HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-12 9:00 AM - Veterans Advisory Board - Minutes Veteran's Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Kittitas County, Washington
Commissioners' Auditorium
Regular Meeting
THURSDAY 9:00 AM JUNE 12TH, 2025
Board Members Present:
Ruben Cardenas,Jeff Leichleiter, William DeHaven, Ronald Ness, Kristin Ashley, Brett Wachsmith (Chair)
Excused: Gayle Scott
Others: Emma Madland (Clerk), Candi Blackford,Timothy Paxton, Bryan Elliott
1. Meeting called to order at 9:01 AM.
2. Citizen Comments-None
3. Approval of Minutes
MOTION TO APPROVE MARCH 13TH, 2025 MINUTES:Jeff moved to approve March minutes.
Ronald second. Motion carried to approve March 13t", 2025 meeting minutes.
4. VSO Update
Timothy Paxton gave the board updates on the veteran programs. Candi added that she has
been working with the state to access more data on claims and financial reports.Timothy spoke
about accountability and the program requirements. Bryan Elliott made a statement about how
impressed he was with the growth and accountability in the program, complimenting the
veteran services team.The group shared small wins and spoke about data they would like to see
moving forward.
5. Other Business
Resource Fair:
Timothy introduced the plan for a Veteran's Resource Fair. He distributed a letter discussing the
goals and ways in which the board can be involved. Ruben discussed partnership with CWU and
the Veterans Center to host the event. The option of the fairgrounds was also proposed.The
board discussed potential barriers and opportunities in each location and decided to move
forward with CWU.They discussed the idea of sponsorship from the Rotary club as well. A
planning subcommittee was formed for event planning purposes.
Veteran Client Survey:
Candi introduced Mackenzie Carter, Assessment Coordinator. Mackenzie shared documents
outlining the goals and questions in the client survey and community survey that will be released
soon.The Client survey is currently being distributed in person. Mackenzie gave the board
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opportunities to share what kind of data they would like to be presented with following the
surveys' completion.
Veteran Community Survey:
See above
BVlaws Discussion:
Emma Madland shared the current draft of bylaws for the board.They discussed term length as
well as the number of members that should be appointed on board. Kristen Ashley proposed
increasing the members in Resolution 2022-187 to allow for flexibility in appointment when they
have multiple strong candidates.
Member_Recruitment Update:
Kristen Ashley discussed the reasons the subcommittee would recommend the candidate they
chose following interviews.
MOTION TO RECOMMEND ANDREW PRUITT FOR APPOINTMENT: Kristen moved to recommend
Andrew Pruitt for appointment on the Veterans Advisory Board. Ronald second. Motion carried
to recommend Andrew Pruitt.
Following the resolution amendment the board would like to discuss a recommendation for the
second candidate as well.
6. Meeting concluded at 10:00 AM
KITTITAS COUNTY PUBLIC HEA KITTITAS COUNTY,WA INGTON
DEPARTMENT CLERK
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Emma Madland Bre hsmith, Chairman
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