HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.06.2022 Museum Board MinutesMinutes of the January 6, 2021 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
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Minutes of the January 6, 2022 Board Meeting
(Approved at the February 3, 2022 Board Meeting.)
The January meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held Thursday, January 6, 2022,
via Zoom. President Loiacono called the meeting to order at 4:01 pm.
The roll was taken by Administrative Assistant Theresa Books.
PRESENT AT ROLL: President Gabe Loiacono, Vice President Becky Matzke, Secretary Connie
Drexler, Board Members Jim Hoffman, Rick Rego, Jean Thierman, Carol Fenrich joined at 4:20,
Alternate Dana Stolley, and Oshkosh Superintendent of Schools Bryan Davis.
Excused: School Board President, Bob Poeschl
With Ms Fenrich not attending at Roll Call, President Loiacono appointed Ms. Stolley in her place.
ALSO PRESENT: Director Sarah Phillips, Assistant Director/Curator of Collections Anna
Cannizzo, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes.
There were no citizen statements to the Board and none were received.
Consent Agenda items included:
A. Minutes of December 2, 2021 Board Meeting
B. January Bill List
MOTION: Adopt Consent Agenda (Rego; second Thierman)
CARRIED: Yes (9) Drexler, Hoffman, Loiacono, Matzke, Rego, Stolley, Thierman, Davis, Poeschl
Ms. Phillips began the discussion regarding receipt and use of the Ziebell Trust. She recommended
the Board approve holding the funds in the Membership Fund in reserve if needed for contingency
for Sports and Recreation, seeing that building material costs are increasing. And if it is not needed
for that, it can be used for other budget items/projects that would be brought forward to the Board
in the future. There was a question about putting the full amount in the Endowment Fund. Ms.
Cannizzo reminded the Board that once it is put into the Endowment Fund, the full amount is no
longer available, rather just the interest earned. When the Board had finished discussing the
options President Loiacono requested a motion.
Minutes of the January 6, 2021 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
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MOTION: The Board approve the Ziebell Trust money be held in the Membership Fund for use
for any overages of CIP projects. (Drexler; second Hoffman)
CARRIED: Yes (9) Drexler, Hoffman, Loiacono, Matzke, Rego, Stolley, Thierman, Davis, Poeschl
President Loiacono then requested Ms. Phillips present the Director’s Report.
Ms. Phillips began by reporting that White Christmas: The Exhibition is an ongoing success. As of
January 5th, the Museum had sold 4651 tickets on the online ticketing platform, TicketLeap. That
number did not include general admission numbers for guests who did not reserve their tickets
in advance, which is approximately another 1,600. The exhibition has been formally extended
through February 13th.
Ms. Phillips shared some examples of feedback staff are getting regarding this exhibition:
“We loved the special White Christmas exhibit. And the museum is in a gorgeous home
with very friendly staff. We drove almost five hours to get there and it was worth it!”
“Nice Museum, came for the White Christmas Exhibit. Very pretty set up, will be back
another time to see The Apostle Clock in action. It wasn't active when we were there.”
Ms. Phillips then reported that Operation Waverly is also extended for the duration of the
exhibit. Staff are happy to continue collecting goods for the Day by Day Warming Shelter, and
have encouraged the public to keep contributing. The Library is also continuing their donation
drive. People donating items at the Museum before February 14th will have the chance to win
two White Christmas ornaments.
Next, Ms. Phillips gave an overview of the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) that have been
approved for 2022.
Deep Roots, Growing City
o Deep Roots, Growing City permanent exhibition, Design Dev. (2021), Pre
production (2022), Fit out (2023), Fabrication and install (2024). To be
located in the 1,355 sq ft Sawyer home 2nd floor gallery (“The Red
Gallery”). The Museum will continue to engage Split Rock Studios for the
work and undertake media work with staff.
Approved for $200,000 for 2022
Building Modifications
o This project accomplishes key building modifications that include: 1)
making the two public restrooms ADA compliant; 2) creates a direct,
efficient and accessible loading entrance in the lower level; 3) makes an
emergency exit from the Archives to be safety compliant; 4) replaces
wheelchair lift at admissions area. Design & Assess (2022), Specs & Bid
Docs (2023), Construct Modifications (2024).
Minutes of the January 6, 2021 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
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Approved for $50,000 for 2022
Renovation- Carriage House
o This project is renovation of the Carriage House workshop. The work
encompasses the total repair of the eight original Carriage House doors,
the removal of the inoperative mechanical system elements in the shop,
installation of a new dust collection system, and a new floor.
Approved for $55,000 for 2022
Chimney and Gables- Sawyer Home
o Sawyer Home Chimneys and Gables. The 1908 Sawyer home requires
masonry work. Assess Sawyer home chimneys and gable ends, and have
specifications and bid documents prepared (2022) and work done (2023).
Approved for $50,000 for 2022
Masonry- Museum and Carriage House
o Masonry Work on Sawyer home and Carriage House, as well as the 1982
Steiger Wing. These require a masonry overhaul to include tuck-pointing,
replacement of deteriorated stone, painting of window trim and re-glazing.
Specifications were done for much of this work in 2019. Bid documents
prepared (2022) and work done (2023).
Approved for $25,000 for 2022
Creation of General Purpose Gallery
o A 2,500 sq. foot general purpose exhibition/education space will be built
where the 1997 "Memories & Dreams" will be dismantled and the gallery
totally refurbished. Includes removal of soffits, installation of new tech,
electric, security, moveable walls, carpet, painting, etc. Access doors will be
installed to permit direct receiving of exhibition crates and materials.
Design (2022); Fit out/Fabricate (2023)
Approved for $50,000 for 2022
In conclusion, Ms. Phillips reviewed for the Board the three new exhibitions the Museum will open
in 2022.
۰Helen Farnsworth Mears: A Genius of Wisconsin April 24, 2022- August 14, 2022
This exhibit commemorates the 150th birthday of famous Oshkosh sculptor Helen Farnsworth
Mears. Visitors will learn about her fascinating life and career through never-before-seen
archival documents and photographs, and admire her skill and technique through a selection
of her beautiful sculptures.
۰Sports & Recreation Opens Fall 2022
For decades, the unique landscape of Oshkosh and the Lake Winnebago Region has been the
setting for outdoor adventures and rousing sporting events. This new long-term exhibition
Minutes of the January 6, 2021 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
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explores how sports and recreation connect us to the landscape and to each other. Visitors
will learn how activities like ice boating, hunting, bowling, and more developed in Oshkosh
through historic photographs and nostalgic artifacts.
۰Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy October 1, 2022- December 31, 2022
Produced by The National WWII Museum, Manufacturing Victory tells the inspiring story of
the Home Front effort that produced tanks, planes, ships, and guns with staggering speed
and unparalleled energy. It was a surge in productivity that not only brought the country out
of depression, but also created mighty military forces, supplied the Allies abroad, and opened
new doors of opportunity and social change. National Touring Exhibit presented by HP with
additional support provided by Citi and Motorola Solutions.
Ms. Phillips asked if there were any questions. Mr. Loiacono asked about the Marketing
Coordinator positon. Ms. Phillips reported that it is currently posted and interviews will be in a
few weeks. There was then discussion of possible sponsors for the Manufacturing Victory exhibition.
Ideas included considering and asking Raytheon, the Museum in Manitowoc, the John Kuenzel
Foundation through the Community Foundation, and Mercury Marine. Ms. Drexler suggested the
Military Museum in Oshkosh may be interested in presenting programs. When discussion ended,
Ms. Phillips concluded her report.
No Auxiliary members were able to attend the meeting, so there was no Auxiliary report.
With no other agenda items, President Loiacono asked for a motion to adjourn. (Matzke; second
Drexler)
CARRIED: Yes (8) Drexler, Loiacono, Matzke, Rego, Stolley, Thierman, Davis, Poeschl
The meeting adjourned at 4:46 p.m.