Imperial County Veterans Advisory Council appoints Augustine Saldana interim chair; approves prior minutes 3-1

The Imperial County Veterans Advisory Council on May 29 voted to name Augustine “Auggie” Saldana interim chair until the council’s vacant seat is filled and approved the minutes from the previous meeting by a 3-to-1 vote.

Council leaders said the action responds to recent resignations and absences that left several seats vacant. The council discussed the rotation that normally places a county supervisor’s appointee in the chair role and noted that Supervisor Hawk told the council he expects former chair Jerry Gowna to return next month.

Council staff brought the membership item forward after earlier roll call showed several district seats vacant or unfilled and two alternates present to create a quorum. A motion to name Augustine Saldana as interim chair was moved and seconded; the body then conducted a roll-call vote. Council members recorded three votes in favor and one non‑vote/abstention, and the motion carried. The council separately approved the minutes from the previous meeting, also by a 3‑to‑1 tally.

Members emphasized that the interim appointment is temporary. A staff member told the council the vacancy will revert to the normal appointment process when the appointing authority acts; several members said the council will hold a formal vote again if the previously seated member returns.

Votes at a glance - Approval of minutes from previous meeting: Motion to approve carried 3–1 (mover and seconder stated during meeting; individual vote names were not recorded on the public transcript). Outcome: approved. - Appointment of Augustine “Auggie” Saldana as interim chair until the vacancy is filled: Motion carried (3 yes, 1 non‑vote/abstention). Outcome: approved.

The council chairmanship discussion occurred during the agenda item labeled “membership.” Members debated whether an alternate may serve as chair while a seat is vacant and agreed an alternate may serve until the appointing authority fills the vacancy. Several members urged clearer procedures for future leadership transitions, and staff noted that agenda changes affecting the public require advance public notice under county rules.

The meeting closed after the council covered membership and other routine business.