HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/23/2021 MEMORIAL HALL COMMISSION
June 23, 2021
5:00 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Hall
Members present: Craig White in the Chair, Mike Hudson, Randy Miller, Mel Wittwer, Don
Ticknor, Frank McCaw, James Lentfer, Mike Mrzlak, John Mrzlak, Matt Carpenter (A) and
Angela Hickok (A).
Absent: Terry Scheffert, Scott McDonald, Marilyn Robinson.
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: Nine. Motion
carried.
Moved by Miller, seconded by J. Mrzlak, that the Minutes of May 26, 2021, be approved. Ayes:
Nine. Motion carried.
Citizen's Oral Comments
None.
Treasurer's Report—Vacant
Craig White stated that the fund balance sheets were included in the agenda packet and asked if
anyone was interested in filling the current Treasurer vacancy. There was no comment.
Chairperson's Report
Craig White explained that thought they have received enough applications to fill the September
Honor Flight, he has learned that some are turning it down due to the airline mask requirements.
He brought additional applications to distribute to various organizations.
He commented that Variety Show tickets are available for $25 each and the event is scheduled
for October 9, 2021 at the Electric Park Ballroom. Anyone interested in tickets should contact
Craig White or Randy Miller.
Committee Reports
Building, Grounds & Operations—Chairperson Mel Wittwer
Mel Wittwer reported that the brick register has been updated to include the addition of 25 more
bricks and that all bricks will be in place before Veterans Day.
He reported that he, Mel and Randy met with the Building Official, Greg Alhelm, to review the
leak at the fountain, peeling paint, bricks and current internet needs. Greg Alhelm has contacted
a plumber who will look into the leak. Greg said the bricks would fall under capital budgeting
and he would look into adding the bricks to the budget. Mel stated that the priority is
establishing a reliable internet connection from the server to the office, which will require an
Ethernet connection.
Craig White suggested contacting Carl Shuler Masonry for a quote.
Rick Hurtado commented that touch-up painting would help.
June 23, 2021 Page 2
Randy explained that the flags will stay up through RAGBRAI and Irish Fest, and will be taken
down on Tuesday, August 10t' beginning at 9:00 a.m. He noted that Mr. Mrzlak donated $100
towards additional flagpoles, and that each pole is approximately $16 delivered.
Randy brought up the topic of flag retirement and the difficulty we face because of the toxic
blend of nylon and polyester. A discussion on alternative methods followed.
Finance/Fundraising—Vacant
Fundraising efforts were discussed and Randy Miller proposed organizing a Walk-A-Thon, and
stated that past events have been very successful.
John Mrzlak commented on the walking path from the Iowa Veterans Home fundraiser back in
1992 and made suggestions for a walking path if we should choose to move forward with the
idea. He also commented that a simple pledge of$10 per person could add up very quickly. He
suggested picking a date in October when the weather was a bit cooler and publishing notice in
the paper to help promote the event.
Jim Lentfer suggested creating a sub-committee.
Mel Wittwer suggested a special meeting to work out the details.
Rick Hurtado reminded the commission members to contact Ryan Laudick, of Iowa Nonprofit
Consulting for assistance.
Randy Miller stated he did call Mr. Laudick but did not reach anyone.
Artifacts Preservation—Chairperson James Lentfer
Jim Lentfer explained that further discussion on shelf expansion are being put on hold due to the
complexity of red rot, and that any improvement of office technology will need to wait until the
internet is working properly. In the interim, a complete inventory will be done to understand
what we have and which items are most valuable.
Jim commented that next month he would bring sub-committee recommendations on modifying
the operating procedures, and that Frank McCaw will also report on framing and matting of
various photos, etc.
Randy Miller questioned the commission's authorization to manage the artifacts.
Jim Lentfer will get in touch with the City Attorney, Martin Petersen for direction.
Unfinished Business—
None.
New Business
Jim Lentfer proposed organizing a POW/MIA recognition event to be held on September 17th at
Veteran's Memorial Hall.
Moved by Miller, seconded by Wittwer, that the motion to organize a POW/MIA recognition
event, be approved. Ayes: Nine. Motion carried.