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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/25/2021 MEMORIAL HALL COMMISSION August 25, 2021 5:00 p.m. Veterans Memorial Hall Members present: Randy Miller in the Chair, Mike Hudson, Terry Scheffert, Scott McDonald, Mel Wittwer, Don Ticknor, James Lentfer, Matt Carpenter (A) arrived at 5:05pm, David Grimm (A) and Angela Hickok(A). Absent: Craig White, Frank McCaw, Marilyn Robinson, Mike Mrzlak, John Mrzlak. Also in Attendance: Rick Hurtado; Jaycie Vos, Special Collections Coordinator, UNI; and Nancy Higby, Secretary, City of Waterloo. Moved by McDonald, seconded by Hudson, that the Agenda be approved. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. Moved by Wittwer, seconded by Hudson, that the Minutes of June 23, 2021, be approved. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. Citizen's Oral Comments None. Treasurer's Report—Vacant Nancy Higby read the fund balances as of August 18, 2021, reporting a current brick fund balance of$7,676.35, a flag fund balance of$356.86, and the recently created Courbat memorial fund balance of$1,000. She explained that the donation from VGM has not yet been deposited, and that the Chief Financial Officer, Michelle Weidner, said that she would prefer that the commission specify how the funds will be used, rather than creating a general fund to hold the monies. Jim Lentfer shared his notes on a recent conversation he had with Michelle regarding donations, etc. Randy Miller suggested that Michelle Weidner briefly attend the next meeting to help clarify how she would like the commission to define this and future funds received. Mel Wittwer presented an invoice from Blackhawk Memorial for $225 for the engraving of nine bricks. Moved by Lentfer, seconded by McDonald, to approve payment to Blackhawk Memorial in the amount of$225. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. Chairperson's Report—None (Craig White was absent) Committee Reports Building, Grounds & Operations—Chairperson Mel Wittwer Mel Wittwer provided an update of ongoing projects. He reported than an Ethernet line has been installed but still needs to be connected. He commented on the deteriorating bricks at the front of the building and suggested that it might make sense to ask the city to address the issue, as it is part of the building structure. He also noted that the windows should be reglazed and painted soon. Randy expressed his appreciation on the effort to improve the aesthetics of the building. Rick Hurtado commented on the need to have the trees trimmed and offered to do it if necessary. Nancy Higby explained that the City Forester should manage any trimming of trees and cited potential liability concerns should any trees suffer damage due to improper trimming. Randy offered to discuss this with Leisure Services. Education/Historical—Chairperson Randall Miller August 25, 2021 Page 2 Randy Miller shared that the new street signs have been erected and the address has changed from 655 Cedar to 1915 Courbat Court. He noted that Courbat family was very pleased with the street name change honoring Marcia and thanked everyone involved in getting this accomplished. He commented on the number of flags damaged due to the storm on Tuesday, August 24th. He explained that the city provides $500 annually, designated for cemetery flags only. A brief discussion followed on the cost to replenish the flags and ways money could be raised to support the effort. Mel Wittwer questioned if the city could cover the cost of the downtown flags. Randy said that he has spoken to the Mayor, and he is looking into it. Jim Lentfer commented that he will be giving a report at the next meeting on the availability of cemetery flags. Terry Scheffert commented that he had conversations with the Mayor and Kelly Sullivan and that the Veteran's Memorial Hall building will be part of the proposed Veterans Way. Jim Lentfer explained that he had spoken with the Mayor and asked that the City consider the addition of an ADA compliant walkway allowing easier access to the Memorial Hall from the parking ramp. Finance/Fundraising—None. Position vacant. Artifacts Preservation—Chairperson James Lentfer Jim Lentfer provided an overview of the past two Artifact Committee meetings. He explained that further discussion for shelf expansion are being put on hold due to the complexity of red rot which has resulted in the retirement of some artifacts. He said there are some WWII era uniforms the he would like to dispose of with the commission's vote after they've been digitized. He commented on the display case renovation and the need to matte and frame the early 1900's photos. He requested that Frank McCaw be authorized to move forward with framing and matting. Moved by Lentfer, seconded by Hudson, to approve an expenditure NTE $200 for the matting and framing of the early 1900's photos. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. Jim explained that the proposed POW/MIA Day has been tabled and said that artifacts will be showcased at the Open House next month. He further explained that any improvement of office technology would need to wait until the internet is working properly. In the interim, a complete inventory will be performed to understand what we have and determine which items are most valuable. He commented that digitizing of the library inventory has begun and that Frank has been working on customizing forms. 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. Angela Hickok noted that she has been working on a slide show presentation that could be displayed on the large conference room television. Jim introduced Jaycie Vos, Special Collections Coordinator and University Archivist at UNI. He commented that he is interested in expanding the Artifact Committee to include representatives from both the library and the UNI museum. Though Jaycie could not commit to being an active committee member, she did offer to consult on a case-to-case basis on archiving and preservation. Jim stated that he would bring sub-committee recommendations on modifying the operating procedures to the next meeting. Unfinished Business— August 25, 2021 Page 3 The Veterans Memorial Hall Open House will be held on September 19,2021 from Noon to 3:00 p.m. Commission members discussed donations, ways to raise funds, and possibly advertising through KWWL. New Business—None. With no further business before the commission, it was moved by McDonald, seconded by Hudson, that the meeting be adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. Nancy Higby Administrative Secretary