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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Minutes of the March 6, 2014 Board Meeting (Approved at the April 3, 2014 Board Meeting.) The March meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, March 6, 2014, in the Lecture Room of the Oshkosh Public Museum. President Haffeman called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. The roll was taken by Ms. Theresa Books. Present: Present: Excused: Ms. Cryan, alt. Mr. Haffeman Mr. Metz Ms. Drew Mr. Rego Ms. Fenrich Mr. Winkler Ms. Kaufman Mr. Mack Ms. Thierman, alt. Mr. Wiedenhoeft Mr. Daggett With Mr. Metz absence Mr. Haffeman appointed Ms. Thierman as an alternate. Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes. There were no citizen statements as no citizens attended. Consent Agenda items included the following: A.Minutes of the February Board meeting B.March Bill List Mr. Rego moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. Mr. Winkler seconded the motion. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms. Drew Mr. Haffeman None Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego Ms. Kaufman Mr. Winkler Ms. Thierman Mr. Mack Mr. Wiedenhoeft The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed. Next on the agenda was discussion regarding working with Split Rock Studios of Minnesota for the conceptual planning of the Wetlands and Waterways (W&W) exhibit redesign. Mr. Larson stated that the redesign of the W&W exhibit is a key first step of the Strategic Plan. Because it is a large project it is essential to work with a professional exhibit design team, as they have knowledge of current options for interactive exhibit design. The Museum has worked with Split Rock in the past and can potentially use some of the components from that past work. He explained that currently many stories are told in the W&W exhibit, mainly via objects to view th and signs to read. Working with the 4 grade curriculum the goal is to tell fewer stories in more detail and interest; with hands on opportunities. Mr. Larson explained what trusts and funds Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 4 would be used, and then noted that the Museum is asking the OPM Auxiliary to assist with half the cost of the planning; $6,000. Mr. Haffeman asked what the timing is for working with Split Rock Studios. Mr. Larson replied rd that Split Rock is available beginning June 3 and would be done with the plans by August. This timing is key to get exhibit construction plans into the 2015 Budget. th Mr. Rego asked if there is enough time to include the 4 grade teachers. Mr. Larson answered thth that, yes, there is time. A meeting with the 4 grade teachers is set for March 28. The same group of teachers who gave input to the Museum for the Strategic Plan has kindly agreed to work th with the Museum for further curriculum details. The goal is to have ideas compiled by May 15 to be ready for work with Split Rock. Mr. Wiedenhoeft asked for further details on funding work with Split Rock. In particular, from what does fund $6,000 of the work, then that much money would not be needed from those funds. Ms. Fenrich moved that the Board approve the funding and working with Split Rock Studios for the conceptual planning of the W&W exhibit redesign with the understanding that the Auxiliary will likely help with $6,000 of the funding. Mr. Rego seconded the motion. The vote to fund and work with Split Rock Studios went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms. Drew Mr. Haffeman None Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego Ms. Kaufman Mr. Winkler Ms. Thierman Mr. Mack Mr. Wiedenhoeft The vote was unanimous in favor of the Museum working with Split Rock Studios. Mr. Haffeman then requested that Mr. Larson present his monthly report. Before beginning his report Mr. Larson mentioned to the Board the passing of two Museum members; David Green and Quintin Metzig. Mr. Larson then began his report by updating the Board regarding the graphic artist position, noting we are waiting for the results of the background check. That should be completed within the next few days and if clear, Human Resources will make the job offer. An expected start date is on or about Monday, March 17. Ingrid Law will return part-time and help the person learn the organization of the graphic files, and in general help the new employee feel comfortable in their role. Ingrid will formally leave the staff at the end of March. He noted that it has been challenging being without a graphic artist and we are all looking forward to having this position filled. Next Mr. Larson updated the Board on Capital Improvements. Joan Lloyd has been working with storage system for the second floor of the carriage house. It is expected to go out for bid this month, with anticipated installation in late spring or early summer. Our budget is $75,000. Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 4 As Mr. Larson reported in his weekly memo, the good news is that the Fire Department has approved the use of aisles to temporary hold the boxed materials from the room to receive the unit. That decision saves a great deal of time and effort. Mr. Larson reported that attendance for In Company with Angels/Living with Tiffany has, so far, not met expectations. As of today, we are just under 800 paying visitors (totaling about $2,200 in admission income). We anticipated a minimum of 2,000 paying visitors per month. Because Angels is unique, beautiful and rare staff is truly surprised that it has not drawn more people. The weather has certainly been an issue, but he thought it is not the sole or determining factor in low attendance. Mr. Larson pointed out that the Museum has had inquiries from groups who have not been here previously. It is clear from their line of questions that the Museum does not meet the basic needs of group tours as it pertains to amenities, and these things have been clearly explained in past reports. Mr. Larson emphasized that this realization places more importance and urgency on the rebranding effort. It reinforces the need to upgrade exhibitions, and certainly emphasizes the accuracy of the conclusions of reports and assessments that have been done over the last few years. Museum staff has taken on a number of tasks this year and are taking big steps in the direction necessary to reverse this trend In conclusion Mr. Larson gave an update to the Board regarding the Sawyer Street Armory. The City acquired the former Army Reserve property on N. Sawyer Street. An initial walk-through evaluation was done a few weeks ago and although there is some work to do to make it useable, the condition of the building is apparently not as bad as was feared. Mr. Larson noted that Museum staff hopes to have a walk-through sometime in the next few weeks. In relation to the Sawyer Street Armory, the removal of the Fire Barn/Train Depot building on the Museum grounds has been a goal of the Museum strategic plans since 1992, or over 20 years! The impediment has always been what to do with the collections stored inside. The Fire Barn is deteriorating and so staff wants to start removing collections from it as soon as they have the okay that they have access to the former Armory. Mr. Larson further noted that once the Fire Barn is empty, electrical and security will be terminated, then the building will be ready to be removed. With that building gone, it will open the sight line to the Museum on that critical gateway corner. Of further significance, the removal of the Fire Barn clears the way for complete implementation of the site master plan. The appearance of our site is not appealing and that is a factor in attendance as well. tours and the Museum Store. Many good questions came up to help the Board further understand the workings of the Museum. Also, many excellent ideas were shared for potential use. Mr. Larson will share the ideas with Museum staff. Next on the agenda, Mr. Mack gave the Board thorough information regarding the upcoming Oshkosh school referendum. Information sheets were given to all in attendance. Mr. Mack noted that to inform the voters about the Oshkosh referendum a direct mail piece will go out to all Oshkosh residents in addition to many group meetings the School Board has been holding to help inform people. He emphasized that while Oshkosh schools still currently maintain good outcomes for student testing there is concern that Oshkosh is at a cliff. The school district is not sure how long they can maintain good outcomes with fewer and fewer resources. Mr. Mack Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 4 open enrollment. Ms. Barb Shirtz was not able to be at the Board Meeting to give an Auxiliary report. With no other agenda items Mr. Haffeman asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Wiedenhoeft so moved and Ms. Thierman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The meeting adjourned at 5:23 pm. Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 4 of 4