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Home My WebLink About03. Museum Board Minutes �r� � �� w�z � �.�..� ...- � ��L��1�Mus�� Minutes of the February 5,2015 Board Meeting (Approved at the March 5,2015 Board Meeting.) Disc�ver • Connec' • inz{7ire The February meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, February 5, 2015, in the Library 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 Ms.Cryan Mr.Metz Ms.Drew, Ms.Fenrich Mr.Rego,Vice President Secretary Mr.Haffeman,President Ms.Thierman Mr. Hoffman,alternate Mr.Mack,Superintendent of Schools-Oshkosh Arrived by 4:14 p.m. Mr.Wiedenhoeft,School Board President Ms. Matzke, alternate With Ms.Drew out, Mr.Haffeman appointed Ms.Matzke. Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Membership/Marketing Coordinator Karla Szekeres, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes. There were no citizen statements. Consent Agenda item included the following: A. Minutes of the January Board meeting B. January Bill List C. February Bill List D. Receipt and filing of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation Report Mr.Metz requested the February Bill List be pulled from the Consent Agenda items. Mr.Mack moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. Second by Mr.Wiedenhoeft. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms.Cryan Mr.Metz None Ms. Fenrich Mr.Rego Mr. Haffeman Ms.Thierman Mr. Mack Mr.Wiedenhoeft Ms. Matzke T'he vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed. Oshkosh Public Museum�1331 Algoma Boulevard�Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 4 Mr. Metz asked about the Accu-Com bill for $5,248 listed on the February Bill List. Mr. Larson explained this is the annual bill for security monitoring, fire system monitoring, and service of these systems.This includes security for the Museum, Fire Barn, and the Carriage House. Mr.Mack moved that the February Bill List be approved. Second by Mr.Wiedenhoeft. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms. Cryan Mr.Metz None Ms. Fenrich Mr.Rego Mr.Haffeman Ms.Thierman Mr. Mack Mr.Wiedenhoeft Ms. Matzke The vote was unanimous in favor and the February Bill List was passed. Next on the agenda was review and discussion of possible uses of the Durow Trust earnings for People of the Waters.Mr. Larson began by noting that for the last two years the Durow Trust has generated approximately$150,000 in income each year.Of that amount, the Museum has an annual commitment to fund the curator position,and this commitment is estimated to grow by about 3%a year.That leaves about half of the earnings for projects. Mr. Larson explained that in the last two years the Museum has been conservative in how earnings have been used. Examples include relighting the Sawyer home Tiffany windows with LED technology,and funding the traveling exhibit In Company with Angels and its associated marketing.For this year,the Museum is using$50,000 in Durow earnings to help fund the design development for People of the Waters. Mr. Larson noted that the Durow Trust has incredible potential to improve the Museum.The Board's decision to use it to help make the design development phase of People of the Waters a reality is just one example of the power of the Durow's gift.To maximize the Durow Trust and increase its impact beyond annual projects,Mr. Larson would like the Board's approval to explore the possibility of working within the City's capital improvement program and use Durow earning to repay obligations over a period of time.In this way the earnings would enable the Museum to undertake major projects.An example would be,if the Museum committed $200,000 from Durow for People of the Waters,paid over a period of time,that amount could be used as the lead gift for further fundraising. The Board discussed these ideas. Ms. Fenrich made a motion that Mr.Larson explore the concept to use Durow Trust earnings, working with the City,for potential use for a major project. Mr.Rego seconded the motion. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms. Cryan Mr. Metz None Ms. Fenrich Mr.Rego Mr. Hoffman Ms. Thierman Mr.Mack Mr.Wiedenhoeft Ms.Matzke The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. Oshkosh Public Museum�1331 Algoma Boulevard�Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 4 Mr.Haffeman requested that Mr.Larson present his Director's Report. Mr. Larson began his monthly report with information regarding the Museum's 90�Anniversary Celebration. Though 2015 is already shaping up to be full of activity and projects, it is important we take time to commemorate the Museum's 90�anniversary.Mr. Larson invited Ms. Szekeres to attend the Board meeting as she is coordinating the event and will present our plans. Ms. Szekeres informed the Board that the date for the 90th Anniversary Celebration will be the evening of Thursday, March 26, 2015, from 5:00 to 7:30. In addition to food and drink, Wisconsin Public Television will preview at least one chapter of Hometown Stories: Oshkosh. Ms. Szekeres is in contact with them, and is seeking their help in promoting the March 26 event as they promote Hometown Stories. That evening guests will be able to preview People of the Waters in the main gallery, with a selection of images and artifacts, which Mr. Larson will present in conjunction with selected staff. While detailed information and budget for People will not be available until after design development, Mr.Larson is fully confident that enough information can be offered to encourage potential funders. Although we are not formally raising money yet, we are laying the groundwork. Board members Ms. Drew and Ms. Thierman are part of the committee planning the festivities.Ms.Szekeres concluded reporting various details of the event. Mr. Larson continued his report with an update of the exhibit The Art of T7ce Brick. The exhibit arrived Monday, 2/2/15, and it is now the priority for staff. The gallery is being prepared and as the art is uncrated, it is clear that this artist is able to do some amazing things with Lego blocks. Ms. Szekeres has arranged for groups and organizations to do activities and programs, on Wednesday evenings. Mr. Larson reminded everyone that the Museum will experiment with evening hours during this exhibit, staying open until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. The Member announcement and invitation for the February 27�h opening (5:00 to 7:00 p.m.) will be mailed February 11�. The exhibit opens to the public Saturday, February 28, 2015. Mr. Larson noted that shipping crates are always a challenge and these crates are particularly large; they will be stored in the Fire Barn and at the off-site building(Sawyer Street armory). In conclusion, Mr. Larson updated the Board on 2015 capital improvements. The priority right now is ensuring all the details and specifications of the landscaping plan are correct so the project can be put out for bid late this month or perhaps in early March. That work is pretty straightforward. Mr. Larson noted that Mr. Schaefer is also working on the design for the entry arch, a more complicated undertaking. This structure really must be perfect in every detail because it will be a feature and focal point for generation after generation. Several designs and versions have been presented and they are moving closer to being able to recommend a final design. The ironwork will be bid separately from the landscape work. That concluded the Director's Report. There was not a President's report. Under Board member statements Mr. Metz asked about all the school buses he has noticed by 'The Grand over the past days. Mr. Mack noted that North HS is having their musical and as part of the preparation Oshkosh Middle Schoolers get to watch the dress rehearsals; that is the reason for the many buses. Mr. Mack also mentioned he was at a meeting in the Oshkosh Public Library Oshkosh Public Museum�1331 Algoma Boulevard�Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 4 and it was good to see piciures of Oshkosh decorating the walls. It is nice to have pictures of Collections images out in the community for the community to see and enjoy. No Auxiliary representative was available for a report. It was noted that Ms. Vogl of the Auxiliary met with Ms. Szekeres and the Auxiliary is working with staff on the 90�Anniversary Celebration details. With no other agenda items Mr. Haffeman asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Metz so moved and Ms.Thierman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m. Oshkosh Public Museum�1331 Algoma Boulevard�Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 4 of 4 � � ��. '�� `-,�..�'°,-�� /� Minutes of the March 5,2015 Board Meeting � � ��%��{,..i y�u�J�u� (Approved at the Apri12,2015 Board Meeting.) C��St;}c�r • Cornec*. • Ir.saire= The March meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, March 5, 2015, 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 Ms.Cryan Mr.Rego,Vice President Mr.Hoffman, alt. Ms.Drew,Secretary Ms.Thierman Ms.Matzke, alt. Ms. Fenrich Mr.Mack,Superintendent of Mr.Wiedenhoeft, Mr. Haffeman,President Schools-Oshkosh School Board President Mr. Metz Ms.Bauer,Leadership Oshkosh adjunct Board Member No alternates were available to appoint,however, there was a quorum. Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes. Citizens in attendance included UW-Oshkosh students Ms. Bridges, Ms. Kurth, Ms. Watson, Ms. Ruck, Ms.Verbeten,Ms.Nastala,Ms.Aldrich, and Ms. Pasek. There were no citizen statements. Consent Agenda items included the following: A. Minutes of the February Board meeting B. March Bill List Mr. Mack moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. Second by Mr. Metz. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms. Cryan Mr.Mack None Ms.Drew Mr. Metz Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego Mr.Haffeman Ms.Thierman The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed. Oshkosh Public Museum�1331 Algoma Boulevard�Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 3 Next on the agenda was discussion and vote on the proposed arch design for the northeast corner of the Museum property. Mr. Larson explained that Mr. Schafer sent the design to three blacksmiths in Wisconsin for general input. If the Board approves this general design, we can move forward bidding. Once a blacksmith is selected we will work with them to determine details of how the arch would be constructed, exact materials, decorative details, and how the arch should best be anchored. Mr. Metz noticed that the timing proposed by one of the blacksmiths is one year.He asked if it is likely that all of the blacksmiths would need that long of a lead time?Mr. Larson reported that it is probable that all blacksmiths would require a long lead time. Discussion followed with the Board asking many excellent questions, suggestions, and review of potential details. Mr.Mack made a motion that the Board approve the conceptual design of the arch and that Mr. Larson proceed with the next steps. Ms.Fenrich seconded the motion. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms. Cryan Mr.Mack None Ms.Drew Mr.Metz Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego Mr.Haffeman Ms.Thierman The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion to approve the arch concept design was passed. Mr.Haffeman requested that Mr.Larson present his Director's Report. Mr. Larson began his monthly report with an update on the 90� anniversary celebration preparations.He noted that just about everything has fallen into place for the celebration which is set for March 26th from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. T'he invitations will be mailed shortly;Wisconsin Public Television will be here; the cake is planned; and the cash bar is stocked. Members and those we are extending an invitation to, are free. For all others, regular admission will apply. Mr. Larson will be sending information to the Board regarding the Museum's top five or six projects;this will help Board members answer questions and discuss our various projects and initiatives with our Members and guests. Mr. Larson will put this in a Frequently Asked Questions format. If Board members are unsure about any project or source of funding, he asked that members please contact him or Ms. Books and they'll make sure you have the information you need. Mr. Larson continued his report speaking to the subject of the revised Code of Ethics. This document is a requirement for re-accreditation and Board members should have received it last week. It is similar to the Museum's previous Code of Ethics adopted in 1998, but it dces expand on several things required by the American Alliance of Museums. Discussion and vote on the Code of Ethics will be an agenda item for April. Mr. Larson requests that if Board members have any recommendations for changes or editions, to please let him know by March 26 so he can make sure everyone can see the various discussion points. Oshkosh Public Museum�1331 Algoma Boulevard�Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 3 Next Mr. Larson updated the Board regarding the draft Statement of Purpose for the Ethel J. Behncke Memorial Museum Fund/Trust, currently being reviewed by City Attorney Lorenson and Finance Director Larson. Mr. Larson expects they will be finished shortly and once that's done Mr. Larson will send the draft as soon as possible so the Board will have ample time to review it. Mr. Larson anticipates that discussion and vote on the proposed revision to the Behncke Trust will be an agenda item for Apri12. Mr. Larson was pleased to inform the Board regarding The Art of the Brick.The opening weekend exceeded expectations in every way. Staff anticipated 300 people but instead there were about 1,300 paying visitors on Saturday alone. This generated about$13,000 in income. The best way to describe visitor response is "overwhelmingly positive." Another indication of the appeal of this exhibit is the number of Facebook hits, which increased about 3,000% in one day! A key element in the Museum's strategic plan states that the Museum must strive to attract a younger demographic and thereby introduce the Museum to an audience that might not be familiar with us. That is the primary reason why we selected the LegoO exhibit. It is truly gratifying to have this response, and people are spending time looking at other exhibits when they are finished with Art of the Brick. We experienced the same challenges over the weekend as we experienced with Titanic, as our building cannot easily accommodate that many people over a relatively short period. Mr. Larson noted that staff and volunteers rose to the occasion and did a fantastic job serving visitors. Changes have been made by adding a second cash register and additional staff. A future capital improvement request to redesign the entrance will help alleviate or solve many of the issues associated with visitor service.This proposed project will be discussed at a workshop session. In conclusion Mr. Larson noted he will be on vacation beginning Friday, March 13, returning to work on Monday, March 23. That Monday is the date for the annual "State of the City" event at the Convention Center and Mr. Larson encouraged the Board to put that on their calendars and plan to attend. That concluded the Director's Report. There was not a President's report. There were no Board Member statements. Auxiliary President Samida reported to the Board that Mr. Campbell will be the speaker at the next Auxiliary meeting. The Auxiliary is helping with many of the details for the 90th anniversary celebration. With no other agenda items Mr. Haffeman asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Metz so moved and Ms.Thierman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The meeting adjourned at 4:37 p.m. Oshkosh Public Museum�1331 Algoma Boulevard�Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 3