknovich, Commissioner Sylvia Contreras, Commissioner Josh Smith, Commissioner Juanita Doplemore, Commissioner Carlos Gonzalez, Commissioner FINISHED AGENDA & MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chair Fernandez called meeting to order at 5:07 p.m. ROLL CALL Commissioners Sylvia Contreras, Juanita Doplemore, Carlos Gonzalez, Gustavo Present: Orozco, Mike Shaknovich, Josh Smith, Ryan Antes and Ricky Fernandez 19-017VA Recommendation to approve minutes for the Veterans Affairs Commission special meeting held on April 9, 2019. This VA-Agenda Item was approve recommendation. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Guests present, John Oppenheim and Sarah Green, did not have public comments. REGULAR AGENDA CHAIR REPORT - Strategic Plan Retreat Recap Commission Coordinator G. Overholt reported on a successful Commission planning retreat wherein the team reviewed a literature review, an analysis of 30+ interviews with Veterans community stakeholders, and analysis and maps of Veterans demographic data, and determined working goals for the Veterans Strategic Plan. Page 1 of 3 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2019 VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH DEPARTMENT MAIN BUILDING COMMISSION MINUTES 2525 GRAND AVENUE, ROOM 204, 5:00 PM STAFF REPORT 19-018VA Recommendation to discuss Veterans Commission Strategic Plan Commission Coordinator G. Overholt summarized the draft goals. The Commission discussed next steps following the planning retreat including community input sessions, and a reiterative draft and review process. This VA-Agenda Item was received and filed. 19-019VA Recommendation to discuss Community Participation Strategies (per the Strategic Plan) The Commission explored the next steps are to organize community input sessions where Veterans gather. These events will be promoted. Commissioners will lead interactives with attendees. Commissioners will seek partner organizations and venues for these sessions. The Commission moved to approve this plan for moving forward. This VA-Agenda Item was to approve the recommendation to move forward with a plan to organize and hold community input sessions on the draft goals of the strategic plan. 19-020VA Recommendation to discuss Veterans Empowerment Training Session on June 29 The Commission discussed the details of a VET session on June 29. Commissioners are assisting with securing a venue, speakers, supplies and refreshments, as well as promoting this session focused on a panel discussion and employment and training-related resources. The Commission motioned to approve this event, which will also include a strategic plan community input session. This VA-Agenda Item was approve recommendation for planning and delivering a VET session on June 29. ANNOUNCEMENTS Page 2 of 3 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2019 VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH DEPARTMENT MAIN BUILDING COMMISSION MINUTES 2525 GRAND AVENUE, ROOM 204, 5:00 PM Upcoming Veterans events were announced. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The Veterans Strategic Plan will continue to be an agenda item. ADJOURNMENT Chair Fernandez adjourned the meeting at 6:17 p.m. Page 3 of 3