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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES_6-10-2021 Museum Board Special MtgMinutes of the June 10, 2021 Special Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 2 Minutes of the June 10, 2021 Special meeting of the Museum Board (Approved at the July 8, 2021 Board Meeting.) The Board met remotely on June 10, 2021, to discuss the Director search with City personnel. President Loiacono called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. The roll was taken by Theresa Books. PRESENT AT ROLL (via Zoom): President Gabe Loiacono, Board Secretary Connie Drexler, Board Members Carol Fenrich, Jim Hoffman, Rick Rego, Jean Thierman, and School Board President Bob Poeschl. Absent: Vice President Becky Matzke and Alternate Joseph Stephenson ALSO PRESENT: Assistant City Manager/Director Administrative Services John Fitzpatrick, Human Resource Manager Michelle Behnke, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes. Mr. Fitzpatrick began by stating how sorry the City and Museum are to lose Brad, but all are very happy for him on his retirement. He reported that Mr. Rohloff values the Museum Board’s input. Mr. Fitzpatrick then reviewed the email message to the Board stating they would like members of the Board to consider if they may have any conflict of interest regarding participating in the recruitment process. For example, if a Board member is considering applying for the position, has a relative that may apply for the position, or other similar conflict, we request they contact Michelle Behnke, HR Manager (920-236-5111), to discuss next steps including possibly recusing themselves from the process. Mr. Fitzpatrick and Ms. Behnke then reviewed the tentative timetable for the Director Search. Each Board member is to email to Ms. Behnke by June 18 with the qualities they would most like to see in the next Director. Then, by July 9, the Board is asked to email to Ms. Behnke any questions they would like to have asked of the candidates that are interviewed. A brochure will be made to highlight the benefits of Oshkosh, to help candidates be aware of the many benefits of this community. Ms. Drexler expressed she would like to help with that brochure. During the discussion Mr. Loiacono suggested a few additional places to advertise the position, including the National Council on Public History (ncph.org) and the Muse Weekly of the University of Delaware. Ms. Behnke said she’d be happy to include those places. Minutes of the June 10, 2021 Special Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 2 It is anticipated the position will be posted June 25th for about two weeks. Mr. Loiacono expressed surprise that a high level position like that would be listed only two weeks. Ms. Behnke stated that because of technology and the many places it can be posted, two weeks seems to be enough time to get many good candidates. Also, if it seems more time is needed, HR can choose to extend the time. Mr. Fitzpatrick further explained there will be two panels to interview the candidates. One will be a community/peer panel consisting of the City Attorney, a Museum Employee Representative, City Manager Mark Rohloff, a peer Museum Director, a community representative, and a City HR representative. The other panel is the Museum Board and a City HR representative. After each panel has interviewed the final candidates, Mr. Rohloff will meet with each panel to hear their recommendations. Board members may visit HR to review the applicants July 12-14, with interview dates tentatively set for July 27 and August 3. Interviews will likely go from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mr. Loiacono asked if there’d be a way to participate in the interviews remotely. Mr. Fitzpatrick said it would be difficult to attend remotely. The final candidates will be interviewed by each panel, have a tour of the Museum and a tour of the community. Time will be built in after each interview for the Board to be able to discuss each candidate immediately after they interview the person. Discussion continued. Mr. Loiacono asked, with Mr. Rohloff hearing from two panels, will the Board know the other panel’s recommendations? Mr. Fitzpatrick replied, no they will not. It was asked is it possible Mr. Rohloff would choose someone the Board doesn’t recommend. Mr. Fitzpatrick replied Mr. Rohloff respects the Board and wants to do all he can to have their impact, but it is possible that he would select someone that they did not recommend. Mr. Poeschl asked, what if the Board doesn’t have just one candidate, rather two or three. Mr. Fitzpatrick said that can be good, it would give Mr. Rohloff options to consider. Mr. Rego asked if a candidate could be called back for a second interview. Yes, that would be possible. Mr. Poeschl inquired if this is good timing in the museum world to do a search. Ms. Behnke responded that summer is pretty ideal as it is before the start of a school year. Mr. Loiacono asked about the Education and Experience listed on the Job Description, how rigid are the stated majors? Such as if someone has their bachelor’s degree with a different focus than those listed. He also recommended adding “Master’s in Public History” under education. Ms. Behnke noted that the phrase “or a related field” gives flexibility in considering the candidates’ overall qualifications. Ms. Behnke asked that the Board review the draft Job Description and let her know any suggestions they have. When discussion had concluded, with no other agenda items, President Loiacono asked for a vote to adjourn. The vote was unanimous in favor and the meeting adjourned at 5:23 p.m.