2010-11-18 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 9 November 18, 2010 VOTE: There were 11 ayes and 1 member (David Carlson) voted against the motion. Motion passed. Chairperson Fox said Mr. Gilbert Sampaia of BIRMA has not been able to attend meetings in awhile. Secretary Nathalie Santos said she has written to Commander Wymond Wilds several times and he has not responded. Chairperson Fox said they do still meet. Mr. Wery said that BIRMA does want to have somebody here and they are going to replace Mr. Sampaia. Meetings Chairperson Fox said we haven't had quorum in about two months and we've had quorum about every other month, we were talking about scheduling meetings every other month which might make it easier. Mr. Wery said if people aren't showing up it doesn't matter if it's monthly, bi- monthly or quarterly or whenever it's set. He suggested leaving it the way it is. Ms. Brulee- Wilson asked what the process is for someone that wants to resign from the Committee. Secretary Nathalie Santos stated member should send a letter of resignation addressed to the Mayor and send her a copy. Ms. Brulee- Wilson asked if a reason would need to be stated and Secretary Santos responded that it is up to the person, but a reason is not required. Chairperson Fox said meetings will continue to be held monthly. Meetings will not be held during December and January. Meetings are not normally held in December because everyone is always so busy and the West Hawaii Mayor's Office will be moving during the month of January to the new West Hawaii Civic Center, they will not be set up for videoconferencing until February. Director Fitzgerald said his Kona office will also be moving to the West Hawaii Civic Center at the end of January. The next meeting will be held in February 2011 and meetings will be scheduled monthly thereafter. The 2011 Meeting Schedule will be sent to members. EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS YUKIO OKUTSU STATE VETERANS HOME Juan Babiak of the (Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home) announced that they officially closed the 2006 VA State Veterans Home Construction Project. They have had two admissions so far, to the adult day health program. They are both private pay and there are eight others who are requesting admission once the facility is certified by the VA and the state for Medicaid payments. The current rate is $85 per day, which is above the Medicaid rate of $79 per day. Once they are certified for Medicaid, they will be able to