WCRF considers reducing board

By Mary Zielinski
His successful run for the 89th District seat in the Iowa House means Larry Marek will not continue with the Washington County Riverboat Foundation (WCRF).
Marek’s term expiries in December, before he takes his state office, and WCRF members November 19 discussed not filling the resulting vacancy.
“If we do not replace the member, we will have an odd number for the board,” said member Patricia Koller. She and others indicated that could be preferable. Not filling Marek’s position would mean a 13 rather than a 14 member board. The board has a representative from eight of the nine incorporated cities. The ninth, Coppock, is in three counties with Henry County as the one of record. The additional members are rural or from Washington.
Chairman Tim Putney noted that the board membership never was based on population, and suggested the issue be considered by the nominating committee. A recommendation could be made at the next meeting.
In other business, the board:

• approved continuing with Clifton Gunderson, Iowa City, as auditor for 2009 at a total cost of $8,000
• approved retaining Douglas Tindal as the board’s attorney with the same arrangement. Tindal charges $50 per meeting (his regular fee is $200) with billing for additional work as it arises
• approved a partial grant funding of $70,000
• were asked to consider future by-law review, including having a permanent starting time for meetings
• set 6 p.m., December 17 at the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort for the next meeting when grant recipients will be announced.