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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Minutes of the August 7, 2014 Board Meeting (Approved at the September 4, 2014 Board Meeting.) The August meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, August 7, 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. Books. Present: Present: Excused: Absent: Ms. Cryan, alt. Mr. Mack Mr. Hoffman, alt. Mr. Metz Ms. Drew Mr. Rego Ms. Kaufman Ms. Fenrich Ms. Thierman Mr. Haffeman Mr. Wiedenhoeft Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Auxiliary President 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 July Board meeting B.August Bill List C.Accept grant from Alberta S. Kimball Mary L. Anhaltzer Foundation for Wetlands and Waterways in the amount of $25,000. D.Accept grant from John Kuenzl Foundation for Wetlands and Waterways in the amount of $25,000. Mr. Mack moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. Second by Mr. Rego. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms. Cryan Mr. Mack None Ms. Drew Mr. Rego Ms. Fenrich Ms. Thierman Mr. Haffeman Mr. Wiedenhoeft The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed. Next on the agenda was discussion and vote to use $445 from the Collection Fund to support conservation treatment of the portrait of Edward Eastman. The work would be done by Barry Bauman, Conservator of Fine Works of Art. Ms. Thierman asked about the painting. Mr. Larson noted that it is an oil painting done in the 1850s. Eastman was an early settler in the area and the first Mayor of Oshkosh. Mr. Larson reminded the Board that Barry Bauman charges the museum for supplies, but does not charge the Museum for his time. Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 3 Mr. Wiedenhoeft made a motion for the Museum to use $445 from the Collection Fund to support conservation treatment by Barry Bauman of the portrait of Edward Eastman. Second by Ms. Fenrich. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms. Cryan Mr. Mack None Ms. Drew Mr. Rego Ms. Fenrich Ms. Thierman Mr. Haffeman Mr. Wiedenhoeft The vote carried for use of Collection Funds for conservation of the Eastman portrait. Next on the agenda was discussion and vote regarding offering free admission to Family Services and other United Way service organizations. Mr. Larso that allows Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, as well as Big Brothers and Sisters to enjoy the Museum free of charge. He recommends adding additional service organizations. Mr. Mack noted that these new groups discussed today really merit this assistance. The people who need and use these service groups are in greater need than the groups already approved for free admission. Mr. Mack made a motion for the Museum to provide free admission to Family Services and other United Way service organizations as proposed by Mr. Larson. Second by Ms. Fenrich. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms. Cryan Mr. Mack None Ms. Drew Mr. Rego Ms. Fenrich Ms. Thierman Mr. Haffeman Mr. Wiedenhoeft Mr. Haffeman then requested that Mr. Larson present his monthly report. Mr. Larson began his report with information regarding the Fox-Wisconsin Heritage Parkway joint funding request. The Parkway has submitted a grant to the Bradley Foundation to hire a retail/merchandising consultant to work with a coalition of museums and nonprofit organizations to strengthen our ability to generate revenue. Mr. Larson noted the Museum is part of that coalition, so if funded this would be a very positive development. The Oshkosh Public Museum, and this community, is well positioned to take advantage of the growing interest in the Heritage Parkway. From discussions with Parkway and coalition staff, it is evident that clear focus on creating a new Wetlands & Waterways exhibit, and our strong, well-documented and accessible collections relating to area waterways, establishes the Oshkosh Public Museum as a foundational resource. That is good for the Museum, and good for Oshkosh. Next Mr. Larson gave updates on the work being done on the Annex. With the exception of shelves, installation of the new moveable aisle storage system in the carriage house is complete (unfortunately, the wrong shelves were shipped). Because the unit came in under budget, the Museum has about $20,000 remaining in the 2014 capital improvement budget. On Monday afternoon Mr. Larson is meeting with Mr. Rohloff regarding 2015 capital improvements. During that meeting, Mr. Larson will ask his approval to use the remaining 2014 money for additional Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 3 storage upgrades in adjoining rooms. This would consist of a series of cabinets, drawers and shelves intended to maximize the remaining square footage. If approved, the upgrade would be the last major storage improvement we can do in that building; the space will have been maximized. Next Mr. Larson updated the Board regarding Night Whispers. This special evening event planned for each Saturday evening in October, is a st; real people, real stories. As he mentioned in his weekly memo, this is not meant to be an event that scares the daylights out of a visitor. Instead, it has an element of the supernatural and is meant to give someone the chills, or cause a sense of apprehension. Above all, it will be exciting and convey a sense of the past in a mysterious way. Mr. Larson emphasized that a key component of Night Whispers is the use of technology, using a type of projector that creates a moving and realistic apparition based on a person who is filmed in a scripted role. This will make the event unique, and once the initial cost is covered, the Museum will have it for future years. It makes the Museum less dependent on volunteers and staff for these roles. Staff is working diligently as there are just two months to get this done. Mr. Larson noted that staff is currently waiting for quotes and estimated timeframes. Mr. Larson then noted that budgeting for 2015 is in progress. A challenging part of the process is estimating revenue for this year and next. A few of the planned projects for 2014 did not happen, so the Trust and Membership funds will be unexpended in 2014. These figures will be reflected in the Trust and Membership budgets, as well as operating budget because some funds are transferred into the operating account. Mr. Larson emphasized that a significant component of our annual budget is the use of Trust and Membership funds. Because the Board has control over the use of these funds, request to use the funds will be an agenda item for the September meeting. In conclusion Mr. Larson informed that Board that the new part-time janitor, Nancy Albright, joined the staff on Monday, August 4. Nancy has assumed the position previously held by Renee Babler. He noted that the new Durow curator, Anna Cannizzo, will join the Museum staff on August 18. Also, part-time store staff, Emily Recore, has resigned. This latter position is budgeted for only 22 hours for a two-week pay period. Mr. Larson explained that as part of the budget process manager will be looking at ways it might be possible to restructure the position to attract and retain a quality employee. Mr. Haffeman did not have a Ms. Nancy Samida then presented the Auxiliary Report. Pie on the Lawn was a success, netting thth $555. The Gala committee meets August 14. The Annual Gala is set for November 20, 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. The Auxiliary Board is working on the annual program booklet. The booklet includes information such as the purpose of the Auxiliary, it lists all past presidents, the current Board and members, and notes the upcoming presentation topics. Addressing a question from a Board member, Ms. Samida noted that the Oshkosh Public Museum Auxiliary is not only group. The first meeting of the new season is set for October 10, 2014. With no other agenda items Mr. Haffeman asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Wiedenhoeft so moved and Ms. Drew seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 3