HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes of 5.24.2023MEMORIAL HALL COMMISSION
May 24, 2023
5:00 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Hall
Members present: Craig White in the Chair, Randy Miller, Mel Wittwer, Marilyn Robinson,
Frank McCaw, James Lentfer, Mike Mrzlak, David Grimm (A).
Absent: Mike Hudson, Scott McDonald, John Mrzlak, Matt Carpenter (A), Angela Hickok (A),
and Richard Berry (A).
Also in Attendance: Richard Hurtado and Nancy Higby, Secretary, City of Waterloo.
Moved by Miller, seconded by Grimm, that the Agenda be approved. Ayes: Eight. Motion
carried.
Moved by Grimm, seconded by Miller, that the Minutes of April 26, 2023, be approved. Ayes:
Eight. Motion carried.
Citizen's Oral Comments
Rick Hurtado commented on the new Vietnam Veterans Memorial sign created by Nagel Signs.
Treasurer's Report — Vacant
Nancy Higby provided an update on the current fund balances as of May 17, 2023. Brick Fund -
$6,690.80; Courbat Memorial Fund - $1,000.00; Special Projects Fund - $500.00; Artifacts
Projects Fund - $163.99.
Moved by Miller, seconded by Grimm, that the Treasurer's report be received and placed on file.
Ayes: Eight. Motion carried.
Chairperson's Report
Craig White reported that the Vietnam Vigil will be held September 8-10, 2023, and the next
honor flight is scheduled for June 6, 2023. There are a total of 91 veterans scheduled to travel to
D.C., (86) Vietnam vets and (5) Korean vets.
Committee Reports
Building, Grounds & Operations — Chairperson Mel Wittwer
Mel reported that he has set two bricks in the courtyard and has four more orders pending;
however, they were not received before the cut-off date so they will not be engraved and set until
after Memorial Day.
Two events were recently held on the grounds. The Peace Officers Memorial service, sponsored
by the UNI Police, and the Civil War Roundtable met and discussed Civil War medicine.
JB Bolger from the City of Waterloo, came to pick up 52 flags to be put up around downtown.
Randy replaced several that were tattered. JB will come back to get those and finish putting
them up.
Moved by Wittwer, seconded by Lentfer, to reimburse Dave Grimm, in the amount of $74.88 for
the purchase of (2) Iowa Flags purchased from Miller Fence Co. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried.
Operations — Chairperson David Grimm
David Grimm commented that the committee continues to work through the Operating
Procedures. He further acknowledged all who showed up to help with the Peace Officer
Memorial.
Education/Historical — Chairperson Randall Miller
Randy commented on the importance of keeping tattered flags that need to be replaced separate
from the good flags.
May 24, 2023 Page 2
He acknowledged the efforts of Mel, Frank and Jim to coordinate and improve the historical
aspect of the museum.
The commission members discussed the level of involvement this board should have in dealing
with the flags since voting in June of 2022 to divest itself from any responsibility for city flags.
The board agreed to store the flags for the city, but will no longer manage putting them up or
taking them down. Unfortunately, the issue of flag maintenance had not been part of that
previous agreement. It was further discussed how to approach the city about maintenance funds
to replace flags as needed.
Artifacts Preservation — Chairperson James Lentfer
Jim provided an update on the progress the Artifacts Committee has been making. He said he
will be following up with Nathan, at UNI museum, on the status of our flags and banner.
He shared that he had a conversation with Michael Moore, of Sacred Harp, who expressed
interest in using the Memorial Hall at some point in the future. He gave a brief overview of what
Sacred Harp does and explained there is a group of about thirty people who sing in a cappella
harmony.
Finance/Fundraising — None. Position vacant.
Unfinished Business
Motion to approve the proposed amendments to the Constitution and By -Laws.
Moved by Wittwer, seconded by Grimm, to approve the amendments as proposed. Ayes: Eight.
Motion carried.
New Business —
Rick Hurtado spoke about purchasing new plants and woodchips, then getting them in the
ground. He said that the foundation will cover the cost.
Craig White said to work through Nancy Higby, and she will make sure JB Bolger agrees before
moving forward. Craig also suggested Rick look into using the rubber chips instead of wood to
help minimize the risk of introducing insects into the building.
Randy Miller shared images of a mural and suggested the board consider having a mural painted
on the wall of the parking structure that faces Courbat Court. He thought the mural would work
well with the Veterans Way project. Jim Lentfer will share this idea with the Veterans Way
committee.
With no further business before the commission, it was moved by Miller, seconded by Grimm,
that the meeting be adjourned at 5:42 p.m. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried.
Nancy Higby
Administrative Secretary