There is hereby established a Veterans Advisory Commission. The Commission shall serve in a purely advisory capacity to the Mayor and the Board. The Commission shall not be empowered to exercise regulatory, adjudicatory, budgetary authority, or any other sovereign decision making.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Port Chester 9-26-2025 by L.L. No. 17-2025.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law was originally designated to be added as Chapter 62 but was renumbered to maintain the organization of the Code.
The Commission shall advise the Village on matters affecting veterans and their families; promote the well-being, recognition, and inclusion of veterans; review Village legislation and policies from a veteran's perspective; advise on programs, events, and public recognition efforts; and facilitate connections to county, state, and federal resources and to local Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs).
A.
Potential members of the Veterans Advisory Commission must submit a copy of their dd-214 or other appropriate discharge document and a full resume to be considered.
B.
The Commission shall consist of not fewer than seven and not more than 11 voting members. The Board may, by resolution, set the number of voting seats within this range.
C.
The Mayor shall appoint voting members, subject to the advice and consent of the Board.
D.
All voting members shall be veterans who were discharged under honorable conditions. The Board may, upon a written finding that the appointee's experience will materially enhance the Commission's advisory capacity, appoint a veteran with a non-punitive discharge to a voting seat. Non-veterans may serve only as non-voting advisors pursuant to § 115-13. Non-veteran Gold Star Mothers or Fathers may be appointed as voting members.
E.
Voting members shall be residents of the Village of Port Chester. The Board may appoint up to two non-resident voting members who demonstrate a meaningful service role within the Port Chester community.
The appointing authorities should endeavor to reflect a broad range of perspectives, including veterans of various ages and service eras, (e.g., Korean Conflict, Vietnam Conflict, Gulf War, post-9/11, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, War on Terror, Persian Gulf War, etc.) as well as veterans who serve as first responders, and family members and caregivers who support veterans.
A.
Voting members shall serve staggered three-year terms. At the inception of the Commission, initial appointments shall be for terms of one, two, and three years, as determined by the Mayor, to create staggering.
B.
A member appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the unexpired portion of the term.
C.
Members shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
D.
Voting members may resign at any time for convenience or other personal reasons with written notice to the Commission Chair or to the Board.
A.
The Board may remove any member for substantial neglect of duty, misconduct in office, persistent failure to attend meetings, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office, after written notice of the grounds and an opportunity to be heard.
Each member shall take and file the constitutional oath of office. Members shall comply with Article 18 of the General Municipal Law, the Village of the Port Chester Code of Ethics, and all applicable disclosure requirements. Members shall not use confidential information obtained through service on the Commission for private gain.
The Commission shall, without limitation:
A.
Advise the Mayor and the Board on policies, legislation, programs, and initiatives that affect Veterans and their families.
B.
Provide input and support for commemorations and public recognition efforts, including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and related events.
C.
Assess and report on local veterans' needs, including housing, education and workforce development, legal and family services, medical and mental health access, transportation, and recreation.
D.
Promote community education, outreach, and public awareness of veterans' issues and available resources; coordinate with veteran service organizations and local partners.
E.
Identify and share information on grants and funding opportunities that benefit the veteran community.
F.
Submit an annual written report to the Board by January 31 for the prior calendar year, summarizing activities, findings, policy recommendations, and a brief needs assessment for veterans in the Village.
G.
Coordinate, as appropriate, with the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency, the New York State Department of Veterans' Services, Veterans Administration, Family Services of Westchester's Vet2Vet program, and local Veteran Service Organizations, including but not limited to the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans of America.
H.
Develop and deliver, or arrange for, training for Village staff and first responders on military culture and veteran-related issues to promote effective and informed public service.
The Village Clerk and Village Manager shall provide reasonable administrative support to the Commission. The Board may designate staff liaisons and may request participation by representatives of relevant departments.
Members shall serve without compensation. The Board may authorize reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of official duties, subject to budgetary appropriation and Village policies.
The Commission may invite non-member subject matter advisors to participate on a non-voting basis in order to advance the Commission's work.