(a) There is hereby created the veteran affairs commission of the city, which shall be an advisory body of 15 members. Each city council member shall have one appointment to the veteran affairs commission. The mayor shall appoint the chair from among the members, subject to confirmation by the city council, and the full city council shall appoint the vice-chair.
(b) All members shall be appointed for an initial term to expire on September 30, 2021. Thereafter, nominations shall begin in August 2021 and each subsequent odd-numbered year, and members appointed shall serve a two-year term beginning on October 1.
(c) The veteran affairs commission will represent the city's military veteran community. The veteran affairs commission must have a balanced membership reflecting an outstanding interest in or knowledge of veterans' affairs, including having knowledge about veterans' concerns, or being affiliated with a service provider to veterans, and at least four members must be currently serving or have previously served in the United States military (including the Reserves or National Guard).
(d) The veteran affairs commission shall hold monthly meetings or as often as may be necessary. The chair, with assistance of staff, shall schedule and determine the agenda for such meetings. (Ord. 31746)
(a) The veteran affairs commission shall act as an advisory body to the city manager and the city council and shall:
(1) evaluate and recommend programs, policies, and practices designed to alleviate veterans' difficulties in meeting basic needs, obtaining housing, employment, and comprehensive mental health assistance;
(2) act as a central clearinghouse for information relating to the status of veterans in the Dallas community;
(3) accumulate information about the needs of veterans in the Dallas community, including available services, and make recommendations to the city council regarding these needs;
(4) recommend ways to:
(A) educate the community on:
(i) the status of veterans' rights and needs; and
(ii) veterans' contributions to our community; and
(B) promote awareness among the public and private sector of veterans' full potential and of the importance of veterans' contributions to the development of the community; and
(5) identify and review the entire range of services available to veterans, and recommend ways to:
(A) strengthen existing services and pursue new services for veterans;
(B) promote collaboration between service providers; and
(C) expand resources available to veterans.
(b) The city manager shall provide staff to assist the commission in performing its duties and responsibilities. (Ord. 31746)