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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.24.2022MEMORIAL HALL COMMISSION August 24, 2022 5:00 p.m. Veterans Memorial Hall Members present: Craig White in the Chair, Mike Hudson, Randy Miller, Terry Scheffert, Scott McDonald, Mel Wittwer, Marilyn Robinson, Frank McCaw, James Lentfer and John Mrzlak, David Grimm (A). Absent: Don Ticknor, Mike Mrzlak, Matt Carpenter (A), Angela Hickok (A) and Richard Berry (A). Also in Attendance: Kelley Felchle, City Clerk, and Martin Petersen, City Attorney. Moved by Miller, seconded by J. Mrzlak, that the Agenda be approved. Ayes: Ten. Motion carried. Moved by Miller, seconded by Hudson, that the Minutes of July 27, 2022, be approved. Ayes: Ten. Motion carried. Citizen's Oral Comments Mike Hudson thanked the board members that came out to help construct the high tunnel system on Friday, July 29, 2022. Jim Lentfer thanked Rick Hurtado for pulling weeds and rogue trees growing in the landscaping. Treasurer's Report — Vacant Craig White provided an update on the current balances as of July 20, 2022. Terry Scheffert questioned where the $500 were that was donated by VGM. Kelley Felchle stated that she will look into it and get an answer back to the board. Moved by J. Mrzlak, seconded by Wittwer, that the Treasurer's report be received and placed on file. Ayes: Ten. Motion carried. Chairperson's Report Craig White reminded the board that September 9-11 is the Vietnam Vigil and there are still spots available for sign-up. He provided an overview of the upcoming Honor Flight and the T- shirts for the Sullivan's remembrance, which should be available for purchase at the Vigil. Committee Reports Building & Grounds — Chairperson Mel Wittwer Mel Wittwer commented that the internet service went down last month but he was able to contact Chris Youngblut who got it working again. He explained that he has arranged to meet with JB Bolger on September 19th, to determine where the picnic tables are going to go. He also plans to discuss removing some of the low hanging branches. Operations — Chairperson David Grimm David Grimm questioned if the Memorial Hall has a place on the city website and who manages the information. Kelley Felchle stated that cable access department takes care of a lot of the updating and that Agnes Kress would be the contact for that. David said he would like to see more information included on the site that includes hours of operation, events, etc., including names and contact numbers. David questioned if a discussion on the by-laws can be held now or if would be more appropriate to wait until after the meeting. Mel Wittwer commented on one key issue that needs to be resolved, and that is that we have learned that we are in violation of state code and questioned the impact on the commission. Marty Petersen introduced himself and shared that he met with Randy Miller a few weeks ago and learned of the current concerns. He explained that Iowa Code Chapter 37 first came into existence in the 1920's. The legislative intent of this law was to provide a vehicle for governments to honor the service of veterans through the issuance of bonds August 24, 2022 Page 2 and levying for maintenance. The City of Waterloo acquired the building in 1997 and an ordinance was passed in accordance with Iowa Code Section 392.1, allows for city commissions, much like the library was created, Leisure Services Commission, etc. So, whomever was in charge at that time, created the Memorial Hall Commission under that chapter. They did not establish it under Chapter 37. Interestingly, the original ordinance mentions only five members, and did not mention veterans at all. The ordinance was changed in 2002, and Section 2 changed the composition and membership of the original ordinance to say that the commission shall consist of fifteen members and they all have to be honorably discharged soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, nurse or coastguard members and a resident of Black Hawk county. Any changes the commission wishes to make to the organization would require an ordinance change, which is done by the recommendation of the commission. Jim Lentfer explained that the Operations Committee, chaired by David Grimm, has been working on proposed changes to come before the full commission for approval. They are meeting again on Monday, September 19th at 10:00 a.m. and invited the City Attorney to join the meeting. Education/Historical —Chairperson Randall Miller Randy reported commented on the need to work on a program for Veteran's Day, and it would be good to have the live event recorded and posted on the website. Artifacts Preservation — Chairperson James Lentfer Jim Lentfer shared that the Artifacts Committee will be making some presentations at the September l lth Patriot Day event held here at Memorial Hall. The event will run until 3:00 p.m. Jim commented that he has not made much headway on the new labeling of the rooms as discussed at the last meeting, but he will continue to work on this project and report back at the next meeting. He stated that Jennifer McNabb from UNI has contacted him regarding an intern, who will likely begin in October. Finance/Fundraising — None. Position vacant. Unfinished Business Jim Lentfer reported that the POW/MIA flags which are intended to be placed on 4th Street for the period between September 8th, through POW/MIA Recognition Day. Jessica Rucker, Main Street Waterloo, asked if stuff could be stored here at the hall. He explained that he would bring the matter before the commission. Randy Miller commented that the building was used in the past for this back during the Healing Fields event, however access to the building has changed since then. David Grimm reminded the group that we just got out of the flag business. Jim stated he would call Jessica back and let her know it would not work for us to store their flags here. New Business Jim Lentfer stated he received an email from Agnes Kress, which Kelley Felchle read aloud. Agnes asked if the commission members would be agreeable to having an episode of Connecting You to the Loo at Memorial Hall and have a few commission members speak during the short film. Kelley Felchle provided an overview of what councilperson Nia Wilder has been doing with other departments within the city, to help educate the public about the different things going on around the city. The commission discussed the benefits of participating in this. Jim will speak with Agnes about getting this set up. Randy Miller commented on the brick directory and asked if we would want to keep the red color, choose another color or possibly something completely different. Randy revisited the topic of naming a room after Marcia Courbat following last month's discussion on the matter. Since the only room still unnamed is the kitchen, he asked that the commission consider using some of the funds donated by the family to have a plaque made using the name Courbat Canteen. Mel Wittwer questioned who manages the building keys and if there was a Master Key list. Craig White commented that Dick Hastings used to have a full list of names and codes. Mel August 24, 2022 Page 3 explained that he tried to get a duplicate made for a new commission member, but was told that permission would be needed from Joel in City Maintenance. With no further business before the commission, it was moved by J. Mrzlak, seconded by McCaw, that the meeting be adjourned at 5:55 p.m. Ayes: Ten. Motion carried. After the meeting ended, Terry Scheffert announced that this would be his last meeting and he will no longer be an active member of the commission. Kelchle Felchle City Clerk