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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Minutes of the December 5, 2013 Board Meeting (Approved at the January meeting of the Museum Board) The December meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, December 5 2013, in the Library of the Oshkosh Public Museum. President Gary Haffeman called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. The roll was taken by Theresa Books. Present: Absent: Ms. Cryan, alt. Mr. Haffeman Mr. Winkler Ms. Drew Mr. Rego Ms. Fenrich Mr. Metz Ms. Kaufman Mr. Daggett Ms. Thierman, alt. Mr. Mack Mr. Wiedenhoeft With Mr. Winkler being absent Mr. Haffeman appointed Ms. Cryan as an alternate. Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Auxiliary Liaison Barb Shirtz, and Administrative Assistant, Theresa Books recording the minutes. There were no citizen statements as no citizens attended. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS For the consent agenda, the Board has been furnished with background material on each item or has discussed it at a previous meeting. These are acted upon with one vote without discussion. If a Board member wants to discuss any item, it will be pulled out of the consent agenda and will be voted on separately. The Board will consider approval of: A.Minutes of the November 2013 Board Meeting B.Bill List for November bills C.Receipt and approval of the 2014 Board meeting schedule Mr. Wiedenhoeft moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. Mr. Metz seconded the motion. The vote went as follows: In Favor: Against: Ms. Cryan Mr. Metz None Ms. Drew Mr. Daggett Ms. Fenrich Mr. Mack Ms. Kaufman Mr. Rego Mr. Haffeman Mr. Wiedenhoeft The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed. is now set for the coming year. Mr. Larson noted a few budget items of significance: Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 3 The budget reflects the transfer-in of money from the Durow Trust, Membership, and the Exhibition Fund. The amounts listed as transfers are estimates and vary from year-to- year. The Membership transfer is sizeable for 2014 because it reflects the cost of one temporary position. Our new temporary position (Museum Assistant) will help offset the loss of the full-time position. This new, entry-level position was just announced because we intend to fill it as soon as we can, with a start date of mid-January. The 2014 budget includes an increase of $10,000 in our marketing budget, to $50,000. This is significant and an important change because it represents the first increase in the marketing budget in four years. This increase will enable Karla to promote the Museum in new ways. There is $18,000 in the Capital Outlay fund for Sawyer home masonry work, recasting a carriage house foundation pier and the purchase of office furnishings. Building maintenance/repair projects do not qualify for capital improvement funding and must therefore be included as Capital Outlay in the operating budget. The Museum has not had significant Capital Outlay funds for many years. The budget was helped by the anticipated reduced energy consumption as a result of the new mechanical system and associated digital controls. Anticipated revenue reflects an increase due to the Tiffany exhibit and Attack of the Bloodsuckers exhibits, as well as planned marketing initiatives. In the Capital Improvement budget (i.e. bond money), the Museum has $75,000 for a moveable aisle storage system for the second floor of the carriage house. This once again involves an extensive temporary move of collections to make room for the new units. Mr. Larson noted that the Museum staff is getting a small start on 2014 projects because January is going to be a hectic month. Mr. Larson then gave an update on the Exhibition Fund.The annual solicitation letter, mailed in mid-November, has thus far brought in approximately $17,000, with some gifts directed to the Exhibition Fund, some to Membership and some gifts designated as general donations. Thank you to all Board members who have already given a donation. Mr. Larson noted that the Exhibition Fund now totals $62,000. That amount gives us a good start for the year and enables us to pay for the summer exhibit, Bloodsuckers, which was a concern. The Fund is now large enough that it permits us to fabricate the smaller exhibits we do annually, as well as do some updates to existing exhibits. However, in the coming months we will start looking for 2015 exhibits and we have one likely candidate from the George Eastman House in Rochester, New York. If we find an exhibit that works and move to sign a contract, we have to send a minimum payment at the time of signing that ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the exhibit and contract. Unless such an exhibit can draw on Durow Trust money, we must use the Exhibition Fund for that payment. Should that happen, as the Exhibition Fund currently stands it cannot support all the projects we want to accomplish. Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 3 In closing Mr. Larson gave an update on the In Company With Angels and Living with Tiffany exhibits. As mentioned, projects that were the responsibility of the Assistant Director are being transferred to other staff. The project of greatest concern right now is the Living with Tiffany exhibit, as the design is incomplete and Tiffany loans begin arriving in the latter half of January. Mr. Larson noted that because the Durow position will not be filled until spring, the Tiffany exhibit is now headed by curator Debra Daubert. Ms. Shirtz gave an update on activities of the Auxiliary. The Gala was a smashing success. We Thank to Mr. Wiedenhoeft for being a wonderful butler for the event. There were 92 visitors and they all seemed to enjoy the evening with all the delicious foods and the beautiful surroundings. The Auxiliary gave a check to the Museum for $644 for their share of the admission revenue. The raffle raised $283 for the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary looks forward to hosting the Gala again in 2014. With no other agenda items, Mr. Haffeman asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Metz so moved and Mr. Wiedenhoeft seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 pm. Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 3