20260114_RCM_CHHS_VETERANS_COMMISSION_APPROVED_MINUTES.PDF

Minutes
TempeVeteransCommission 
January 14, 2026
Minutes ofthe TEMPE VETERANS COMMISSION held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday,January 14, in a hybrid 
format via Microsoft Teams and in-person at Tempe Public Library.
(MEMBERS) Present:
Jim Lange, Chair 
GwendolynDeNeal, ViceChair 
Melanie James, Secretary 
William “Dennis” Gorman 
Romaldo Gonzales 
José Moreno 
DillionMcDade 
City Staff Present:
MichaelGarrison,VeteransServices Coordinator Karla 
Flores, Administrative Assistant II+ 
Public Appearances
There were no public appearances. 
(MEMBERS) Absent:
AaronMcBride 
Juan Garcia
Guest Appearances
Kara DeArrastia, City Clerk for the City of Tempe, was present at the meeting.
AgendaItem 1 - Call to Order
MOTION: Commission Chair Jim Lange movedto CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER at 6:07 p.m. 
SECOND: Motion Seconded by Commissioner W.D. Gorman; Motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 2 - Attendance
CommissionerGarciaand Commissioner McBrideInformedChairmanLangethattheycouldnotattendthemeeting.
AgendaItem 3 - Call to the Audience for Public Appearances
There were no public appearances.
Agenda Item 4 - Review andApproval of December 10,2025, Tempe Veterans Commission Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Motion initiated by Commissioner W.D. Gorman to APPROVE December 10, 2025, Minutes.
SECOND:Motion Seconded by Vice Chair DeNeal; Motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 5 - Chair’s Remarks
Chairman J. Lange reiterated the importance of attendance and active participation, noting that excused absences are permissible to 
maintain a healthy and engaged Commission. He expressed that he is very gracious and thankful to be in this position, surrounded by 
committed individuals who bring valuable contributions to the table. 
Agenda Item 6 - Community Health and Human Services Updates 
Since June, Mr. Garrison has provided direct services to 124 veterans, averaging four to five contacts per individual, with support ranging 
from occasional meetings to weekly assistance. Mr. Garrison noted he has focused on housing assistance, VA benefits navigation, financial 
aid for moving, eviction prevention, and utility assistance, while also managing a fund for veterans in need. Mr. Garrison mentioned he is 
collaborating with Congressman Stanton’s office to plan an April Veteran Resource Fair and recently attended a VA mixer with support 
organizations, recognizing contributions from Rick Kreiberg and his team. Mr. Garrison continues to strengthen partnerships with the Arizona 
Department of Veteran Services, SSVF providers, and nonprofits, highlighting the success of Home Base for wellness and mental health. Mr. 
Garrison is preparing for the upcoming event, working with Susie Steckner on T-shirt designs for the Veterans Commission, and encouraging 
anyone with questions to contact him via email. 
Agenda Item 7- Presentation: City of Tempe Clerk, Kara DeArrastia 
Ms. DeArrastia provided a comprehensive overview of the Veterans Commission’s powers and duties as outlined in the Tempe City 
Code (Division 20, Sections 2-365 through 2-368).The presentation covered the Commission’s advisory role to the Mayor, City Council, 
and City departments, including responsibilities related to improving quality of life for veterans, promoting veteran-supportive 
employment practices, and advising on affordable housing initiatives for veteran families. Ms. DeArrastia explained how the 
Commission conducts its work through properly noticed public meetings in compliance with Arizona’s Open Meeting Law (OML). The 
presentation also addressed member expectations and meeting procedures, emphasizing compliance with OML requirements, agenda 
posting, quorum rules, and parliamentary procedures for transparent decision-making. Ms. DeArrastia highlighted the role of staff 
liaison in agenda preparation, meeting documentation, and ensuring adherence to legal requirements. Additionally, Ms. DeArrastia 
shared an informational example from another Tempe commission regarding recruitment challenges and governance flexibility, noting 
that no action was requested or required at this time. Resources available to Commissioners were reviewed, including the Tempe City 
Code, Arizona Attorney General’s Open Meeting Law Handbook, City ethics guidelines, and Robert’s Rules of Order. Ms. DeArrastia 
encouraged Commissioners to reach out to the staff liaison for follow-up questions or coordination with the City Clerk’s Office or City 
Attorney’s Office. 
Agenda Item 8 – Discussion and POSSIBLE ACTION on potential changes to commission seat composition to broaden eligibility 
The commission discussed mirroring the Sustainability and Resilience Commission’s approach to member composition. Instead of each 
seat being designated to a specific organization, the commission could advertise open seats to a range of specialty areas. This 
approached would increase recruitment efforts and provide more flexibility during vacancies. After a brief discussion, the commission 
decided to move forward with this change recommendation. 
MOTION: Motion initiated by Vice Chair DeNeal to commission seat composition to broaden eligibility. 
SECOND: Motion Seconded by commissioner Moreno; Motion passed unanimously. 
Agenda Item 9 – Discussion regarding an operation welcome home style program
Chair Lange proposed starting a “Welcome Home” program to honor soldiers returning from service, similar to Gilbert’s initiative. 
The idea includes coordinating a special welcome for each soldier with their family, providing transportation such as a limousine or 
family car, and arranging an escort by local veterans and motorcycle groups to Town Hall, where the community can gather to 
show appreciation. Vice Chair DeNeal and Commissioner Gorman expressed support for the initiative but emphasized Cost 
consideration, such as transportation, and suggested establishing a communication mechanism to identify soldiers returning 
home. The commission agreed to research the details and keep this item on the agenda for further discussion. 
Agenda Item 10 – Commissioner Updates 
Commissioner Gonzales provided an update on the upcoming Veterans Resource Expo planned for April or May. He motioned
this event aims to connect veterans, active-duty service members and their families with essential resources and support
services.
Commissioner Gorman mentioned the upcoming event for the traveling wall, which will be in superior, Arizona for
four days in April. He highlighted that the state council donated $5000 to the veteran’s affinity.

Mr. Garrison provided Commissioner Garcia’s update regarding the Red, White, and Blue Awards. The event will take place 
on February 25 at the Embassy Suites in a breakfast format. The cost for veterans is $45, with proceeds supporting the event 
and scholarship opportunities. The goal is to attract approximately 150 attendees. Mr. Garrison is serving as vice chair for the 
event alongside Commissioner Garcia and will assume the role of chair for the Chamber of Commerce. Attendees are 
encouraged to provide candid feedback to help improve future events.
 
Agenda Item 11 – Future Agenda Items 
Discussion regarding an operation welcome home style program
Agenda Item 12– Adjournment 
MOTION: Commissioner Dillion motioned to ADJOURN the Meeting.
SECOND: Motion Seconded by Commissioner Moreno; Motion passed unanimously. 
 
 
 
 
Chair J. Lange declared the meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m. 
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. 
Minutes Prepared by: Karla Flores 
 
Reviewed by: Michael Garrison 
 
Jim Lange, Chair 
Tempe Veterans Commission