HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/2/2021 MEMORIAL HALL COMMISSION
May 26, 2021
5:00 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Hall
Members present: Craig White in the Chair, Mike Hudson, Randy Miller, Scott McDonald, Mel
Wittwer, Don Ticknor, James Lentfer, Mike Mrzlak, John Mrzlak (A), Matt Carpenter (A) and
Angela Hickok(A).
Absent: Terry Scheffert, Marilyn Robinson and Frank McCaw.
Also in Attendance: Rodney Butz, Rick Hurtado and Nancy Higby, Secretary, City of Waterloo.
Moved by McDonald, seconded by Ticknor, that the Agenda be approved. Ayes: Ten. Motion
carried.
Moved by Miller, seconded by J. Mrzlak, that the Minutes of April 28, 2021, be approved.
Ayes: Ten. Motion carried.
Citizen's Oral Comments
Rick Hurtado reminded the commission that Ryan Laudick, Owner& Founder of Iowa Nonprofit
Consulting, is available to assist with any fund raising needs. Nancy Higby will email Mr.
Laudick's contact information to those commission members with an email address on file.
Treasurer's Report—Vacant
Nancy Higby read the fund balances as of May 19, 2021, reporting a current brick fund balance
of$7,451.35 and a flag fund balance of$356.86.
Craig White questioned when the city would deposit the next round of funds into the flag fund,
and if anyone has shown interest in filling the current Treasurer vacancy.
Chairperson's Report
Craig White and Randy Miller spoke of the upcoming virtual Memorial Day program, and
provided the dates, times and channels where it could be viewed.
Committee Reports
Building, Grounds & Operations—Chairperson Mel Wittwer
Mel Wittwer submitted an invoice from Black Hawk Memorial in the amount of$125.00.
Moved by J. Mrzlak, seconded by Miller, to approve payment of the invoice to Black Hawk
Memorial for$125, for the engraving of five bricks. Ayes: Ten. Motion carried.
Mel Wittwer commented that 26 bricks have been installed since Dick Hastings left the
commission.
Education/Historical—Chairperson Randall Miller
Randy Miller explained that he attended the council meeting on May 17, 2021, so that he could
encourage council to approve the renaming of Cedar Street from W. 4th Street to W. 51h Street to
Courbat Court, which they did approve. He commented that once the street signs are ready, he
would like to have a small ceremony with the Courbat family and Mayor in attendance for an
unveiling and as well as the dedication of the meeting room in Marcia's honor. He would also
like to frame the signed resolution for display.
Nancy Higby will provide an official signed and sealed original resolution suitable for framing.
John Courbat, son of Marcia Courbat, commented that his mother's last wishes were that
donations would be made to her favorite paste time — The Veterans Memorial Hall. He
presented an envelope with a total of$1,100 in donations. He further commented that there are
May 26, 2021 Page 2
family from out of the area that would like to come in for the event and provided his phone
number when the date and time is set.
Randy Miller commented that the flags have gone up downtown and that he had received
donations from Dave McCarbille, Mike Ambrose and Jim Lentfer, which will allow for the
purchase of additional spinner poles.
Finance/Fundraising—Vacant
Artifacts Preservation—Chairperson James Lentfer
Jim Lentfer provided an update on the efforts by the Artifacts Committee. He explained that
they hope to expand the library bookshelf to help better display items. Greg Ahlhelm, Building
Official, will be visiting the building in a few weeks to get a better understanding of the request.
Jim explained that the committee is also looking to make changes to the artifacts section of the
operating procedure and plan to bring that proposal before the full commission next month.
Rodney Butz provided an overview of what could be involved to preserve the current civil war
book display. The cost could likely be quite expensive, and he will therefore be checking with
the state historical society to see if some of the same books are currently preserved elsewhere.
Mel Wittwer suggested everyone look over the books, and added that the committee will need to
decide where to put their energy.
Jim Lentfer explained that when the committee meets on June 7, they would set out a course of
action and bring a proposal before the commission.
Craig White suggested artifacts be sent to Iowa City for preservation.
Rodney Butz will reach out to find if there is interest on their part.
Rick Hurtado commented that it is important to prioritize any projects before spending any of the
donated funds from Marcia's memorial.
Mike Hudson suggested keeping the items locally at the Grout Museum instead of Iowa City.
Unfinished Business—
None.
New Business
None.
With no further business before the commission, it was moved by J. Mrzlak, seconded by
Wittwer, that the meeting be adjourned at 5:56 p.m. Ayes: Ten. Motion carried.
Nancy Higby
Administrative Secretary