Marcus Historical Society Meeting

February 27, 2007

The Marcus Historical Society met Tuesday, February 27 at the Farmers State Bank Meeting room.

The minutes of the regular January meeting were approved as published in the Marcus News.  The treasurer reported a checking balance of $1,598.90.

There were no reports from the Public Relations or Fund Raising Committees.  The webmaster (June Dias) reported that www.MarcusHistoricalSociety.org is up, and thanks in part to the Marcus Blog Spot, has experienced in excess of 500 "hits."

The president reported that the Biennial Report to the Secretary of State has been filed online.

A vote on the Amendment to the Constitution Article VI was called for:  "This constitution may be amended by two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any regular meeting provided that the proposed amendment has been read at a previous meeting and made available to the general membership by posting on the website www.MarcusHistoricalSociety.org and at City Hall."  Amendment passed.

A vote on the Amendment to Bylaws Article II Sec 2 C was called for:  "Secretary - Keeps a written record of each meeting and conducts correspondence on behalf of the Society."  Amendment passed.

The president reported on responsibilities of the Society's 501(c)3 status.  The Society needs to provide written substantiation for contributions of $250 or more.  The Society also needs to allow public inspection of the Application and Information Return.

A report was made on the status of the Society's offer to purchase the property at 208 W Cedar, the former Danish Church building (proceedings of special meeting, Feb 11, followed by deliberation of the executive board).  A counter offer has been made by the seller, Faith Lutheran Church Council to the effect that the Society pay $7,500 cash and split the closing costs to the extent of $500.  (Maximum cost to the Society $250.)  Buyer must respond by March 1, closing to take place March 15.  After discussion, Jerry Meylor moved, seconded by Jim Wiese to accept the counter offer.  Motion carried.

A discussion was held concerning the purchase agreement drawn up by the seller's representative Carl Nelson.  A motion was made by Jerry Pallesen, seconded by Mary Peterson to retype the agreement to omit extraneous terms and language rather than to cross out and initial these portions.  Motion carried.  June Dias and Jerry Meylor will be present for the closing.  Jim Nielsen will be contacted to see if he can be there.

A check was received from Bob and Maxine Reed to be used toward the purchase of the Danish Church building and it's renovation, plus a letter describing their wishes and terms.  These funds are to be used only for a building and for building renovation.  The building is to be known as the Reed Center of the Marcus Historical Society.  A plaque (at the Reed's expense) is to be placed in the building acknowledging that the building has been given in memory of Carl A. and Hazel A. Reed.  A motion was made by Bonnie Husman, seconded by Mary Peterson to place this money in a savings account, the account to be referred to as the building account.  Motion carried.

The Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance has a fund which is used for preservation work involving endangered buildings of historic worth.  A motion was made by Sherree Ogren, seconded by Bonnie Husman, to nominate the Marcus News building to the Alliance's "Most Endangered Properties" provided that the owner of the News building is willing to give permission that the Society do this.  Motion carried.  June Dias will take care of details.

June Dias has contacted Rod Ogren to inquire whether the Main Street organization architect can do drawings of the building at 208 W Cedar since the Society is unsure at this point if, when, or where the building might be moved to Main Street.  Rod will check with the Main Street architect.

A possible fund-raising project was discussed.  The Marcettes are discontinuing sponsorship of the city-wide garage sales and the Marcettes president is willing to give the Society the files covering the past garage sales events.  A decision was not made as to whether to go forward with the project but it is still under consideration.

The next regular meeting will be held Tuesday, March 27, 2007.

Meeting adjourned.

Members present:  June Dias, Jerry Meylor, Sherree Ogren, Mary Peterson, Jim Wiese, Jerry Pallesen, Brian Nelson, Fran Briggs, Bonnie Husman, Maxine Shea.

Respectfully submitted,