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HomeMy WebLinkAbout25.04.02 - Minutes, Veteran's Advisory CommitteeWashington County Veterans Advisory Committee Minutes Date: Wednesday, 02 April 2025 @ 18:30 Location: Washington County Treasurer's Conference Room 35 West Washington Street, Hagerstown Attendance Present -Stephanie Pulver -Breeden (Chair), Niki Falzone (Vice Chair), Jim Sword (Secretary), Robert Breeding, Robert Summers Not Present- Derek Harvey (County Commissioner), Darrell Nelson*, Aaron Palmer, Jamaal Brown, Starlene Hamilton* Business Meeting Committee Chair Stephanie Pulver -Breeden called the meeting order at 18:41. A quorum was established, and the previous meeting's minutes were unanimously approved after a motion by Robert Summers and a second by Robert Breeding. The agenda were unanimously approved after correction of changing the term Bi Laws Amendment Proposals under New Business to Annual Review by Stephanie Pulver -Breeden. With this amendment, the agenda was unanimously approved after a motion by Robert Breeding and a second by Niki Falzone. Presentation There was no presentation at this meeting. Old Business Financial Disclosures Jim Sword has collected Financial Disclosures to date from the following VAC members: Stephanie Pulver -Breeden, Niki Falzone, Jim Sword, Darrell Nelson and Robert Summers. Robert Breeding has already submitted a financial disclosure in his capacity as an elected official with the County. Niki Falzone suggested to inquire if any VAC member whose terms are expected to expire are not expecting to continue to serve on the Committee, to advise the Committee so the process to fill those positions can be planned. A follow up with the County is needed to ensure VAC vacancies have been posted and any applicants who have applied. Public Forum and Comments There were no public comments. New Business Executive Board Member Position Elections Robert Breeding made a motion for the current sitting Board members remain. Jim Sword expressed concern to the members the next couple of months he would be extremely busy with personal matters and unable to effectively remain secretary. Robert Breeding volunteered to serve as the Ad Hoc Secretary in the interim. With that caveat, Jim Sword agreed to continue to serve in the capacity of Secretary. Robert Summers seconded the motion and the motion passed without opposition. 2025-2026 VAC Objectives Through the 2025-2025 term, the VAC will make efforts to centralize veteran focused resources. Robert Breeding suggested increased postings and announcements on Facebook and/or other social media and digital platforms, including information on veteran organizations. Veterans Advisory Committee Wreath Robert Summers suggested the VAC consider a future motion to have a wreath for ceremonial wreath laying ceremonies. He will obtain more information for future discussion. 2026 High School Graduation Banquet Niki Falzone suggested to begin planning for the 2026 High Graduation Banquet for those students enlisted in the armed services. Stephanie Pulver -Breeden will get with WCPS for the number of cords needed for this graduation. Darrell Nelson had previously advised the Redmen would be willing to contribute if additional cords are needed. Veterans Advisory Committee Website Stephanie Pulver -Breeden advised the committee she is meeting with Katie Stover about creating a website for the committee and announcements. Announcements/Upcoming Events Maryland Disabled Veteran Tax Benefit Robert Breeding announced the Disabled Veteran Tax Benefit had moved out of the Budget and Finance Committee in Annapolis and expected to pass into legislation. Hagerstown Community College Hagerstown Community College Veterans and Military Services Advisor Office Hours Thursday -Friday 08:30-16:30 veterans@hagerstowncc.edu 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, 07 MAY 2025 AT 18:30 AT THE BOONSBORO COMMUNITY CENTER LOCATED AT SHAFER PARK, BOONSBORO Adjournment A motion was made by Robert Breeding and seconded by Robert Summers to adjourn the meeting at 19:24.