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HomeMy WebLinkAbout25.01.15 - Minutes, Veteran's Advisory CommitteeWashington County Veterans Advisory Committee Minutes Date: Wednesday, 15 January 2025 @ 18:30 Location: Washington County Office 1St Floor Conference Room, 35 West Washington Street, Hagerstown MD Attendance Present -Stephanie Pulver -Breeden (Chair), Niki Falzone (Vice Chair), Jim Sword (Secretary), Robert Breeding, Jamaal Brown, Starlene Hamilton, Robert Summers Not Present- Derek Harvey (County Commissioner), Darrell Nelson, Aaron Palmer Mr. Paul Dexter attended the meeting and was introduced by Robert Breeding. Presentation Mrs. Julianne Klappert, Coordinator of the Frederick and Washington County Veterans Treatment Court provided a presentation to the Committee. The Veterans Treatment Court is designated to address the unique needs specifically effecting military veterans to include, substance abuse and PTSD. The goal of the Veterans Treatment Court is to reduce recidivism and help to reintegrate into society by addressing the underlying issues and providing tools and resources for long term success. The program is 100% voluntary. Members of the Veterans Treatment Court include: Judge Eric Shaffer who is an Army veteran himself. He serves as the primary judge of the Veterans Treatment Court. Judge Victoria Lobley serves as the alternate judge. Mr. Muriello represents the Washington County Parole and Probation. Mr. Michael Moore of the Frederick County States Attorney's Office and Mr. Kenneth Shapiro of the Washington County States Attorney's Office. Niki Falzone serves as the Service Provider and Julianne Klappert serves as the Coordinator. Frederick and Washington County Counties have a higher than average Veteran population comparative to the rest of the State. For someone to be eligible for the Veterans Treatment Court, the offender must: 1. have served in the military and received an Honorable, General or Other than Honorable Discharge. 2. have an active Criminal or Traffic Case that is "non violent" as defined in the Maryland Public Safety statute. 3. have approval from the States Attorney for the County where the charge occurred. The Washington County Veterans Committee can help the Veterans Treatment Court by: 1. Referring participants to the program 2. Refer mentors 3. Attend the Veterans Treatment Court 4. Provide Suggestions 5. Get involved by serving as a mentor 6. Spreading the word about the Veterans Treatment Court. Mentors should have a genuine concern for veterans, be in good standing with the Court, complete the required training and be willing to commit for 6 months. Business Meeting Committee Chair Stephanie Pulver -Breeden called the meeting order at 19:28. A quorum was established and the previous meeting's minutes and the agenda were unanimously approved after a motion by Robert Summers and a second by Starlene Hamilton. Old Business National Flag Display Proposal The National Flag Display was passed to a meting in the future. Veterans Advisory Committee/Veteran Service Organization Assignments Stephanie Pulver -Breeden was finalizing the assignments and requested Committee members to email her with their preferences. Updated Veterans Advisory Committee Flyer Stephanie Pulver -Breeden requested any suggestions to add or change to the Veterans Advisory Committee Flyer. Robert Summers suggested adding the Veterans Treatment Court information. Stephanie suggested adding Platoon 22, generic information for Easter Seals and an electronic QR Code. Veterans Advisory Committee Vacancy Niki Falzone reported she had reached out to applicants who previously filed applications with the County. Only three of the previous applicants replied. Niki made a motion to request the County reopen the application process to fill the two vacant positions on the Committee. Jim Sword seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. 2025 VAC Meeting Locations The 2025 VAC meeting schedule and locations are still being finalized. Stephanie wants at least one meeting a quarter to be held at a public location such as a library in lieu of strictly at Veteran Organization sites. Robert Breeding added that once Committee members are assigned to their respective Veteran Organization liaison assignments are in place, locating a space and adding meeting locations will be easier. Public Forum and Comments There were no public comments. New Business Change of Language in Maryland Tax Article 9-323g Robert Breeding made a motion for Washington County Veterans Advisory Committee to encourage the Washington County Commissioner's to support the Washington County Delegation to Annapolis to the change language within the Maryland Tax Article 9-323(g). This section of the Maryland Tax Article is specific to Washington County and allows for the tax credit for disables veterans. Currently, the language states "active military, naval and air service as defined in 38 USC 101". Mr. Breeding wanted to support the delegation's legislative proposal and strike the word "active" and replace it with "uniformed". Mr. Breeding advised the Committee the term "active military, naval and air" excludes members of the Coast Guard, certain National Guard and Reserve training activities and other Services. Stephanie Pulver -Breeden wanted to see the language of the statute before making a decision and was concerned this support was outside of the scope of the Committee bylaws. Additionally, Stephanie stated 38 USC 101 reads to cover those veterans. Mr. Breeding stated this amendment would make the statute clear on who was eligible for tax credits. Mr. Breeding withdrew the motion prior to a formal vote. Announcements/Upcoming Events Boots to Suits Recurring every second Tuesday Washington County Chamber of Commerce 1 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown MD Community Care Network Recurring every second Tuesday Washington County Department of Social Services 122 North Potomac Street, Hagerstown MD NEXT VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY, 05 FEBRUARY 2025 AT 18:30 AT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY TREASURERS OFFICE CONFRENCE ROOM. Adjournment A motion was made by Stephanie Pulver -Breeden and seconded by Robert Breeden to adjourn the meeting at 20:03.