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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/24/2021 MEMORIAL HALL COMMISSION February 24, 2021 5:00 p.m. Veterans Memorial Hall Members present: Craig White in the Chair, Rodney Butz, Scott McDonald, Don Ticknor, Mel Wittwer, Marilyn Robinson, Frank McCaw, Mike Mrzlak, James Lentfer and John Mrzlak(A). Absent: Randy Miller and Angela Hickok (A). Also in Attendance: Mike Hudson—American Legion 9138, Yolando Loveless, Director, Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs, Tim Combs, Executive Director, Americans for Independent Living, Matt Carpenter, Sons of the American Legion, and Nancy Higby, Secretary, City of Waterloo. Moved by McDonald, seconded by Wittwer, that the Agenda be approved. Ayes: Ten. Motion carried. Moved by Wittwer, seconded by J. Mrzlak, that the Minutes of January 27, 2021, as presented, be approved. Ayes: Ten. Motion carried. Citizen's Oral Comments Yolando Loveless provided a brief update on the status of Covid-19 vaccinations available to veterans in Black Hawk County. Tim Combs provided an overview of the various services that are provided through AFIL to area veterans and reported that over 492 veterans were assisted in 2020. He said they are working with the City of Waterloo and hoping to obtain 6 acres of property on Falls Avenue with the intent to develop a Veteran's community with 30-38 housing units. The plan to begin a campaign to raise funding for the project. Treasurer's Report—Vacant Nancy Higby read the fund balances as of February 17, 2021, reporting a brick fund balance of $7,149.84, which included the sale of one brick. The flag fund balance was reported to be $505.85, an increase of$500 from last month. She read from a summary provided by the Chief Financial Officer that the city voted in 2019 to allocate $2,000 to the flag fund to be used over the next four years. Chairperson's Report Craig White commented on the likelihood of holding another virtual Memorial Day ceremony due to the ongoing pandemic. He stated that he has found someone to help sift through the obituaries to identify veterans. Marcia Courbat previously did this task. Jim Lentfer commented that John Waychoff, Hagarty Waychoff Grarup Funeral Services, told him that the Black Hawk County VA has those records. Yolando Loveless confirmed, and explained that the records are currently maintained alphabetically, not by year, which could prove to be challenging. Craig asked if Yolando could request that the state have the records sorted by date. Yolando confirmed. Committee Reports Building, Grounds & Operations—Chairperson Mel Wittwer Mel Wittwer provided the following updates. The city has not yet scheduled time to look into the wall paint that is chipping as reported last month. Pricing for a plaque for Marcia Courbat will run roughly$30, and noted that he has donated a printer to help with artifact work. February 24, 2021 Page 2 Education/Historical—Chairperson Randall Miller No report. Randy was absent. Finance/Fundraising—Vacant Artifacts Preservation—Chairperson James Lentfer Jim Lentfer provided an overview of the items he had on display and asked the commission to help make a decision whether to donate to the Grout or dispose of them. One item he shared is a photo of a civil war veteran reunion that he would like to restore. He would like to replace the glass, get it matted, reframed and mounted in the Memorial Hall. The estimate is approximately $400. A suggestion was made that he inquire with Hobby Lobby or other crafting stores for a quote. Unfinished Business— Moved by Lentfer, seconded by Butz, to approve the proposed changes to Article III, Section 1, as presented at the last meeting. Ayes: Ten. Motion carried. Nancy Higby stated that she would prepare the council communication and put the item before council for approval,who meets again on March 15, 2021. Jim Lentfer commented on the possible placement of a memorial for Marcia Courbat and introduced the idea of adding her photo along with the plaque. He suggested holding a ceremony for the dedication and invite Marcia's family. He reported that Marcia's daughter told him that more donations were still coming in. plo�, John Mrzlak commented that there is an account at Veridian Credit pion that was set up by Mike Dennis years ago, which was designated specifically for To his knowledge, those funds have not been touched. He stated he was unaware of the current balance but would bring the portfolio to the next meeting. Jim Lentfer commented on the email he sent out regarding the current state of the flags. A discussion followed on the current known needs for cemetery flags and bronze holders. He noted that he feels that the Veterans' Memorial Hall should be the clearinghouse for the city, but that responsibility comes with no authority. It was stated that eleven downtown flags would be retired. New Business With no further business before the commission, it was moved by J. Mrzlak, seconded by Ticknor,that the meeting be adjourned at 6:07 p.m. Ayes: Ten. Motion carried. Nancy Higby Administrative Secretary MEMORIAL HALL COMMISSION February 24, 2021 *AMENDED* 5:00 p.m. Veterans Memorial Hall Members present: Craig White in the Chair, Rodney Butz, Scott McDonald, Don Ticknor, Mel Wittwer, Marilyn Robinson, Frank McCaw, Mike Mrzlak, James Lentfer and John Mrzlak(A). Absent: Randy Miller and Angela Hickok (A). Also in Attendance: Mike Hudson—American Legion #138, Yolando Loveless, Director, Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs, Tim Combs, Executive Director, Americans for Independent Living, Matt Carpenter, Sons of the American Legion, and Nancy Higby, Secretary, City of Waterloo. Moved by McDonald, seconded by Wittwer, that the Agenda be approved. Ayes: Ten. Motion carried. Moved by Wittwer, seconded by J. Mrzlak, that the Minutes of January 27, 2021, as presented, be approved. Ayes: Ten. Motion carried. Citizen's Oral Comments Yolando Loveless provided a brief update on the status of Covid-19 vaccinations available to veterans in Black Hawk County. Tim Combs provided an overview of the various services that are provided through AFIL to area veterans and reported that over 492 veterans were assisted in 2020. He said they are working with the City of Waterloo and hoping to obtain 6 acres of property on Falls Avenue with the intent to develop a Veteran's community with 30-38 housing units. The plan to begin a campaign to raise funding for the project. Treasurer's Report—Vacant Nancy Higby read the fund balances as of February 17, 2021, reporting a brick fund balance of $7,149.84, which included the sale of one brick. The flag fund balance was reported to be $505.85, an increase of$500 from last month. She read from a summary provided by the Chief Financial Officer that the city voted in 2019 to allocate $2,000 to the flag fund to be used over the next four years. Chairperson's Report Craig White commented on the likelihood of holding another virtual Memorial Day ceremony due to the ongoing pandemic. He stated that he has found someone to help sift through the obituaries to identify veterans. Marcia Courbat previously did this task. Jim Lentfer commented that John Waychoff, Hagarty Waychoff Grarup Funeral Services, told him that the Black Hawk County VA has those records. Yolando Loveless confirmed, and explained that the records are currently maintained alphabetically, not by year, which could prove to be challenging. Craig asked if Yolando could request that the state have the records sorted by date. Yolando confirmed. Committee Reports Building, Grounds & Operations—Chairperson Mel Wittwer Mel Wittwer provided the following updates. The city has not yet scheduled time to look into the wall paint that is chipping as reported last month. Pricing for a plaque for Marcia Courbat will run roughly$30, and noted that he has donated a printer to help with artifact work. February 24, 2021 Page 2 Education/Historical—Chairperson Randall Miller No report. Randy was absent. Finance/Fundraising—Vacant Artifacts Preservation—Chairperson James Lentfer Jim Lentfer provided an overview of the items he had on display and asked the commission to help make a decision whether to donate to the Grout or dispose of them. One item he shared is a photo of a civil war veteran reunion that he would like to restore. He would like to replace the glass, get it matted, reframed and mounted in the Memorial Hall. The estimate is approximately $400. A suggestion was made that he inquire with Hobby Lobby or other crafting stores for a quote. Unfinished Business— Moved by Lentfer, seconded by Butz, to approve the proposed changes to Article III, Section 1, as presented at the last meeting. Ayes: Ten. Motion carried. Nancy Higby stated that she would prepare the council communication and put the item before council for approval, who meets again on March 15, 2021. Jim Lentfer commented on the possible placement of a memorial for Marcia Courbat and introduced the idea of adding her photo along with the plaque. He suggested holding a ceremony for the dedication and invite Marcia's family. He reported that Marcia's daughter told him that more donations were still coming in. John Mrzlak commented that there is an account at Veridian Credit Union that was set up by Mike Dennis years ago, which was designated specifically for the Memorial Day Parade. To his knowledge, those funds have not been touched. He stated he was unaware of the current balance but would bring the portfolio to the next meeting. Jim Lentfer commented on the email he sent out regarding the current state of the flags. A discussion followed on the current known needs for cemetery flags and bronze holders. He noted that he feels that the Veterans' Memorial Hall should be the clearinghouse for the city, but that responsibility comes with no authority. It was stated that eleven downtown flags would be retired. New Business With no further business before the commission, it was moved by J. Mrzlak, seconded by Ticknor, that the meeting be adjourned at 6:07 p.m. Ayes: Ten. Motion carried. Nancy Higby Administrative Secretary