HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-10/24/2018 MEMORIAL HALL COMMISSION
October 24, 2018
5:00 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Hall
Members present: Craig White in the Chair, Randy Miller, Dick Hastings, Scott McDonald,
Marcia Courbat, Don Ticknor, Mel Wittwer, Marilyn Robinson, Jim Petersen, Mike Mrzlak, Jim
Lentfer, and John Mrzlak(A).
Also in Attendance: Nancy Higby, Administrative Secretary.
Moved by Miller, seconded by J. Mrzlak, that the Agenda be approved. Ayes: Eleven. Motion
carried.
Moved by Petersen, seconded by Miller, that the Minutes of September 26, 2018, be approved.
Ayes: Eleven. Motion carried.
Citizen's Oral Comments
None.
Treasurer's Report
Marcia Courbat provided an update on the Brick Fund balance as of October 24, 2018, for a
closing balance of$12,302.83. This amount includes the payment of$480 to Van Meter, Inc.
for LED lighting.
Marcia requested that the commission consider purchasing new bricks, as those currently on
hand are considered to be paver bricks and many are cracking during engraving. She noted there
is an option to coat the paver bricks that may help strengthen them. She explained that Midland
Concrete offers good quality bricks at .60 cents per brick, and suggested that new bricks should
be purchased by spring.
Chairperson's Report
Craig White noted that the proposed changes have been incorporated into the Constitution and
By Laws and asked for a motion to approve the final document. Moved by McDonald, seconded
by Wittwer. Ayes: Eleven. Motion carried.
The document was then routed for the appropriate signatures and returned to Nancy Higby to
obtain the Mayor's signature.
Craig reported that the last Honor Flight of the year was one of the best he's seen. Several
positive comments were shared regarding the event and the impact it has made on those who
participated. Craig anticipates that all 3 flights will be funded for next year.
Committee Reports
Building, Grounds & Operations—Chairperson Richard Hastings
Dick Hastings explained that he viewed the tile roof of the building from the parking ramp and
he doesn't think it looks right and commented that it may still be leaking as the ceiling is
continues to peal.
Mel Wittwer commented that the quote from Nelson Electric to install the cabinet lighting is
$1,505.
Nancy Higby explained that Mark Boesen submitted and received approval for the expenditure at
the last Finance Committee, and that the commission is free to move forward upon a favorable
vote to approve the use of brick funds to pay for the service.
Moved by Wittwer, seconded by McDonald to use the brick fund to pay Nelson Electric in the
amount of$1,505 upon completion of the project. Ayes: Eleven. Motion carried.
October 24, 2018 Page 2
Mel also noted that a quote of$545 from Modem Paint to paint the ceiling in the display room.
Nancy Higby explained that in a conversation with Michelle Weidner regarding the painting
services requested, it was mentioned that the city would likely cover the cost of painting. Nancy
did believe that moving forward with the painting would be appropriate.
Jim Lentfer suggested confirming the roof has been repaired before scheduling the painting
project.
Craig White stated that if the city representative told Dick Hastings it had been repaired, than we
should take them at their word and schedule the painting.
Dick Hastings commented that he has noticed that the outside lights of the building have been
left on and suggested that those closing up the building should be careful to turn them off in an
effort to save money.
Craig White commented that the bulbs should be changed out for LEDs.
Randy Miller explained that new railing at the entrance was installed, but subsequently removed
because the City Inspector said it did not meet current code for a commercial building. Randy
did speak with Building Maintenance Supervisor, Mark Boesen, who said he would submit a
request asking for a variance to the ordinance, but Randy was unsure as to how long this would
take. Randy fiuther explained that there is also paint peeling on the inside wall, near the
backdoor, and suggested the maintenance department be notified to inspect the area for a leak.
Nancy was asked to submit a copy of the minutes to the building maintenance department
highlighting the appropriate areas for Mark Boesen's review.
Education/Historical—Chairperson Randall Miller
Randy Miller explained that though attendance was light, Saturday's tour of Memorial Hall was
relatively successful.
Jim Lentfer mentioned that Marcia Courbat participated in the event, and shared her personal
story, which he found extremely interesting. He also noted that Ron McMahon had a very nice
display of WWI artifacts and that he would like to see Ron back on the commission.
Finance/Fundraising—Chairperson Marcia Courbat
Marcia Courbat explained that she has the application to request funds from the Isle but thinks
the city will need to fill it out, and gave the application to Nancy Higby. Craig White asked that
the commission members build a list of wants and needs for the building.
Marcia suggested that the list of key holders be reviewed to identify who should continue to have
access to the building. The list was reviewed and edited by the commission. Nancy Higby will
share the information with the Mark Boesen to update the master list and disable any codes if
necessary.
Randy Miller initiated a conversation regarding security of the building, including the current
placement of motion detectors, especially in the main hall upstairs. The current motion sensors
are battery operated, which is generally accepted as less desirable than hard wired. It was
suggested that the system be upgraded with hard wired motion detectors and security cameras.
Dick Hastings will check with Hawkeye Alarm to get a better understanding of the current
system.
Dick Hastings explained there was a recent incident where the Waterloo police showed up at the
building because the alarm was tripped. He opened the building for the police officer and a
search was performed but nothing was noted as suspicious. Dick also mentioned that he has
noticed that sometimes the front doors do not always latch completely.
October 24, 2018 Page 3
Artifacts Preservation—Chairperson Mel Wittwer
No report, but Mel Wittwer asked if it was appropriate to contact Nelson Electric to schedule the
proj ect.
Nancy Higby confirmed, and reiterated the request was approved by the Finance Committee.
Unfinished Business
Dick Hastings introduced Laura Arms who came to request use of the facility.
Laura Arms, Waterloo 1' Platoon Leader for The Mission Continues, provided an overview of
the nonprofit organization which is based out of St. Louis. The purpose of the organization is to
empower veterans facing the challenge of adjusting to life at home to find new missions. She
further explained that Waterloo was recently selected for a new "Grass Roots Platoon", and
requested use of the facility on Sunday, November 111, to hold a social event to introduce the
organization and to recruit volunteers to support the effort.
Craig White suggested she may find a greater opportunity to reach more veterans with her
message if she would consider attending the Veteran's Day event on Monday,November 12th.
Jim Lentfer offered to provide her with additional information for opportunities at the UAW.
Randy Miller commented that the flags will be put up around the city on November 9th, and
taken down on the 13th. He explained that it may be necessary to discuss changing the flag
schedule for next year, as many of the flags are showing increased wear.
Randy shared that there has been a change in policy and free parking is no longer available for
Memorial Hall events. Validation tickets may be purchased.
He explained that he recently he attempted to use the Wi-Fi at the building, but it is not working
and asked if someone can look into it. Nancy Higby will share this information with the MIS
department at City Hall.
Randy commented on the condition of the water fountain and stated he will try something to
remove the discoloration.
New Business
None.
With no further business before the commission, it was moved by Wittwer, seconded by Miller,
that the meeting be adjourned at 6:28 p.m. Ayes: Eleven. Motion carried.
Nancy Higby
Administrative Secretary