HomeMy WebLinkAboutDiscussion on the formation of a Military Advisory Committee. (Councilmember Mona Rios)Discussion on the Formation of a Military Advisory Committee
The City of National City has seven (7) established Boards and Commissions
whose members are appointed by the Mayor and City Council. The City also has
a number of ad -hoc committees which are generally short-term in nature and for
a specific purpose, and are generally comprised of city staff, community
members, and City Councilmembers.
At the September 3, 2013 City Council meeting, I requested the City Council
consider forming a military advisory committee to provide a collaborative forum
on military issues that may be addressed locally, to recognize residents who are
veterans and active duty military, assist with special events to honor the military,
and ensure adherence to military protocol such as the flying of flags, etc.
The City Council requested the item be brought back on a subsequent agenda to
discuss parameters of the committee, including its purpose, responsibility,
membership, meeting time and location, and duration of existence.
Background:
The City of National City shares a unique relationship with the U.S. Military,
stretching back decades. This is due, in large part, to housing a major portion of
Naval Base San Diego along the City's waterfront. We take pride in honoring
National City's fallen service members and hometown heroes. These heroes will
forever be remembered not only for their service to our County, but for their roles
in families and their community.
Some of the events the City participates in to recognize and honor our veterans
and military personnel include:
• Fallen heroes are remembered at the Kimball Bowl War Memorial, which
is fully dressed on major holidays.
• The City's "Armed Services Recognition Program" honors hometown
heroes, past and present (link provided):
(http:/lwww.nationalcityca.gov/index.aspx?page=529)
• The National City Chamber of Commerce hosts annual events to honor
our Navy, which includes the City -sponsored Salute to Navy Luncheon
and Salute to Navy Shipboard Reception.
• La Vista Memorial Park honors the men and women who died while
serving in the United States Armed Forces at its annual Memorial Day
event.
• The City City is honored to employ several employees who are in the
military reserves. The Military and Veterans Code requires that we
provide full compensation to an employee for the first 30 days of active
duty assignment, if the person has been in our employee for a period of
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not less than one year. Under the City's military policy, to help alleviate a
financial hardship, for 6 months following that initial 30 days, we
supplement the military pay if it is less than the employee's City wages.
In addition, National City is home to several veterans and military organizations,
most notably the Thomas H. Crosby, Jr. VFW, the American Legion Larry E.
Bennett Post 255, as well as the National City Chamber's long-standing "Salute
to Navy" event committee.
Several years ago, the City established an informal military advisory committee in
partnership with our local VFW, American Legion, and other organizations to
honor and recognize our veterans and military personnel. The committee was
subsequently disbanded due to staffing and budgetary constraints.
This information is provided to assist my colleagues in their discussion of the
item.
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