DeKalb County, Illinois

Minutes of the DeKalb County Veterans Assistance Commissions

August 13, 2007

The meeting started at 7:22 with 21 people in attendance.  We introduced Dale Dopkins and Chuck Stein from Hampshire American Legion Post 680.  Also introduced was Don Regale from American Legion Post 312.

     The minutes of the previous meeting were handed out and Gary Keegan made the motion to approve the minutes as read and this was seconded by Mike Boorsma.  The minutes were approved.

     John Davis gave his financial report and we have $1467.57 in the account.  There was some discussion on what to do with the money.

     Correspondence, Attorney General Lisa Madigan notified us that Margaret A. Reilly will be taking over for Al Lynch for the state.  Tammy Duckworth notified us that on September 8^th, the Chicago Park District will be having wheel chair games to show people what veterans are capable of even after being severely wounded.  Karen Kahl from the county told us that we must keep track of all monetary benefits that we give to veterans and that we must send them a 1099 form at the end of the year. 

     Superintendents’ report, the county wants us to approve all bills that we pay to prove that they are true and just.  Herb Holderman told us about new software that we can get that will help us keep track of more information, and is compatible with the VA.  This soft ware costs $2390 and the yearly update is $900, but the original cost also covers a training program on how to use the software.  Paul Kallembach made the motion to buy the software and this was seconded by Mike Boorsma.  The motion passed.  The monthly financial assistance for July was $3732.54.  Paul Kallembach made the motion to pay this and this was seconded by Frank Beierlotzer.  The motion passed.  After some discussion, Frank Beierlotzer made the motion to approve the budget for fiscal year 2008 and John Duback seconded this.  The motion passed.  Herb also told us that the DeKalb County VAC received an award for distinguished service to veterans from the Department of Illinois American Legion.

     Committee reports, the vet fair turned out pretty good even though attendance was down slightly.  There was very good feedback from the veterans that attended, and there was much discussion on how to improve the fair.  Budget and Personnel, we have received an application for a new hire.  Public relations, Frank Beierlotzer reported that we are getting some coverage now in the papers, and that there will be a veterans day at the NIU football game on Saturday November 10^th.

     Unfinished business, the new building has been approved, and they are supposed to start in August 2007 and have it done by September 2008.  We should have some copies of the new handbook for the next meting.  It was decided to wait until the 2008 models come out before getting a new van.

     New business, we will have a tent for us at the Sandwich Fair.  The tent will cost $200 but the space will be free of charge.  Mike Boorsma made the motion to pay for the tent usage and this was seconded by John Lehuta.  The motion passed.  We will need help for Friday night and Saturday.

     Our next meeting will be September 10^th, at the American Legion in DeKalb.

Respectfully submitted

Steve Walz, Secretary

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