Committee Report - Vets - 5-19-15 — File 199310

Veterans and Public Services Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 5/27/2015 May 19, 2015 REPORT OF THE VETERANS AND PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Matthew McLaughlin Chair Present John M. Connolly Vice Chair Present Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present Others present: Alderman Rossetti, Alderman Niedergang, Christian Kulikoski - Veterans Services, Bob Hardy - Dilboy Post, Tom Leyne - Logan Post, Omar Boukili - Mayor's Office Mr. Kulikoski gave a brief update on the plans for the Memorial Day parade. 1. Approval of the April 15, 2014 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 195831: That the Dedication Committee name the corner of Tremont Street and Webster Avenue in memory of Vietnam War veteran Arthur J. Downey. Mr. Kulikoski reported that an application has not been submitted by the family, nor by anyone else. Alderman Connolly suggested sending an application to Alderman Heuston for follow-up, since she was a co-sponsor of this item. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196154: That the Dedication Committee update this Board on the park dedication in honor of Joseph Mackey. Mr. Kulikoski reported that there is nothing on file from the family and that Mrs. Mackey does not have interest in pursuing the matter at this time, as she is dealing with an illness in the family. Alderman Connolly will follow up with her. Mr. Boukili stated that there is no update beyond talks with the state. He suggested possibly finding a state owned athletic facility to renovate and dedicate to Mr. Mackey. Drawer 7 might be the best location, right now. Alderman Sullivan suggested that perhaps a football field or baseball diamond might be suitable. Efforts will be made to consult the family for their opinions. Alderman Rossetti asked that this item be expedited, adding that the mayor should file the application since he publicly stated, at Mr. Mackey's funeral, that he would move for a park in his honor.

Veterans and Public Services Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 5/27/2015 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197016: Conveying a report of the Local Government Advisory Commission meeting, held on May 13, 2014. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197341: Director of Veterans Services responding to #197016 re: the Valor Act II and the creation of veterans' services districts. Mr. Kulikoski spoke on this item and told the members that this issue is not likely to pass as it would be detrimental to veterans. He explained that much of what local veterans services departments do is personal and that this item, now known as HR-319, would hinder the efficiency of the department. Alderman Connolly's motion that the City Clerk inform the city's state delegation that the Valor Act (HR-319), as proposed, is not in the best interest of veterans and ask that they move to defeat its passage, was approved. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 198583: That the Director of Veterans Services appear before this Board to discuss previous Board orders. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199266: That the Administration consider holding a ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Mr. Hardy spoke about a federal initiative that would honor veterans of the Vietnam War over the next 10 years and said that the veterans posts would try to locate veterans to let them know about being honored. Mr. Leyne stated that, at the past 2 Memorial Day ceremonies, the mayor proposed doing something with the veterans memorials. He asked for an update and added that the city should be doing something for all veterans. Mr. Boukili will report back to the committee with any update. Mr. Kulikoski has requested a budget line in the city’s FY-16 budget and has begun setting up a committee to plan the celebration, which he would like to have by the end of September. He would like to relocate the city’s Vietnam memorial from the library to the concourse and add benches in the area. He will explore options for adding to or creating a new Honor Roll. Mr. Kulikoski informed the members that he has commissioned 3 medals to be made, 1 for the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, 1 for returning soldiers and 1 for departed veterans - to be presented at the deceased’s at wake/funeral. The committee asked Mr. Kulikoski to provide an update in 60-90 days. Alderman Connolly’s motion to encourage the Administration to work with the city’s Director of Veterans Services to find a more suitable and prominent location for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, was approved.

Veterans and Public Services Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 5/27/2015 Alderman Connolly’s motion that the Administration consider moving the city’s Vietnam Veterans Monument to a more prominent location on the concourse, was approved. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE