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Minutes of the April 2, 2015 Board Meeting
(Approved at the May 7, 2015 Board Meeting.)
The April meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday,April 2, 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: Absent
Ms. Cryan Ms. Matzke, alt. Mr. Wiedenhoeft,
Ms. Drew, Secretary Mr. Metz School Board President
Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego, Vice President
Mr. Haffeman, President Ms. Thierman
Mr. Hoffman, Mr. Mack, Superintendent of
alt.
Schools - Oshkosh
With Mr. Wiedenhoeft absent Mr. Haffeman appointed Mr. Hoffman.
Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording
the minutes.
There were no citizen statements.
Consent Agenda items included the following:
Minutes of the March Board meeting
A.
April Bill List
B.
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
Mr. Hoffman
The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed.
Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
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Next on the agenda was discussion and vote on the revised Code of Ethics. Mr. Larson explained
that curator Anna Cannizzo updated the code of ethics using current back
noted that of the many Code of Ethics he has read over the years, this is a very thorough, well-
crafted document.
Mr. Mack made a motion that the Board approve the Code of Ethics as written.
Ms. Thierman 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
Mr. Hoffman
The vote was unanimous in favor and the Code of Ethics was approved.
Next on the agenda was discussion and vote on allocation of $1,7Durow Trust earnings to
enable curator Anna Cannizzo to attend the Association of Midwes,
July 19-22, 2015, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Larson noted that Anna would be presentsession
Collateral Damage: Are You Causing Damage to Your Institutions Collection?
titled Mr. Hoffman
expressed it would be a good thing for Ms. Cannizzo to attend the meeting
knowledge as well as represent the Oshkosh Public Museum to that
professionals.
up to
Mr. Metz made a motion that the Board approve allocation of $1,700 of Durow Trust
earnings to enable curator Anna Cannizzo to attend the Associati
meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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
Mr. Hoffman
The vote was unanimous in favor and the travel expense allocation was approved.
Next on the agenda was discussion and vote on allocating $975 of
the conservation treatment by Barry Bauman of three painting by
noted that Mr. Bauman is continuing his generous offer to restorese painting at the cost of just
the materials; he will not charge the Museum for his time. Discu
Ms. Fenrich moved that the Board approve the allocation of $975
the conservation treatment by Barry Bauman of three painting by Jesse Jack Hooper.
Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
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Mr. Rego 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
Mr. Hoffman
The vote was unanimous in favor and the allocation of $975 of Collection Fund earnings for the
conservation treatment by Barry Bauman of three painting by Jess
Mr. Haffeman requested that Mr. Larson present his
To begin,
Oshkosh with his work on the Museum Board. He presented a plaque
him for his excellent input through the years.
The Art of the Brick
Mr. Larson updated the Board with information on . He shared the
AOTB
approximate numbers of paying visitors through Sunday, March 29.
Paying Visitors: 11,204
Admissions: $54,500
Store sales: $16,500
In addition to the numbers above, the Museum also had a significant number of ASTC members,
children under 6, and Museum Members, all of which are now track
before. Plus, there are dozens of schools scheduled, both within and out of the Oshkosh
Mr. Larson noted that this is truly impressive. He emphasized we are providing a first-rate
experience to our visitors. By focusing on families with children, we are accomplishing one
major goals identified in the strategic plan: introducing the Mu
Mr. Larson shared a quote that sums up visitor reaction. On Wednesday, a little girl said to Mr.
Larson
Mr. Larson noted that his biggest concern right now is the impact on staff. Lack of weeken
volunteers means staff has to be in the galleries. Given our sma
this means a fairly demanding schedule. If attendance slackens o Mr.
Larson believes we can return to a more normal rotation, or at least a less taxi
schedule.
Next Mr. Larson reviewed progress on upcoming exhibits. He noted that given the demands on
Art of the BrickGreat War to Great Gatsby
, and the focus on the upcoming to
The script is barely started, and artifacts for each section havTherefore, he
moved the start time with Split Rock Studios to early August.
Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
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This week Mr. Larson met with Ray Reser, the Director of the Stevens Point Museum of
History at UW-Stevens Point. Mr. Reser has worked with the Menominee Indian Na
several projects and his assistance working with the tribes is very welc
Wetlands & Waterways
looking into the feasibility of using some of the components fro.
As an update on Capital Improvements Mr. Larson reported that bids will be opened on
Tuesday, April 7, for Phase I of the landscape project. There ha
in bidding. If bids are higher than the estimate, it may impact
The Hiker
wrought iron welcoming arch and preparing the foundation for this year.
In regard to the Steiger Wing roof replacement Mr. Larson reported that there is a contractor
walk-through next week, and bids will be opened on April 23. The Sawyer home roof leaks are
rd
getting worse. Nick Rhoden believes it most likely the result of ridge caps opening and gaps
around chimney flashings. This repair is beyond what Mr. Rhoden could do.
Next Mr. Larson was pleased to inform the Board regarding the development of Cultural
Tourism Program. He noted that for many years there has been discussion regarding developing
an historic tourism program in Oshkosh. Late last year Council Member Steve Cummings
decided to act and he called together a committee to develop a pilot project. The focu
project is limited to the downtown area and the goal is to have self-guided tours ready by June 1.
The Convention & Visitor Bureau is eager to begin marketing the historic nature of the city.
Oshkosh has a colorful and important past, a downtown with interthe
committee believes visitors can be given a unique look at our community, and that it will have an
economic benefit to businesses. In addition, eighty high school students are going to help with
this project. Mr. Larson stated that he is pleased to be able
resources and staff knowledge to the project.
Mr. Larson continued his report speaking to the subject of the Behncke Fund. The proposed
change to the Behncke Fund was reviewed by Lynn Lorenson and Tre
currently invested in mutual funds, which are not allowed by law
independent of the City . . . the Behncke Trust is not legally d due to the presence of
Instead, the Museum needs to follow the investment policy developed for the Durow Trust th
complies with applicable municipal investment statues. Mr. Larson will meet again with Ms.
Larson and Ms. Lorenson. Mr. Larson hopes Board agenda.
Mr. Metz had informed Mr. Larson he will not be running for elec
years of service to the Board are greatly appreciated. His parti effort has been a great
help through the years. Mr. Larson also noted that the election of officers for the Muse
second term will be complete in May.
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In conclusion Mr. Larson noted that the annual review of the Durow Trust by Associated Bank
Wealth Management will be presented at the May 7 Board meeting. Mr. Larson would like the
Durow Trust material to be given to the Board one week prior to the presentation. That
President Haffeman requested Board members volunteer to be on th
committee will meet outside of Board meetings to discuss options
available, to then present to the board. Volunteering were Mr. Hryan, and Mr.
Haffeman to make up this committee.
There were no Board Member statements.
No Auxiliary member was available to report.
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 4:34 p.m.
Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
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