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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMuseum Board MinutesMINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER MEETING OF THE OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM BOARD (Approved at the Oct. 7.2010 Museum Board meeting) The regular September meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, September 2, 2010 in the Sawyer Library of the Museum. Board President Carol Fenrich called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. The roll was taken: Present: Ms. Drew (alt) Absent: Mr. Becker Mrs. Fenrich Mr. Haffeman (alt) Mrs. Kujawa Mr. Metz Ms. Moldenhauer(came in at 4:19 p.m.) Mr. Rego Mr. Winkler Also in attendance: Museum Director Brad Larson, Assistant Director Mike Breza, Dr. Don Viegut the Superintendent of Schools and Brenda Hauber recording the minutes. There were no Citizen Statements. Ms. Drew was designated to fill the vacancy of Mr. Becker. The minutes of the August 5, 2010 board meeting were read. Rick Rego moved that the minutes be accepted. Eugene Winkler seconded the motion. There was no discussion, and Mrs. Fenrich called for the roll call vote: In favor: Ms. Drew Mrs. Fenrich Mrs. Kujawa Mr. Rego Mr. Winkler The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The minutes of the August 5, 2010 board meeting were accepted. The September 2010 bill listing was then presented. Rick Rego moved that the bill listing be approved for payment. Carol Kujawa seconded the motion. Following a brief discussion, Mrs. Fenrich called for the roll call vote: In favor: Ms. Drew Mrs. Fenrich Mrs. Kujawa Mr. Rego Mr. Winkler The motion was passed with a unanimous vote in favor. The September 2010 bill listing was approved for payment. Mrs. Fenrich then asked Mr. Larson to present his Director's Report. He began by bringing to the board the final figures for the Sherlock Holmes exhibit. The total paid attendance for the 3 -month exhibit was 3,400 or about 50% of the anticipated 1 visitation. With that number added to the attendance for "Snapshots of History" we stand at about 45% of our projected admission revenue of $70,000. Wonderworks (creator of the exhibit) said that they received several positive comments about the exhibit. And Allen Meyer, the actor, complimented the museum staff for his treatment and helping with his accommodations. These comments with the ones we received indicate that the exhibit was well received. Mr. Larson then went on to say that the staff is involved in the installation of the next exhibit Deer Hunting. Wisconsin:s Autumn Tradition. Since the exhibit was developed in -house and a majority of the artifacts are from our collections, it represents a sizable commitment amount of staff time. The total cost of the exhibit is estimated to be in the range of $20,000. Whenever we undertake a project such as this it means that we are adding to the exhibit furniture which helps with future exhibits. The stated goal for the attendance to this exhibit before the end of year is 5,000 paying adults. Staff believe this is achievable when considering the popularity of hunting in Wisconsin. Again, he stressed we have very limited marketing dollars and are trying to stretch them through partnerships. Marketing has already begun with articles for several newspapers, radio spots on major local radio stations and the distribution of rack cards. The final topic on the Report was the 2011 budget. The initial review of the proposed budget with the City Manager and Finance Director is next Tuesday. Mr. Larson's main concern remains income, both for this year and projected income for 2011. At 4:19 p.m. Ms. Moldenhauer came into the meeting. Compared to other museums, we remain stable. However, Mr. Larson explained that he does anticipate a return to levels of support and attendance any time soon. With the levy limits in place, it means that the tax levy portion of our budget will not see any significant increase, except for those costs which we have no or little control (salaries, fringe benefits, utilities). With no further business before the board, Eugene Winkler moved that the meeting adjourn. Carol Kujawa seconded the motion. Mrs. Fenrich then called for a voice vote, which went as follows: In favor: Ms. Drew Mrs. Fenrich Mrs. Kujawa Ms. Moldenhauer Mr. Rego Mr. Winkler The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The meeting was adjourned at 4:26 p.m. 2