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Minutes of the May 1, 2014 Board Meeting
(Approved at the June 5, 2014 Board Meeting.)
The May meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, May 1, 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. Metz Ms. Fenrich
Ms. Drew Mr. Rego
Mr. Haffeman Ms. Thierman, alt.
Ms. Kaufman Mr. Wiedenhoeft
Mr. Mack Mr. Winkler
With Ms. absence Mr. Haffeman appointed Ms. Cryan as an alternate.
Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, City Attorney Lynn Lorenson, City Finance Director
Trena Larson, Mr. Robert Terrian and Michael Hochholzer from Associated Wealth Management,
Museum Staff members Daniel Fiser, Karla Szekeres, Debra Daubert, Katrina Achilli, Bill Radig,
Auxiliary Liaison Barb Shirtz, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes.
There were no citizen statements.
Consent Agenda items included the following:
A.Minutes of the April Board meeting
B.May Bill List
Mr. Winkler moved that the Consent Agenda be approved.
Mr. Wiedenhoft seconded the motion.
The vote went as follows:
In Favor: In Favor: Against:
Ms. Cryan Mr. Metz None
Ms. Drew Mr. Rego
Mr. Haffeman Mr. Wiedenhoeft
Ms. Kaufman Mr. Winkler
Mr. Mack
The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed.
Mr. Larson introduced the representatives from Associated Wealth Management who attended to
give the annual report overview of the Durow Trust Fund. Each Board member was given a
published report showing how the Durow Fund is invested, returns, and stocks and funds held. Mr.
Hochholzer explained that the fund grew very favorably in 2013 and he went through the
investments held by the fund. Board members asked questions. The Board thanked them for their
well thought out presentation and the group excused themselves from the meeting.
Museum Assistant Katrina Achilli and Curator Debra Daubert updated the Board on planning for
upcoming work with Split Rock Studios. This report included next steps, further teacher feedback
Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
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collected, themes that will be the focus, and Museum collections that will work well for the new
exhibit. It was noted that five teachers have been particularly helpful. Each of the teachers is from
a different school, making the input well-rounded.
Mr. Haffeman then requested that Mr. Larson present his monthly report. Mr. Larson began his
report by stating that the Museum staff had the chance to walk through the former armory property
to empty the 1,955 square foot
Fire Barn so that it can be removed from the site. It is estimated that at least 2,600 square feet is
needed at the Sawyer Street property to hold the artifacts and exhibition props stored in the Fire
Barn, and to give enough room to process those artifacts. While the Armory is large, there are
other City departments that will share the building. Mr. Larson noted that just how the space will
be allocated has not yet been determined and that work is necessary before any department can use
the building. Although Mr. Larson does not believe the scope of that work has been identified, at a
minimum the heating system has to be assessed, tested and made operational. Mr. Larson sees this
undertaking as working well with the goals of the strategic plan, enabling us to tackle two major
challenges at one time: how to account for and preserve collectionsstored in the Fire Barn, and
removing the Fire Barn to allow for the future development of the site.
Mr. Larson reported that four candidates were interviewed on April 29. The candidate from Ohio,
who was interviewed via Skype, has been asked to schedule an on-site visit. This is tentatively
scheduled for May 12. Given background checks, notice to employer, and other factors, it seems
unlikely we will have anyone on staff before July 1.
Next Mr. Larson updated the Board on Capital Improvements. At the April 22 meeting of the
Common Council, the contract for the new Carriage House storage unit was awarded to Artistic
Storage. It is anticipated that the units will be completed in early-to-mid June, and installation will
follow shortly thereafter. Mr. Larson noted that because the bid ($55,000) is lower than the
budgeted amount of $75,000, he asked City Manager Rohloff if we would be able to explore using
the $20,000 difference for associated storage upgrades, and registrar Joan Lloyd is now looking at
options. Due to floor load and room configuration issues, this moveable aisle system is the last
new space-saving storage upgrade we will be able to do on-site.
In conclusion Mr. Larson announced, with much regret, that Renee Babler, part-
April 25. However, she agreed to work additional hours at the Museum each week in May. While
the staff is very happy for her, we are also sorry to see her go. Mr. Larson is reviewing
applications for her position this week, but an interview date has not yet been established.
Mr. Haffeman
the Museum Board. The Board members through the years have thoroughly enjoyed working with
Mr. Winkler and both the Board and the Museum have benefitted greatly from his leadership. Mr.
e
years. Mr. Winkler commented that the future is looking good for the Museum and he really
enjoyed his tenure on the Board. He plans to continue involvement as a volunteer working with
the Museum Registrar.
Ms. Barb Shirtz gave the Auxiliary report. She noted that the Auxiliary thoroughly enjoyed each
of the presentations by Museum staff at their monthly meetings through the years. She said that
she has enjoyed being a liaison to the Board and that her tenure is now complete. She does not
know who will be the liaison to the Board going forward.
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The next item on the agenda was the election of the 2014-2015 Board officers.
Mr. Gene Winkler nominated Gary Haffeman to be the President for another year. Mr. Ron Metz
seconded. A voice vote indicated all in favor with none opposed. The vote for Mr. Haffeman as
President was carried.
Gene Winkler nominated Rick Rego to be the Vice President. Mr. Ron Metz seconded. A voice
vote indicated all in favor with none opposed. The vote for Mr. Rego as Vice President was
carried.
Ms. Jean Thierman nominated Ms. Diana Drew to be the Secretary. Mr. Ron Metz seconded. A
voice vote indicated all in favor with no one opposed. The vote for Ms. Drew as Secretary was
carried.
With no other agenda items Mr. Haffeman asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Metz so moved and
Ms. Drew 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
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