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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.26.2022MEMORIAL HALL COMMISSION October 26, 2022 5:00 p.m. Veterans Memorial Hall Members present: Randy Miller in the Chair, Scott McDonald, Mel Wittwer, Marilyn Robinson, James Lentfer, Mike Mrzlak, John Mrzlak and David Grimm (A). Absent: Craig White, Mike Hudson, Don Ticknor, Frank McCaw, Matt Carpenter (A), Angela Hickok (A) and Richard Berry (A). Also in Attendance: Nancy Higby, Administrative Secretary Moved by Wittwer, seconded by Grimm, that the Agenda be approved. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. Moved by J. Mrzlak, seconded by Wittwer, that the Minutes of September 28, 2022, be approved. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. Citizen's Oral Comments - None Treasurer's Report — Vacant Nancy Higby provided an update on the current balances as of October 18, 2022 as follows: Brick Fund - $7,169.86; Flag Fund - $205.26; Courbat Memorial Fund - $1,000; Special Projects Fund - $500; Artifacts Projects Fund - $477.22. Moved by McDonald, seconded by Grimm, that the Treasurer's report be received and placed on file. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. Chairperson's Report - Vacant Committee Reports Building & Grounds — Chairperson Mel Wittwer Moved by Witter, seconded by J. Mrzlak, to approve reimbursement in the amount of $64.21, for the purchase of supplies to display a variety historical items. The monies should come from the Artifacts Fund. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. Mel commented that he attended the October 17th council meeting to speak on behalf of the Veteran's Memorial Hall. The council was voting on an ordinance amendment to change signage on Courbat Court. He was able to talk about several points that this commission has discussed regarding parking for Memorial Hall business. The Mayor asked Sandie Greco, Director of Traffic Operations, to work with Mel on the concerns of the commission. David Grimm commented that they spoke with Sandie on the issue of security cameras as well. He explained that we are unable to utilize the parking ramp cameras to view our building since they have closed off the side door due to security reasons. They had no way of taking a picture of who was entering. We suggested that we install a camera that would view our building and their door at the same time. Sandie said she would speak with the Republic Parking about the matter. Mel stated that since Sandie is also in charge of cameras he will hold off on any further discussion with Hawkeye Alarm until he hears back. Operations — Chairperson David Grimm David Grimm commented that with the help of City Attorney Marty Petersen, a good deal of work has been done to amend Chapter 11 of the City Code. Council is good with the proposed changes, which frees us up to start working on our by-laws. We all really need to thank Marty Petersen for what he has done for us. David also shared that there is not a problem with non -veterans serving on the Memorial Hall Commission as long as the majority are veterans. October 26, 2022 Page 2 Education/Historical —Chairperson Randall Miller Randy commented that he didn't have anything new to share at this time, and asked Jim Lentfer to speak on the Veterans Day program. Artifacts Preservation — Chairperson James Lentfer Jim Lentfer spoke on the intern's performance and commented that he was a very good worker and was able to catalogue a total of four boxes of artifacts, bringing us to a total of seven. Jim also shared that a trench mortar was found upstairs. They plan to buff it up and put it out on display. Jim shared the informational boards he put together for the room dedications. He commented that he would like to purchase two additional wooden easels, as they are good quality and better than the cardboard option. A discussion followed on the best place to display the posters and plaques. Jim provided an overview of the flow of presentations for the Veterans Day program. He explained that he received an email from Pat Kinney who questioned if there were plans to acknowledge the Sullivan Brother's 80th anniversary and said he will contact Craig White on the matter. Randy suggested adding photographs of the individuals that will be recognized and shared images from his tablet. Unfortunately, he does not have pictures of Smith and Call. David Grimm questioned if the $1,000.00 in the Courbat Memorial fund could be used for this project. Randy explained that there had been a prior discussion about using some of those funds to improve the kitchen since that will be dedicated to Marcia. Jim Lentfer proposed holding a fundraiser to collect additional funds. Mel Wittwer commented that it is important we continue selling bricks. He said that he received twelve brick orders before the Memorial Day deadline, but only one order before Veterans Day. Randy commented on the various methods Marcia used to increase the sale of bricks. He suggested that the ability to purchase bricks be mentioned at the Veterans Day event and where order forms can be found. Nancy Higby mentioned that the form is also available in a fillable .pdf format on the City's website. Randy commented that in the spring we should work on improving how people go about locating bricks in the courtyard. Finance/Fundraising — None. Position vacant. Unfinished Business Jim Lentfer will be attempting to clarify a few things regarding the Veterans Way project, such as fundraising, and to inquire if there is a representative for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Paramount Park. Randy commented on a conversation he had with Sandie Greco regarding increasing parking on Courbat Court. He suggested removing the grass, removing the curb and putting in an easement which would open up two additional spaces. She told him that request would have to run through Engineering. New Business David Grimm brought up the matter of elections in November. Randy stated that he will be leaving on the 13th. Nancy Higby informed the commission that there will be no staff available to take minutes at the regularly scheduled meeting. Randy said he could join by Zoom or FaceTime. Moved by Grimm, seconded by Lentfer, to move the November 231d meeting to November 16th. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. A discussion followed regarding the nomination/election process. Jim Lentfer suggested the Operations Committee discuss the matter and bring a recommendation back to the commission. He does not believe there is any rush to hold the election before the end of the year. October 26, 2022 Page 3 Randy Miller commented that he recalls that the commission chairperson appoints the committee chairs. Nancy Higby read Article II, paragraph 1 and 2 of the commission by-laws, which states, Para 1: The commission shall elect annually a General Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and a Treasurer. Para 2: The General Chairperson, with the approval of the Commission, shall appoint Commission Committees, with the exception of the Nominating Committee, which shall be elected by the Commission. Mel Wittwer commented that we do not have an elected Vice Chair, Secretary or Treasurer and questioned which officers we would be electing. John Mrzlak stated the election would be for the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, then questioned if the Secretary could be eliminated since the city provides a secretary. The commission agreed that the election of a secretary could be eliminated. Rick Hurtado questioned if funds are donated to Memorial Hall, will the city reduce how much they will provide for projects. The example of the donated conference room table was given as a way an individual or organization can give to the Memorial Hall. However, the city would need to be involved for anything requiring labor. With no further business before the commission, it was moved by J. Mrzlak, seconded by McDonald, that the meeting be adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. Nancy Higby Administrative Secretary