HomeMy WebLinkAbout22.02.02 - Minutes, Veterans Advisory CommitteeVAC Meeting Minutes December 15, 2021 1
Washington County Veterans Advisory Council Minutes
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Via Zoom
Attendance
Guest: N/A
Welcome and Introductions
Starlene Hamilton called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm and led attendees in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Establishment of a quorum: After a review of attendance, Starlene Hamilton determined that a
quorum of voting members was present.
Approval of Meeting Minutes: Matt Breeding made a motion to approve the January minutes as
submitted. The motion was seconded, and all members approved, except for Stephanie Pulver,
who abstained based on missing information.
Chair Comments: Starlene updated members on Old Business as follows:
1. To have the VAC on the County Commissioner agenda, a request needs to be made
to Krista Hart for an “Agenda Request Form”
2. Commissioner Cline stated that Danielle Weaver should be contacted for Wash Co
PIO releases. This can be done at 240-313-2384 or dweaver@washco-md.net
3. Further discussion was held regarding utilizing Google Docs as a centralized place to
store all VAC materials for review and edit. Stephanie Pulver motioned for additional
information to be discussed at March meeting, once new officers have been elected.
Matt Breeding seconded. All members approved unanimously.
Voting Members Present Absent/Excused
Matt Breeding X
Teresa Spruill X
Stephanie Pulver X
Jake Demers X
Starlene Hamilton X
Laura Lane-Unsworth X
Dan Plotner X
Bill Ruland X
MD Dept of Veteran Affairs Rep
(Position Currently Vacant)
Non-Voting Members
Commissioner Jeff Cline X
Kelly Marquart X
VAC Meeting Minutes December 15, 2021 2
4. Remote attendance via Zoom was also requested to be tabled until the March
meeting, as new officer elections were being conducted.
5. Discussion of the VAC brochure was held, with general agreement that left
justification should be used for the entire thing. Teresa advised all photos were
public domain, and Jeff Cline advised that once finished the document should be
sent to Krista Hart to forward to the County’s attorney for approval before being
finalized by the County Commissioners.
6. Discount fare for Washington County Commuter riders has been confirmed on the
website and on the buses, this matter is now closed.
7. VAC By-laws have been confirmed to be updated properly on the county website.
This matter is now closed.
Member Elections: All three board position were available after Jake Demers, Starlene
Hamilton, and Bill Ruland announced their resignation. Matt Breeding nominated himself to
serve as Chair. All members voted in favor of approving this nomination. Matt Breeding then
nominated Dan Plotner to serve as Vice Chair, however, Dan declined. After discussion,
Stephanie Pulver nominated Teresa Spruill to serve as Vice Chair and she was unanimously
approved by the committee. Starlene Hamilton nominated Stephanie Pulver to serve as
Secretary, and she was also unanimously approved. Officer roles were determined to begin at
the end of this meeting, on February 2, 2023.
New Business
• Further discussion of Memorial Day plans/events were tabled until the March meeting
• Matt proposed shirts be obtained for the VAC through a budget from the County
Commissioners. He additionally suggested a canopy for tables at county wide events
and a few other small budgetary requests. Teresa commented that name tags may be a
better idea. Matt stated he will have a completed proposal for the March meeting.
• Matt also stated that there will be a PowerPoint presentation for the March meeting
• Starlene suggested the members of the VAC hold a picnic/get together to meet in
person and get to know one another better. Date and time are TBD
• Discussion ensued about inviting Andrea Jones, the Maryland Dept of Veterans Affairs
representative, to our March meeting and Starlene offered to be the POC for that
matter.
• VAC discussed the Washington County tax relief for disabled veterans and provided
additional information to members, as well as had the link placed on the VAC’s County
website for residents to access as well.
Adjournment: This meeting was adjourned at 1944.
The next meeting of the VAC will be on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 6:30pm.
Submitted by Stephanie Pulver, Secretary, Veterans Advisory Committee