Committee rules of operation
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of the Organization shall be: Veterans Advisory Committee also known as the VAC or the Committee. The Committee was formed by the Mayor of the City of New London Connecticut and became effective on August 17, 2016. The Committee is an entity of the City Administration Office. ARTICLE II - MISSION
Mission Statement: To evaluate, develop and promote new and existing programs and services for Veterans and their families within the City of New London. ARTICLE III - VISION
Vision Statement: That New London offers our Veterans quality services and program referrals to ensure that the enrichment and enhancement of life for our men and women and their families. ARTICLE IV - PURPOSE
The purpose of this Committee is:
To strengthen the common veteran’s cause and ensure that the community is aware of veteran’s rights and needs. For future reference when the title of veteran is used it will refer to both men and women. To preserve the honor due to all Veterans. To help veterans and their families rapidly transition to civilian life in New London. Establish contact with active duty service members who intend to reside in the New London to help them avoid transition problems related to unemployment, homelessness as well as physical and mental health challenges. To work cooperatively with other Committees, and City, State and Federal staff with regard to policies, programs, and concerns relating to veterans’ interest, and to maintain a working relationship with all other agencies serving veterans within the state of Connecticut. To recognize and honor citizens in the City of New London who distinguish themselves for community service, particularly in the area of veterans’ needs and concerns. To provide honor certificates to spouses of New London resident deceased Veterans
The Veterans Advisory Committee as an entity, shall not attempt to influence legislation unless it pertains to Veterans’ concerns. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit individual members of the Committee from participating in political activities including, but not limited to, seeking or holding public office. ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP
The Committee shall consist of seven voting members appointed by the Mayor of the City of New London. All members of the VAC shall be New London Residents
All Members shall be Veterans of any military service branch with proof of service as noted on their DD214 and Honorable discharge certificate. The terms of office for the members of the VAC shall be terms of three (3) years each. Terms shall be staggered to allow for committee continuity. Of the members first appointed, 3 shall be appointed to a 2-year term and 4 shall serve a 3-year term. Thereafter all members shall serve 3 year terms at the pleasure of the Mayor. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired terms in the manner the appointments are initially made. The members shall continue in office until their successors are appointed and have qualified. Members shall be eligible for reappointment. The name, address, telephone number and e-mail address of each VAC member shall be provided to the Staff Liaison annually prior to the 1st of January, or as required by changes in such information. ARTICLE VI - Voting
Each VAC member shall have one vote, in attendance at any given meeting, on all matters that shall come before the Committee. ARTICLE VII - Staff Support
The City shall provide the staff necessary to perform the administrative duties of the Committee. Duties include:
Timely notice of meetings, and
Recording, transcribing and maintaining a permanent file of the minutes of the VAC and,
Receipt, preparation and transmittal of any correspondence of the VAC as well as maintenance of a permanent file of such correspondence, and
The creation of a local data base for the purposes of tracking New London veterans and needs requirements. Other duties as may be requested by the VAC. ARTICLE VIII - Termination
All members serve at the pleasure of the Mayor for the City of New London. The Mayor may remove a VAC member on its own motion or upon the recommendation of the VAC. The Mayor when he/she determines that it is in the best interest of the VAC. If the VAC determines by a majority vote that a member should be removed, the chairperson of the VAC shall report that recommendation to the Mayor for its consideration. Resignations by members shall be submitted in writing to the Mayor. ARTICLE IX - MEETINGS
All regular meetings of the VAC will be scheduled on the _______________ of each month unless otherwise directed by the Chair. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A majority of those present at any meeting shall be sufficient for any official action taken by the VAC. The Chair may call special meeting of the VAC. These special meetings may be called with reasonable notice to the membership, giving the specific reason for such a meeting. The special meeting shall be limited to the special topic for which the meeting was called. Robert’s Rules of Order. Revised, will be used to cover items not covered in these Administrative Procedures, when necessary. ARTICLE X - OFFICERS, BOARDS AND APPOINTEES
The members of the VAC shall elect a chairperson from amongst its membership. The chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the VAC. The members of the VAC shall elect a Vice Chairperson from amongst its membership. The Vice Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the VAC in the absence of the chairperson. The VAC may elect other officers from its membership as it deems necessary. ARTICLE XI - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
CHAIR shall preside at all meetings; enforce the observance of the By-Laws. Strive for achievement of the purpose and objective of the VAC, and represent the VAC at accepted functions. He/She shall appoint standing committee chairpersons and other committee chairpersons as deemed necessary. If the Chair is unable to perform his/her regular duties he/she shall delegate the responsibilities of that office to the Vice Chair. VICE CHAIR shall assist the Chair in all functions and chair all meetings in the absence of the Chair. ARTICLE XII - REPORTS
The VAC shall submit an annual report to the Mayors’ office for forwarding to the CT Department of Veterans Affairs concerning its activities and recommendations. ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be amended, repealed or suspended at any meeting of the VAC, in whole or in part, by a two-thirds vote of the voting members of the VAC. ARTICLE XIV - POLICY
The Veterans Advisory Committee shall not adopt policies in conflict with the Constitution of the United States of America, the State of Connecticut and/or the City Charter or Code of Ordinances of New London. VAC shall not be used as an influence, directly or indirectly, in any political election or activity for personal gain. No member of the VAC shall, without proper-delegated authority, obligate or incur any liabilities in the name of the City of New London. ARTICLE XV - APPROVAL
The foregoing By-Laws of the Veterans Advisory Committee shall be the true original publication of this organization and adopted at the meeting by a majority of the members on this date:
