McHenry County

Veterans Assistance Commission - Public Meeting

MINUTES

, or immediately following the VAC Inc. meeting
County Board Conference Room
Administration Building, 667 Ware Rd., Woodstock, IL 60098
Members Present:
  • Eugene Boxleitner, 
  • Dan Chwalisz, 
  • Don Smolinski, 
  • Michael Breslin, 
  • James Koch, 
  • William Richards, 
  • Charles Chapman, 
  • Ken Hauser, 
  • John Widmayer, 
  • Ed Chambers, 
  • Mathius Carter, 
  • and Daniel Vital 
Members Absent:
  • Charlie Morgan, 
  • Robert Dorn, 
  • Nicole Bruno, 
  • Joe McLachlin, 
  • Joe Nolan, 
  • Scott Kaphingst, 
  • Ray Martin, 
  • Johnny Eskridge, 
  • Patrick Conley, 
  • Neal Donner, 
  • Rick Prescott, 
  • James Pierce, 
  • Dennis Foutch, 
  • Peter Lockinger, 
  • Joe Kalisek, 
  • Matt English, 
  • Patrick Finlon, 
  • and Adam Frank 

1.
CALL TO ORDER

 

Meeting called to order at 5:36pm by Chairman Michael Breslin.

1.1
Roll Call of Officers

 

1.2
Officers Opening Remarks

 

None

1.3
Minutes Approval

 

Motion to accept minutes as presented.

  • Mover: Charles Chapman
    Seconder: Ed Chambers
    Approved

2.
SUPERINTENDENT'S FINANCIAL REPORT

 

Motion to accept Superintendent Financial Report as presented.

  • Mover: Daniel Vital
    Seconder: William Richards

    Approve previous minutes

    Approved

3.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

 

None

4.
INTRODUCE GUESTS AND NEW MEMBERS

 

5.
PUBLIC COMMENT

 

None

6.
CORRESPONDENCE

 

None

7.
COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

7.1
By-Laws Committee

 

None

7.2
IACVAC Delegate

 

None

7.3
Superintendent's Report

 

7.3.a
Aging Better Expo August 14

 

The regional senior fair will be held on August 14th in Hoffman Estates where we'll share a table with the Cook County VAC.

7.3.b
IACO Meeting in Springfield

 

Superintendent Iwanicki attended the meeting in Springfield.  Highlights included discussions on the Paid Leave for All law and networking with the Veterans Rights Bureau.

7.3.c
Mental Health First Aid Instruction

 

Superintendent Iwanicki has a meeting with NAMI next week to discuss setting up classes on MHFA.  

7.4
Executive Board

 

7.4.a
Election Process

 

Motion to update the by-laws to reflect Chairman, Jr. Vice Chairman and Judge Advocate to be elected on even years and the Sr. Vice Chairman and Sergeant of Arms will be elected on the odd years, all for 2-year terms.

  • Mover: Dan Chwalisz
    Seconder: Ken Hauser
    Approved

7.4.b
Superintendent Position Search

 

A motion to select a 3-person committee to provide a framework for how to seek a VAC Superintendent during a change in leadership.  

  • Mover: James Koch
    Seconder: Dan Chwalisz
    Approved

8.
OLD BUSINESS

 

8.1
Policy Changes

 

Policy changes were reviewed, motion to approve changes as presented.

  • Mover: Ed Chambers
    Seconder: Mathius Carter
    Approved

8.2
Construction Follow Up

 

The office door replacement is now complete, Carmichael Construction did a great job with the construction and clean up.

8.3
Audit Follow Up

 

We are still waiting for the audit results from the County Auditor's office.

9.
NEW BUSINESS

 

9.1
2025 Budget

 

9.1.a
Moving Forward 5-Year Plan

 

Chairman Breslin is asking which programs would you like to see implemented or which existing programs need to be expanded.  Please submit thoughts to Chairman Breslin so the commission can generate a 5-year plan.

9.2
Moving Office Door

 

Wold Architects has drawn up plans for a single handicap accessible door to our suite. It includes an automatic open button and also a larger door leading into the main office space. Motion to proceed with door updates not to exceed $80,000.

  • Mover: William Richards
    Seconder: Charles Chapman
    Approved

9.3
Pay Scale Adjustment Effective 7/1/2024

 

The next pay plan adjustment of 4% will take place on July 1st, 2024.

10.
GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION

 

10.1
Post Annoucements

 

1. Home of the Brave Heritage Fest on Saturday, June 29th takes place at the Palmer House in Crystal Lake.
2. Crystal Lake Fourth of July Parade to take place on Sunday, July 7th specifically honoring Vietnam Veterans.
3. Poppy Gardens will be planted in several locations in Crystal Lake to honor our Veterans.
4. Board Game Night on July 20th from 4-8pm at The Other Side in Crystal Lake. All ages and family members welcome.
5. Spirit of 45 will take place on August 11th in Veterans Park, McHenry.
6. Post 491 hosting Wet a Vet-a boating day on the Chain with lunch.
7. Every Thursday night at McHenry Veterans Park, Post 491 hosts a corn roast along with the concert in the park.
8. Sons of the American Legion corn roast also takes place at the McHenry Riverwalk on the weekends.
9. Post 673 in Huntley acquired a very nice memorial in the Square representing all the different services and conflicts.

11.
BENEDICTION

 

Chaplain Eugene Boxleitner presented the Benediction.

12.
ADJOURNMENT

 

Chairman Michael Breslin adjourned the meeting at 6:35pm

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