Council to split commission into two advisory bodies; commissioners discuss timing and membership

Staff reported that the City Council signaled support for dividing the existing Veterans Disability & Human Services Commission into two separate advisory bodies and asked commissioners for input on timing, membership eligibility and which ongoing projects should continue.

Seth (city staff) summarized the council's direction: "council's on board. You're on board," and explained next steps would include drafting code amendments in coordination with the city attorney and clerk, recruiting and swearing in new members, staggering terms, and preserving key annual activities such as VetFest and the Community Legends awards during the transition.

Commissioners voiced support for the division while urging continuity. One commissioner asked that meetings be held at least every other month to sustain activity; another asked that staff consider a reserved seat or recruitment priority for an active-duty service member. Staff said council generally prefers open eligibility but will consider recommendations; final decisions on membership criteria and term length will be made by council when it votes to create the new advisory bodies.

Staff outlined a likely calendar: VetFest and associated planning would continue through spring; the commission would likely sunset in May, the clerk's office would recruit and interview new members over the summer, and new commissions could begin meeting in August after swearing in and staggered term assignments. Commissioners were asked to send staff individual recommendations about which projects should move to which new body so staff can prepare draft code language for council review.