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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes of 7.26.2023MEMORIAL HALL COMMISSION July 26, 2023 5:00 p.m. Veterans Memorial Hall Members present: Randy Miller in the Chair, David Grimm, Mel Wittwer, Marilyn Robinson, Frank McCaw, James Lentfer, Mike Mrzlak, John Mrzlak. Absent: Craig White, Mike Hudson, Scott McDonald, Matt Carpenter (A), Angela Hickok (A), and Richard Berry (A) and Council Liaison - Belinda Creighton -Smith (Ward 4). Also in Attendance: Richard Hurtado and Nancy Higby, Secretary, City of Waterloo. Moved by Grimm, seconded by M. Mrzlak, that the Agenda be approved. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. Moved by J. Mrzlak, seconded by Grimm, that the Minutes of June 28, 2023, be approved. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. Citizen's Oral Comments None. Treasurer's Report — Vacant Nancy Higby provided an update on the current fund balances as of July 19, 2023. Brick Fund - $6,940.80; Courbat Memorial Fund - $925.12; 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. Jim Lentfer shared that he received a donation of $100.00 from VFW Post 1623 to be used for the plants outside the building and proposed it be deposited into the Special Projects Fund. Moved by Grimm, seconded by J. Mrzlak to accept the donation and place the funds into the Special Projects Fund account. Chairperson's Report None - Absent. Committee Reports Building, Grounds & Operations — Chairperson Mel Wittwer Mel reported that the Open House has been moved to September 17, 2023. He shared that the city has agreed to the use of a QR Code to identify the brick registry and that the paper list will continue to be available initially. He also shared that on Saturday, October 21st, the American Legion will hold an all -day district meeting at Memorial Hall. There should be approximately forty people in attendance and he is looking for volunteers to be available during the meeting. He noted that on Sunday, July 30th, there will be a special meeting held here with Amvet Post 31 - Evansdale, to assist them with the review and update of their constitution and by-laws and operating procedures. Mel requested approval to purchase a cleaning solution for the monuments and questioned how much solution would be needed. Randy Miller commented that the last time he purchased, he was charged tax and questioned if the ordering could be handled at the city level to avoid the taxes. He will forward the ordering information to Nancy. Moved by Wittwer, seconded by J. Mrzlak, to approve the purchase of the cleaning solution in an amount NTE $300.00, to be paid from the brick fund. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. Mel commented that tomorrow between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m., he would be getting a quote for needed repairs on the fountain. Anyone who is interested in being present is welcome to show up. July 26, 2023 Page 2 He reported that there were four new brick orders and seven bricks still pending placement. November 1st is the cut-off for placement before Veterans Day. Rick Hurtado questioned if anyone has heard back yet regarding the purchase of plants for the grounds. Mel commented that the city informed him they would come out to grind down the uneven concrete at the entrance. Operations — Chairperson David Grimm David Grimm acknowledged the efforts of Mel and Nancy for preparing a set of the Constitution & By Laws for each board member. He commented that the committee will continue to work on updating the Operating Procedures. He shared that the date of the Vietnam Vigil has changed to September 15-17, 2023. This coincides with the Open House. Dave explained that he and Jim Lentfer did speak with Erin Tink with the Waterloo Foundation and learned that we may not set up a checking account. The board discussed how access to funds might work moving forward. Dave concurred with Jim's prior suggestion to consider establishing a finance committee. Nancy suggested waiting for a meeting with fuller attendance before voting and to allow other members an opportunity to voice their thoughts and interest in serving. The board agreed to table the subject until the next meeting, scheduled for August 23, 2023. Education/Historical — Chairperson Randall Miller None. Artifacts Preservation — Chairperson James Lentfer Jim Lentfer asked Frank McCaw to provide an update. Frank stated that the last meeting was primarily a working session where they continued to identify and catalog various artifacts and reported that they have made quite a bit of progress. He noted that they found some interesting items. Nick Erickson found a rifle from the era between the Spanish American War and the First World War and presumed to be the property of the 54th Iowa Infantry Regiment, which was a voluntary infantry regiment that was stationed in Waterloo. According to Nick, this is a very rare rifle. Also found was a picture of three officers from that regiment and they will continue to research more on the officers and their connection to Waterloo. Finance/Fundraising — None. Position vacant. Jim commented that depending on how the discussion goes next month, he may be interested in taking up this position and would be looking for someone to replace him on the Artifacts Committee. Unfinished Business Randy Miller commented that he is still waiting for an update from Mohammad Elahi, City of Waterloo, on whether Courbat Court will become a one-way street. He also shared that he met with Chawne Paige, Culture and Arts, who is meeting with an artist next Wednesday to discuss how they might assist with the mural on the parking garage wall facing Courbat Court. Rick Hurtado questioned how to avoid graffiti damage to the mural. Jim Lenter suggested additional lighting as a deterrent to vandalism. New Business — Jim Lentfer reported that he turned in a packet to the UAW fundraiser, which is in March. He reiterated that it is important to establish an account soon where we can place funds. Mel Wittwer said he has not heard from Meyer's regarding the plants and expressed concern due to the lateness of the season. July 26, 2023 Page 3 Randy Miller shared that he is donating five easels. With no further business before the commission, it was moved by Grimm, seconded by Wittwer, that the meeting be adjourned at 5:40 p.m. Ayes: Eight. Motion carried. Nancy Higby Administrative Secretary