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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.11.2023 Museum Arts & Culture Board MinutesMinutes of the October 11, 2023 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 3 Minutes of the October 11, 2023 Board Meeting (Approved at the November 8, 2023 Board Meeting. The October meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum (OPM) Museum Arts and Culture (MAC) Board was held Wednesday, October 11, 2023, in the Galena Room of the Museum. Director Sarah Phillips called the meeting to order at 4:32 p.m. The roll was taken by Administrative Assistant Theresa Books. Present at Roll: Board Members Becky Doe Brown, Drew Mueske, Vicky Redlin, Council Member Joseph Stephenson, and Alternate Erron Hundt Excused: Board Member Becky Matzke, Alternate Carrie Olson Also Present: Director Sarah Phillips, Assistant Director/Chief Curator Anna Cannizzo, Marketing Coordinator Kate Stel, Curator of Education Neal Matherne, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the Minutes With Board Member Matzke excused, Director Phillips asked for a motion to appoint Alternate Erron Hundt. MOTION: Appoint Erron Hundt to serve in Ms. Matzke’s place. (Stevenson; second Redlin) CARRIED: Yes (4) Brown, Mueske, Redlin, Stevenson There were no citizen statements to the Board and none were received. Consent Resolution Agenda items included: A. Minutes of the September 6, 2023, Board Meeting B. Receipt of Anonymous $25,000 gift to Collections Fund MOTION: Approve Consent Agenda (Redlin; second Stevenson) CARRIED: Yes (5) Brown, Hundt, Mueske, Redlin, Stevenson Final review of the draft Bylaws was next. Director Phillips asked if the Board had any recommendations for edits. It was recommended to add the agreed upon day and time for the Board meeting; the second Wednesday of each month at 4:30 at the Museum. Ms. Redlin recommended edits to Article 3 to make is clearer that a Board member can serve as an officer of the Board more than two terms during the years of their service on the Board, just not more than two terms in a row. With discussion it was recommended there be an exception for the Board to be able to vote that a person can serve an additional term as an officer if no other member will agree to serve in the position. Presentation and vote on the 2024 proposed budgets was next. Director Phillips began with information about the Collections Fund. She explained it is a trust held by the City that can only be Minutes of the October 11, 2023 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 3 used for the direct care, interpretation, and improvement of the Museum's permanent collection. Additionally, the interest earned from the Museum Fund held at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation (OACF) can be used only for collections. She reviewed the various lines of the budget and noted that for 2024 she is asking the Board to approve $35,000 for a Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) consultant. NAGPRA was enacted in 1990 by President George Bush Sr. Ms. Cannizzo noted that the need for the consultant was brought about by the recent interest in the news. This is an effort to be proactive, to take greater responsibility to bridge the gap, and not make repatriation burdensome to Native groups. The consultant in mind is a Native American and this is her specialty. Director Phillips further reported that the consultant would review all of OPM’s NAGPRA holdings, look at the research that has been done since the law was enacted, and create templates for the Museum to be active each year in reaching out to tribes. Ms. Brown commented it is good to establish relationships with Native American groups and this seems a good way to do it. Members asked about the Pratt Trail that is currently in the news. Director Phillips explained that the dig is being handled by the Cultural Resource Management program at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Any unrepatriated items may come to OPM. Ms. Cannizzo noted that the archeological process takes much time, so it could be months or years before it is all determined. Director Phillips then reviewed the Trust Funds and the Membership Budget. She noted that the Membership Fund is also a trust fund. This budget is used for several things including education and enrichment programs, exhibit rental, mounts, signage, also printing The Muse and other posters, mailings, and general print collateral, in addition to a few other things. Most importantly, it helps cover salary and benefits for the Curator of Education as well as the Museum’s Limited Time Employees (LTE). Director Phillips went over the Membership budget and various Trust Fund requests, including the following: Durow Trust funds of $85,400 to cover the salary and benefits of the full time Durow Registrar. Membership Funds to cover $50,000 for the Curator of Education and $28,300 to cover several education assistant/coordinator positions, and other needed LTE position/s. Director Phillips further explained that the Collections Fund, Membership Fund, and Trust Funds are the Board’s responsibility. The Operating Budget is governed by the City. All budgets go before City Council. The few changes in the Operating budget are decreases on line items that the Facilities Management department will now handle. Also, a slight tax levy increase to offset the increases in utility costs over the years. Ms. Redlin commented that these budgets are all pretty consistent from year to year, the numbers don’t change much. The Board understands Director Philips prepares the budgets and works through them closely with City Manager Mark Rohloff and Finance Director Russ Van Gompel, particularly the Operating Budget, which relies on tax levy. When discussion was complete, a motion was made. MOTION: Approve the budget requests and budgets as presented (Redlin; second Brown) CARRIED: Yes (5) Brown, Hundt, Mueske, Redlin, Stevenson The Director’s Report began with Director Phillips stating she was pleased to report that the OPM is welcoming back local classrooms for field trips. Through the end of the week, the education team Minutes of the October 11, 2023 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■ Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 3 will have hosted 103 students and chaperones. Education staff and volunteers facilitate gallery exploration and hands-on activities in the Galena Room. Regarding the Wisteria Circle, Director Philips reviewed that funds received through the Wisteria Circle program are specifically deposited into the OPM Collections Fund. This fund is governed by the MAC Board and can only be used for the direct care, interpretation, and improvement of the Museum's permanent collection. Wisteria Circle funds are being raised for the preservation, interpretation, and enhancement of the Museum’s Collections, especially the Historic Sawyer Home. This is the only publicly accessible historic home with originally commissioned Tiffany Studios interiors in situ worldwide. Wisteria Circle Patrons provide critical, long-term stability to the Historic Sawyer Home by pledging annual support for at least five years. The Museum currently has three finalized Wisteria Circle members, for a total of $35,000 pledged over the next 5 years. The OPM hosted a “Tea with Tiffany” event on September 24th. This event was well received by those in attendance. Staff will work to assess the strengths and weaknesses of this program to plan for another fundraising event in 2024. Director Phillips reported that plans are coming along well for the second annual Día de los Muertos event, scheduled for October 28, 2023. The Marigold (Presenting) Sponsor is The Taqueria and the Kid Zone Sponsor is Community First Credit Union. Additionally, a grant was received from the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation/Wisconsin Arts Board. This year staff are providing programming both outdoors as well as within the museum. Family activities in the Kid Zone will include things such as crafts and face painting. Director Phillips emphasized this program both celebrates a growing culture in the region and it also removes financial barriers that may prevent visitation. Through the sponsorships, the Museum is providing a free admission day for this event. Community involvement is being encouraged by inviting people to bring or email pictures of loved ones to put on the community altar which is located in the sunroom of the OPM. Regarding second floor transformations Director Phillips reported that phase two of the renovation is underway. She noted that this is a major project that incorporates multiple activities that will begin in early November. An exterior loading door will be added on the west side of the Steiger Wing, facing High Avenue. Exterior masonry work will begin in the spring to repair chimneys, replace brick, and mitigate other areas of weakness in the masonry. This work is being coordinated by Facility Engineering, Inc (FEI). FEI has worked with the construction company and the State Historic Preservation Office to ensure this project is completed in accordance with all relevant preservation laws and guidelines. Director Phillips stated that the nature of the work occurring in November necessitates the second floor of the OPM be closed for the month of November. Because the work will be done so close to the elevator on the second floor, safe exiting for visitors is a concern. Staff will be in close communication with City of Oshkosh Facilities Management to reopen that area as soon as safely possible. That concluded the Director’s Report. With no other agenda items, Director Phillips asked for a motion to adjourn. MOTION: Adjourn (Mueske; second Redlin) CARRIED: Voice Vote The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.