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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-08/28/2019 MEMORIAL HALL COMMISSION August 28, 2019 5:00 p.m. Veterans Memorial Hall Members present: Craig White in the Chair, Randy Miller, Rodney Butz, Scott McDonald, Don Ticknor, Mel Wittwer, Marilyn Robinson, Mike Mrzlak, Jim Lentfer and John Mrzlak (A). Absent: Marcia Courbat, Angela Hickok (A). Also in Attendance: Nancy Higby, Administrative Secretary Randy Miller introduced Frank McCaw, of the Cedar Valley Civil War Roundtable. Moved by Miller, seconded by J. Mrzlak, that the Agenda be approved. Ayes: Nine. Motion carried. Moved by Miller, seconded by Ticknor, that the Minutes of July, 24, 2019, as presented, be approved. Ayes: Nine. Motion carried. Citizen's Oral Comments Charles Pearson, Project Coordinator, Iowa Civil Rights Trail, spoke on his efforts to educate the public about the Civil War and Waterloo's civil rights history. He commented that he has worked with Kent Shankle, Center for the Arts, and the Youth Art Team to create a mural representing the history of the civil rights along the path of the civil rights trail and passed out a map of the walking trail. He further commented that he would like to work with the commission to help promote the history of the Memorial Hall and find ways to include tours of the building in conjunction with the walking tour. Jim Lentfer commented that he shares the vision of Mr. Pearson and the potential for building use to help educate the public. Both Jim and Mel will meet with Mr. Pearson and return to the commission with recommendations. Treasurer's Report Marcia Courbat was absent. Craig White read the fund balances from the project transaction report, reporting a brick fund balance of$6,778.71 and flag fund of$486.28. Chairperson's Report Craig provided an overview of the vigil and stated there were a good amount of new visitors, and that the timing of this year's vigil appeared to work well. Next year's goal is to include photos of those named on the wall. He commented that a 2" x 4" board resting on the base of the wall with removable light bulbs would be a more effective way to light the names in the evening, rather than tea lights. Committee Reports Building, Grounds & Operations—Chairperson Mel Wittwer Mel Wittwer reported that the lock on the office had been repaired at a cost of$14 and requested reimbursement. He noted that the front steps had been painted, and explained that he met with Greg Alhelm, Building Official and Ed Abben, Building Maintenance Supervisor, to discuss various issues, including pest control, lighting for cabinets and questions about capital improvement funding. Moved by McDonald, seconded by Mrzlak, that Mel Wittwer be reimbursed in the amount of $14, for the cost of lock repair. Ayes: Nine. Motion carried. Education/Historical—Chairperson Randall Miller August 28, 2018 Page 2 Randy Miller commented that on Saturday, September 14, 2019, a POW/MIA recognition will be held at the National Cattle Congress - Veterans Plaza at 2:30 p.m. He reported there are currently no reunions scheduled to use the building this fall. Mel Wittwer explained that he would like to plan that next year the building be open for tours in conjunction with the 75`h Anniversary of VE and VJ Day and will look to work with the library for coordination. Discussion took place on additional ways to encourage the public to visit and tour the building, such as hosting an open house with hot chocolate, chili, etc. during winter, specifically around Christmas. Craig asked Nancy Higby to check to see if the city plans to do another Christmas parade. Finance/Fundraising—Chairperson Marcia Courbat Marcia Courbat was absent. Artifacts Preservation— Chairperson James Lentfer Jim Lentfer expressed his gratitude to Ed Abben, City of Waterloo, for his quick action to remove the graffiti recently found on the building. Jim shared a draft of his written request to Chris Youngblut, IT Director, City of Waterloo, for surplus computers and chairs. A discussion followed regarding alternative resources for various items. Craig White suggested Jim provide him with a list and Craig will see how he might assist. Jim mentioned that he and Angela Hickok discussed obtaining software called PastPerfect used for collection archiving, and it is believed the software is being used at the Center for the Arts. He will check with the city and request an additional license be added for use at the Memorial Hall for artifact archiving. He commented that UNI has contacted Angela about the possibility of utilizing interns to help with documenting artifacts. Jim reported that Ed Abben helped locate the studs in the building so that the General Logan picture can be rehung and explained that the glass still needs to be replaced. Frank McCaw recommended replacing the glass with museum grade to better help preserve the photograph. Jim explained that he also discussed cabinet lighting with Ed Abben. Ed, however, did not recommend drilling to add lights, but suggested using roped LED lighting. Jim will look into pricing and return at the next meeting with a recommendation. Unfinished Business Randy Miller asked for an update regarding addition of the brick list to the city website. Nancy Higby explained that Chris Youngblut is still working to find the best placement for the list with the simplest navigation. She stated she will follow up with Chris. New Business None. With no further business before the commission, it was moved by Miller, seconded by Robinson, that the meeting be adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Ayes: Six. Motion carried. Nancy Higby Administrative Secretary