Alameda County Municipal Code Ch. 2.92 Veterans Affairs Commission

There is in the county a veterans affairs commission, hereafter referred to as the commission.

(Prior admin. code § 5-40.01)

The commission shall consist of twenty (20) members appointed by the board of supervisors. The members of the commission shall be residents of the county and shall serve three-year terms at the pleasure of the board of supervisors. Any vacancy on the commission shall be filled by the board of supervisors in the same manner as the original appointment. Any person appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the unexpired term of the member he or she succeeds.

Members of the commission shall be veterans who were honorably discharged from the military service, be a registered voter of Alameda County, be in good standing with chartered veterans' organizations within Alameda County, and be supported by the commanders of the various veterans' organizations within Alameda County. All qualifying requirements must be verified by the organization represented by the member, by the nominating committee, and proof of honorable discharge must be provided to the commission chairperson. At large members do not require affiliation with any veterans' organization but must be a registered voter in Alameda County.

(Ord. 2007-16 (part): Ord. 2001-45 § 1 (part): prior admin. code § 5-40.02)

(Ord. No. 2016-19, § 1, 3-29-16)

A. Two representatives of the American Legion; two representatives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; two representatives of the Vietnam Veterans of America; two representatives of Disabled American Veterans; one representative of American Veterans of Wars, AMVETS; two representatives of Women Veterans (members at large); one representative of the Marine Corp League; one representative of the Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans of America; one representative of the Military Officers Association of America; one representative of District 1 (member at large); one representative of District 2 (member at large); one representative of District 3 (member at large); one representative of District 4 (member at large); one representative of District 5 (member at large); two representatives of veterans who are not otherwise affiliated with a chartered veteran's organization (members at large); and one non-veteran representative of widows and dependents of veterans that is a non-voting advisory position (member at large).

B. Appointments to the commission shall be made by the board of supervisors from recommendations made by the district commanders of the respective organizations named in subsection A, except in the cases of the five veterans identified as representing Districts 1 through District 5. Those appointments shall be chosen and made by the board of supervisors. In addition, the board of supervisors shall appoint, based upon recommendations by the commission, the following: Two at-large positions of veterans who are not affiliated with a chartered veteran's organization, and one non-voting, non-veteran at-large position representing widows and dependents of veterans.

(Ord. 2007-16 (part); Ord. 2001-45 § 1 (part): prior admin. code § 5-40.03)

(Ord. No. 2010-37, § 4, 7-13-10; Ord. No. 2016-19, § 2, 3-29-16; Ord. No. 2023-17, 5-9-23)

The commission shall advise and assist the board of supervisors on matters relating to veterans and their families as may pertain to meeting their basic needs for veterans' benefits, housing, food, shelter and employment. To this end, the commission shall among other things:

A. Assist in all veterans' observance days during the year;

B. Promote, develop, and identify the needs of the veterans and their families;

C. Submit recommendations to the board of supervisors regarding programs, plans, goals, policy, and procedures dealing with veteran services;

D. Review annually the status of veterans' benefits;

E. Study, investigate and research veterans' matters in the county so that services to veterans can be coordinated and maximized.

(Prior admin. code § 5-40.04)

(Ord. No. 2016-19, § 3, 3-29-16)

The commission shall annually select from its members a chairperson and such other officers as needed to serve the purposes of the commission.

(Prior admin. code § 5-40.05)

The board of supervisors shall provide the commission to the extent funds are available, with an appropriation comparable to commissions of similar size and activity. The social services agency shall provide, to the extent funds are made available, staff and supplies necessary to assist the commission in the performance of its duties.

(Prior admin. code § 5-40.06)

The commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its business.

(Prior admin. code § 5-40.07)

A quorum shall be the number of members equal to, or greater than, fifty (50) percent of the appointed voting members of the commission, or its committees. When a quorum exists, a majority vote of those present shall be required to transact business.

(Ord. 2001-45 § 1 (part))

(Ord. No. 2016-19, § 4, 3-29-16)