[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Wolcott 3-15-2022 by Ord. No. 98. Amendments noted where applicable.]
In recognition of the commitment, dedication and sacrifice of those residents of the Town of Wolcott who have bravely served in the armed services of this country, there is hereby established, in accordance with Section 427 of the Town of Wolcott Charter, the Commission on Veteran's Advocacy, the purpose of which shall be to provide for the advancement of, and assistance to, veterans and their dependents in the manner and through the means set forth below in § 190-4 of this chapter.
The Commission shall consist of seven members appointed by the Mayor, not more than four of whom shall be from the same political party, and all of whom shall be residents of Wolcott. One member of the Commission shall be chosen by the Mayor from a list of individuals nominated by the Wolcott Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1979, one member of the Commission shall be chosen by the Mayor from a list of individuals nominated by the American Legion Post 165, and one member of the Commission to be appointed by the Mayor shall be the Wolcott Tax Assessor.
Each member of the Commission shall serve for a term of two years, which terms shall terminate on the same date as the term of the Mayor, except that such members shall continue to serve until their successors are appointed and qualify. Any vacancies shall be filled in accordance with the requirements of the Charter.
The Commission shall have the following authority and duties: (a) to act as the coordinating agency in all matters concerning veterans and their dependents, coordinating the activities of public and private facilities concerned with veterans' reemployment, education, rehabilitation and adjustment to peacetime living; (b) cooperate with all national, state and local governmental and private agencies in securing services and benefits to which a veteran or his/her dependents may be entitled; (c) use the services and facilities of the veterans organizations so far as possible to carry out the purposes of this ordinance and General Statutes § 27-135; (d) encourage and coordinate vocational training services for veterans; (e) serve as a resource for information concerning federal, state and local benefits, programs and services for veterans and their dependents; (f) compile contact information from federal and state veterans' affairs agencies and veterans' advocacy groups regarding available benefits, programs and services; (g) conduct celebratory and memorial events to commemorate national and state holidays and such other events to honor active military and veterans; (h) assist the Mayor and other Town officials and employees in communicating matters of interest to veterans and their dependents; and (i) such other lawful acts as may be necessary or convenient in carrying out the duties and goals set forth in this chapter.
The Commission shall meet a minimum of four times during the calendar year.