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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes of 1.25.2023MEMORIAL HALL COMMISSION January 25, 2023 5:00 p.m. Veterans Memorial Hall Members present: Craig White in the Chair, Scott McDonald, Mel Wittwer, Frank McCaw, James Lentfer, Mike Mrzlak and John Mrzlak, David Grimm (A) and Angela Hickok (A). Absent: Randy Miller, Mike Hudson, Marilyn Robinson and Matt Carpenter (A). Also in Attendance: Nancy Higby, Secretary, City of Waterloo. Moved by Grimm, seconded by J. Mrzlak, that the Agenda be approved. Ayes: Nine. Motion carried. Moved by J. Mrzlak, seconded by M. Mrzlak, that the Minutes of November 16, 2022, be approved. Ayes: Nine. Motion carried. Citizen's Oral Comments None. Treasurer's Report — Vacant Nancy Higby provided an update on the current fund balances as of January 18, 2023. Brick Fund - $7,078.15; Flag Fund - $205.26; Courbat Memorial Fund - $1,000; Special Projects Fund - $500; Artifacts Projects Fund - $217.41. A discussion followed regarding the reporting of the flag fund balance of $205.26. Nancy explained that the amount remains in the report, because the vote to return the funds to the city, passed at the June 22, 2022 meeting, was made around the same time the CFO's employment ended. Unfortunately, nothing has been done at this point, but said she would speak with the City Finance Manager to correct this. Jim Lentfer questioned if a new motion could be made to rescind the earlier motion to return those funds to the City of Waterloo. He agreed to bring this up for discussion under new business. John Mrzlak questioned if the Mayor had to give his permission each time the board wanted to use the monies, as each fund is designated "Mayor's Restricted Projects". Moved by J. Mrzlak, seconded by Wittwer, that the Treasurer's report be received and placed on file. Ayes: Nine. Motion carried. Mel Wittwer commented that that Nancy brought in a donation receipt for $2,748.95 from the Rotary Club of the Cedar Valley that was left on her desk at the end of December 2022. The memo line states it is to be used for Veterans Way, however it does not indicate if it was for Memorial Hall or not. Jim Lentfer stated that he would check into it and see what he could learn. NOTE: Two days after the meeting, Nancy was able to determine that the donation was intended for the Veterans Way project at City Hall and not in any way connected to Memorial Hall expenditures. She notified both Mel Wittwer and Jim Lentfer. Chairperson's Report Craig White reported that the April 15th Honor Flight fundraiser event would be held at Electric Park. A flyer will go out next week with information on ticket and table prices. There will be completely new entertainment this year. He reported that the price for tickets has gone up and suggested people reserve tables early to avoid missing out. The tentative date for the next flight is June 10th. Committee Reports Building, Grounds & Operations — Chairperson Mel Wittwer Mel Wittwer commented that there is not much change to report. He did state that the three new picnic tables have been installed, but there has been no word back yet on the request for a one- way street or the fountain repairs. He noted that if we have someone out to give a quote, it would not be free. January 23, 2023 Page 2 John Mrzlak suggested using the donated Veterans Way funds to cover the cost of the quote if they are found to belong to the Memorial Hall. Jim Lentfer shared that he would like to see the parking ramp fixed up better too. Operations — Chairperson David Grimm David Grimm reported that they have had a couple of meetings and have made a lot of changes to the Constitution and By -Laws. Nancy has been asked to make several copies available at the next meeting for discussion by the board and a vote will be taken at two subsequent meetings. John Mrzlak questioned if the Mayor intended to appointment a new liaison for the board. Education/Historical — Chairperson Randall Miller - Absent. Artifacts Preservation — Chairperson James Lentfer Jim Lentfer provided an overview of the talking points he has had with Randy and Mel. One item in particular was a rare banner from 50th Anniversary of the Civil War that he would like to have mounted and framed. Frank McCaw commented that due to the fragility of the material, the item would need to be preserved in advance of any framing and of course would need to be properly mounted to avoid stressing the material. Jim commented that he would revisit this discussion at another meeting. Finance/Fundraising — None. Position vacant. Unfinished Business — None. New Business — David Grimm commented on the passing of Don Ticknor last month, and noted that he represented the Retired Officers Association. He has learned that the organization has not been active for over a dozen years and has in fact, been incorporated into the Military Officers Association of America. Robert Stavnes, Retired Army Colonel, oversees both Chapters in Iowa and lives in Cedar Falls. His assistant is Gordy Yuska, who everyone knows from West High. Robert has said that he would become the primary with Gordy as the alternate. David questioned what steps need to be taken. Nancy Higby stated that she would mail out an application for each of them to complete and return, so their request for appointment can go before council. She stated that she would list the affiliation as "Military Officers Association of America, formerly known as Retired Officers Association" on the application until the By -Laws are officially amended. Jim Lentfer proposed using the flag money previously discussed for the purchase of two each of the Iowa State flag, POW/MIA flag and U.S. flag. Scott McDonald commented that the Marcia Courbat Memorial Fund could also be used to purchase the flags to avoid any issue with the City on the previous motion to return all flag funds. Moved by McDonald, seconded by Grimm, to utilize the Marcia Courbat Memorial Fund account to purchase flags to suit. Ayes: Nine. Motion carried. John Mrzlak questioned who would be doing the Memorial Day parade. The board discussed the matter and David Grimm confirmed that Steve Grimm had previously said that the American Legion Post 138 would take on the event. With no further business before the commission, it was moved by J. Mrzlak, seconded by Grimm, that the meeting be adjourned at 5:32 p.m. Ayes: Nine. Motion carried. Nancy Higby Administrative Secretary