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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES 1 | Page MINUTES OF THE JULY 2013 MEETING OF THE OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM BOARD The July meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, July 11, 2013, in the Library of the Sawyer Home. President Gary Haffeman called the meeting to order at 4:01 pm. The roll was taken by Theresa Books: Present: Absent: Excused: Ms. Fenrich Matthew Wiedenhoeft Diana Drew Mr. Haffeman Susan Kaufman Mr. Mack Mr. Metz Mr. Rego Ms. Thierman Mr. Winkler Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Auxiliary liaison Barb Shirtz, Auxiliary President Nancy Samida. Jean Thierman was designated to fill the vacancy. Mr. Larson then introduced the new Museum Administrative Assistant, Theresa Books. Mr. Haffeman asked the Board to review the minutes of the June meeting. Mr. Metz moved that the minutes be approved. Mr. Winkler seconded the motion. There being no discussion, Mr. Haffeman called for the roll call vote: In favor: Against: None Ms. Fenrich Mr. Haffeman Mr. Mack Mr. Metz Mr. Rego Ms. Thierman Mr. Winkler The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The June 6, 2013, Board minutes were approved. The July bill listing was then read. Mr. Winkler moved that the bill listing be approved for payment. Mr. Rego seconded the motion. A short period of questions and answers followed. At the conclusion, Mr. Haffeman called for the roll call vote: In favor: Against: None Ms. Fenrich Mr. Haffeman Mr. Mack Mr. Metz Mr. Rego Ms. Thierman Mr. Winkler 2 | Page The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The July bill listing was approved for payment. The next item on the agenda was discussion led by Mr. Ron Metz, who recommended recognition of Brenda Hauber’s 42+ years of service. It was agreed by the Board that a resolution to that affect be read into the official minutes. The Board asked Mr Larson to write it and that it be included as part of the August agenda. Mr. Haffeman then asked Mr. Larson to present his Director’s Report. He began by explaining that he met with a focus group of two moms with young children and collected superb input. (Summary notes were included as part of the month’s packet.) In short, while this institution currently provides at least some of the things moms with young kids are looking for, they are almost totally unacquainted with us and there is nothing compelling them to visit. There appears to be a low level of interest in us and moms do not consider the Museum as an option when deciding how to spend free time. Mr. Larson continued, explaining that one of the most significant findings from focus group input, as well as informally by people talking with staff and Board members, is that the Museum lacks identity and does not have much of a presence. Taken as a whole, people are unable to explain what we are, where we are, or what we offer. A comment heard frequently is that people know very little about us and they do not hear about or become aware of our current or long-term exhibits, our collections and programs, the membership program, or any number of other services. Whether we think or believe we are doing a good job is irrelevant. The reality is that the Museum is largely unknown. Our name, “Oshkosh Public Museum,” offers no indication or suggestion as to our mission. This coincides with the MAP findings. The next item was in regard to 2013 Capital Improvements, Mr. Larson noted that the probable start date for the carriage house floor project remains the week of August 19. The general contractor will be responsible for required electrical, HVAC and sprinkler changes, and staff will handle temporary security changes by working directly with Accu-Com. The transfer of artifacts to the Lecture Room will start shortly, resulting in the Lecture Room unavailable for other purposes until at least mid-to-late October. Once the artifacts are removed the storage units will be disassembled and the room will be ready for the contractor. Moving to the 2014 budget and future requests to use funds and trusts, Mr. Larson stated that the most urgent decision at the August 1 meeting is in regard to planning for the absence of the graphic artist this fall and into the winter of 2014. If the Museum is to make a smooth transition the Board needs to take action on funding next month. The Board indicated they would do so. Next, Mr. Larson state that the Board should be prepared to focus financial resources on priorities identified as part of the Museum Assessment Program (MAP) and strategic planning explaining that to be able to respond to some of the findings and recommendations requires temporary staff, and that project staff would most likely have to be supported by the Museum through its funds, trusts and other sources. The Board informally concurred, and Mr. Larson indicated he would include a request as part of an upcoming agenda, probably September. 3 | Page The final item was related to the Membership Statement of Purpose. Mr. Larson explained that the purpose of the Membership program has not changed for 24 years; he included the statement of purpose as part of the packet. Given new challenges, opportunities and demands, Mr. Larson believes the time has come to think about the role of the Membership program. The Board informally agreed and Mr. Larson said it would therefore be included as an action item at the September or October meeting. That concluded Mr. Larson’s monthly report. There was no President’s Report. There were no Board member statements submitted. Mrs. Shirtz then gave the Auxiliary report. She reported that “Pie on the Porch” on July 7 went very well. 26 pies and many bottles of water were sold, bringing in a total of $692. Having an article about it in the newspaper helped increase attendance over last year. The Auxiliary workers especially appreciated the helpfulness of Karla Szekeres, Museum staff member who was working that day. They are also continuing work on their fall gala, which will be “Christmas with the Sawyers.” With no other agenda items, Mr. Haffeman then asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Metz so moved and Mr. Winkler seconded the motion. The voice vote went as follows: In favor: Against: None Ms. Fenrich Mr. Haffeman Mr. Mack Mr. Metz Mr. Rego Ms. Thierman Mr. Winkler The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The meeting adjourned at 4:40 pm.