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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06. Museum Board Minutes-June 5, 2014Mr, V OSHKOSH Minutes of the June 5, 2014 Board Meeting PUBLIC MUSEUM (Approved at the July 3, 2014 Board Meeting.) The June meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, June 5, 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; Ms. Cryan, alt. Ms. Drew Ms. Fenrich Mr. Haffeman Mr. Hoffman, alt, Ms. Kaufman Present: Excused: Mr. Mack None Mr. Metz Mr. Rego Ms. Thierman Mr. Wiedenhoeft Also in attendance; Director Brad Larson, City Manager Mark Rohloff, Marketing and Membership Coordinator Karla Szekeres, Auxiliary Liaison Nancy Samida, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes. There were no citizen statements. Consent Agenda items included the following: A. Minutes of the May Board meeting B. June Bill List Mr, Rego moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. Ms. Thierman seconded the motion. The vote went as follows: In Favor: Ms. Drew Ms. Fenrich Mr. Haffeman Ms. Kaufman In Favor: Against: Mr. Mack None Mr. Metz Mr. Rego Ms. Thierman Mr. Wiedenhoeft The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed. Next on the Agenda was discussion and vote regarding a possible name change. Mr. Larson introduced the topic explaining that the Branding Committee met regarding the logo and it came up that some of the group thought a new name would be considered at this time. During the last group meeting for the Strategic Plan a few people thought that a name change would be considered, others understood that a name change would not be considered. Mr. Larson noted that at the Strategic Planning Session Walter Janowski noted that a name change was not needed. The name Oshkosh Public Museum has been used since 1925. Mr. Larson pointed out that although we are broadening the reach and region of history that the Museum collections contain, the name remains a strong link to the Museum's history. Mr. Larson introduced City Manager, Oshkosh Public Museum is 1331 Algoma Boulevard a Oshkosh, Wisconsin 549 01 Page 1 of 4 Mark Rohloff, who was in attendance to discuss any name change. Mr. Rohloff said that he is aware of the need for identity recognition for the Museum, but he is not sure that changing the name will change the identity. Mr. Metz brought up the cost of a name change. He noted that the Museum is listed in many, many places both in print and on the web. He pointed out that changing the name can cause confusion as to whether past documents and news are related to the new name. Discussion continued with Mr. Metz making a motion. Mr. Metz made a motion to keep the name Oshkosh Public Museum. Ms. Kaufman seconded the motion. The vote went as follows: In Favor: Ms. Drew Ms. Fenrich Mr. Haffeman Ms. Kaufman In Favor: Against: Mr. Mack None Mr. Metz Mr. Rego Ms. Thierman Mr. Wiedenhoeft The vote was unanimous in favor of the Museum retaining the name Oshkosh Public Museum, Carried. Next on the agenda was discussion and a vote on the use of Collections Funds for two William Koelpin bronzes. Mr. Larson shared with the Board that these two particular bronze statues are coming up for auction July 25th and they would ft in very well with the Museum's collections and exhibits. The Collection Review Committee believes we should bid on two, "Civil War Drummer" ($3,000 to $5,000) and "Steppin' Out," ($4,000 to $6,000), which is a whitetail buck, using Collection Fund earnings. Mr. Larson requests that the Board authorize up to $15,000, as there would be the Buyer's Premium and shipping. Building a collection of quality sporting art is an excellent niche; it fits our overall scope very well, and would be popular with visitors. The Collection Fund now stands at just over $625,000. No other Museum has sporting art, and this is a good theme for the Oshkosh Public Museum. Ms. Thierman asked what size these statues are. Brad noted that they are similar to the size of "Marsh Gunner" which was recently purchased by the Museum. Ms. Thierman recommended putting Marsh Gunner in a "most recent acquisition" display for Museum visitors to see. Mr. Rego asked where the auction-house is. Mr. Larson said it is near Boston. Further discussion followed. Ms. Fenrich then made a motion that the Museum use the larger amount of up to $16,000 from the Collections Fund to try to obtain the two William Koelpin bronzes, "Civil War Drummer" and "Stepping Out." Second by Mr. Rego. The vote went as follows: In Favor: Ms. Drew Ms. Fenrich Mr. Haffeman Ms. Kaufman In Favor: Against: Mr. Mack None Mr. Metz Mr. Rego Ms. Thierman Mr. Wiedenhoeft Oshkosh Public Museum w 1331 Algoma Boulevard u Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 4 The vote was unanimous in favor that the Museum use $16,000 from the Collections Fund to try to obtain the two William Koelpin bronzes, "Civil War Drummer" and "Stepping Out." Carried. Mr. Haffeman then requested that Mr. Larson present his monthly report. Mr. Larson began his report by stating that a priority goal that came out of strategic planning is rebranding. Throughout the winter and spring the Museum staff has been working on various steps necessary to achieve that. While the Museum's mission remains largely unchanged from when we were created 90 years ago, what has changed is the community's awareness of us. Branding is a way to bring the Museum into clear focus and in the process, improve and build recognition. Logo development is just one part of the branding process, but it is a critical part because a logo is the symbol that ultimately represents the Museum. All the things we will do to build recognition will use the logo icon. Mr. Larson noted that developing a compelling new logo that reflects and represents what the Museum stands for has been challenging, but we are slowly closing in on design ideas. There is no single object, at least that we have found, that represents what the Museum stands for. The Museum is so much more than the Sawyer home so we need to move away from a building - focused logo. Mr. Larson reminded the Board that the Sawyer home is one focal point, but the Museum was not created to preserve the home or preserve the legacy and memory of a family. It is important that the logo reflect a progressive 2l 't century museum and an institution that is regional. Mr. Larson stated that although we are behind where we thought we would be by this time, it is more important to do this right than to do it quickly. Once adopted, everything we do will be tied to our new symbol. The logo will be a key part of our efforts to slowly and surely build a wide awareness of the Museum. Mr. Larson noted that he and marketing coordinator Karla Szekeres are planning many inter- related activities and projects as part of branding. They are working on the 90`h anniversary publication (through the magazine B2B) that will be distributed to every Oshkosh household. He further stated that the 2013 Annual Report, which is the next thing on the list after the 90th publication, will also tie strongly to the new brand, as will the autumn newsletter. The Auxiliary's November gala will be a way to introduce the logo, as well, So, it is a crucial step that is not taken lightly. Next Mr. Larson updated the Board regarding the Museum's new Durow curator. Anna Cannizzo will start Monday, August 18. Anna is a Wisconsin native and currently at the Denison Museum in Ohio, Anna worked at the Frederick Pabst Mansion in Milwaukee, as well as the Milwaukee Public Museum. Mr. Larson noted that the other open position is the part-time janitor. Unfortunately, we were not able to fill it from the recent posting and Mr, Larson has since learned that there are several other departments also trying to fill similar positions. The idea is being explored of adding a full -time janitorial position that would be shared among departments, rather than re -open the search for a part -time janitor. In the meantime, Renee Babler has offered to continue working here a few hours each week, focusing on cleaning public areas. Oshkosh Public Museum s 1331 Algoma Boulevard z Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54941 Page 3 of 4 In conclusion Mr. Larson updated the Board on the meeting with Split Rock Studios. He stated that Tuesday's planning meeting with Split Rock was fabulous, noting Travis Wood and Sarah Bartlett are great to work with. They are both very creative and thorough, easy going, and open to ideas. The group talked at length about main challenges (visitor routing & small gallery space) and the storyline potential, Mr. Larson noted that a lot of ideas were talked about and there are more ideas than space in the gallery. The work done with the teacher focus groups, and the basic background research, was instrumental in helping the meeting run smoothly. Mr. Larson stated that while the gallery is small, but both Travis and Sarah are confident that because the stories are focused, they can create an exciting, compelling design that appeals to the identified audience of 4th graders. Split Rock Studios has recently done several impressive projects, including Ford's Theater. The staff has tremendous confidence in their resources and abilities. Mr. Larson further emphasized that once the Board adopts the conceptual plan later in the summer, the staff and Board must work diligently to ensure the design for the gallery is not just another plan that sits on a shelf, but instead becomes reality. It is a large, expensive project that requires several years of work. Mr. Larson reiterated that a new exhibit is a core part of the Museum's strategic plan and the efforts to revitalize the Museum, so we must build this new exhibit and recapture our audience. Mr. Haffeman did not have a President's report. Ms. Nancy Samida introduced herself as the new President of the Oshkosh Public Museum's Auxiliary, and Liaison to the Museum Board. She noted that in years past she had served on the Museum Board. The Auxiliary's May meeting concluded the year's meetings. The Auxiliary Board will meet June 13th to further plan for the July Pie on the Lawn. The date for the Annual Gala will be firmed up at the June meeting; it is tentatively set for November 20th, The Auxiliary is available to further help with celebrations of the Museum's 90"' anniversary. 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 4:50 p.m. Oshkosh Public Museum s 1331 Algoma Boulevard r Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 4 of 4