HomeMy WebLinkAbout04. Museum Board Minutes from June 4, 2015 1 1 1 1 1 1 R'f/////%//////
� "'" Minutes of the June 4,2015 Board Meeting
,"'t ib l i (Approved at the July 9,2015 Board Meeting.)
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The June meeting of the Oshkosh Public M useum Board was held on Thursday, June 4, 2015, in
the Lecture Room of the Oshkosh Public M useum. President Rego called the meeting to order at
4:00 pm.
M r. Larson introduced M r. Randy Domer, new alternate to the M useum Board. M r. Domer is a
long-time resident of Oshkosh and is active on various Boards of historical organizations. Mr.
Domer wrote several history books and is familiar and interested in Oshkosh and its history. M r.
Dedow, new President of the Oshkosh Area School District Board, was not able to be in
attendance.
The rol I was taken by Ms. Books.
Present: Present: Absent
M s. Cryan M r. Hoffman,Vice President Mr. Dedow, School Board
Mr. Domer, alt. Ms. Matzke, alt. President
Ms. Drew, Secretary Mr. Rego, President
Ms. Fen r i ch Ms. Th i er m an
M r. H affeman M r. Mack, Superintendent of
Schools- Oshkosh
Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Exhibit Technician Bill Radig, Curator Debra Daubert,
and Admi ni strative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes.
Therewere no citizen statements.
Consent Agenda items included thefollowing:
A. M inutesof the May Board meeting
B. June Bill List
Ms. Drew moved that the Consent Agenda be approved.
Secon d by M s. Fen r i ch.
The vote went as follows:
In Favor: In Favor: Against:
M s. Cryan Mr. Hoffman N one
Ms. Drew M r. M ack
Ms. Fen r i ch M r. Rego
M r. H affeman Ms. Thierman
The votewas unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed.
M r. Larson reviewed that Exhibit Technician Bill Radig will formally retire June 30th. President
Rego then read the resolution of the Board:
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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During his 34 year tenure at the Oshkosh Public Museum, Bill Radig contributed
immensely to the organization. His passion for history, his artistry, incredible skills, and
strong work ethic greatly benefitted the Museum. Bill worked tirelessly to ensure our
mission reached the broadest audience, and he consistently showed tremendous pride in
h i s w or k. As a dedicated employee, Bill's commitment to the ideals of the Museum will
surely be missed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the President and the Board of Directors of
the Oshkosh Pu bl i c M u seu m, TH AT:
We recognize and extend our deepest gratitude to Bill Radig for his 34 years of
dedicated service to the Oshkosh Public Museum, for his contributions, commitment,
tireless devotion, and integrity in all matters involving the Museum. We offer our
sincere appreciation for Bill's many years of work in pursuit of the mission and goals of
the Museum and wish him the best in retirement.
Next, M useum Auxiliary President, Barb Shirtz, presented a$5,000 check to M r. Larson on behalf
of the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary is pleased to help the M useum further develop the exciting new
event, Night Whispffs, which was much enjoyed by sell-out crowds in 2014 and will continue to
beamuch anticipated annual event.
Next on the agenda was the presentation and discussion of a proposed alteration and expansion
of the Steiger Wing entrance. Mr. Larson presented informational points as follows:
Proposed Change to Steiger Wing Entrance
Why Look at the Just the Entrance?
• A major expansion is simply not likely.
• There have been five attempts to expand in the last 50 years; the Steiger Wing (1982)was a
compromise
• Focusing on expansion would squander ti me and money
• Could use the Durow Trust and ind ude decorative arts
Two Basic Options:
• Do nothing-continue on aswe are
• Modify the building to address our highest priority needs-visitor amenities
Proposed Change Based on the following:
• Engberg Anderson Study (2008)
• National Performance Management Study (2009)
• AECOM Study (2011)
• M A P A ssessm en (2013)
• Strategic Planning Input (2009-2013)
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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All Independent Studies Cameto the Same Conclusion:
1. The M useum is seriously short of space, both now and for future needs
2. Failure to meet visitor expectations& needs, or to plan for the future, will have negative
consequences
3. The situation will only grow worse overtime
Additional Points:
1. The M useum is at a crossroads- weabsolutelynesd this improvement
2. The success of Art of the Brick again points out shortcomings
3. Major exhibits demand these changes
4. We have a superb staff, rich in ideas, creativity, and experience
5. Thisprojectisachievable
6. Over the next 3 to 6 years the M useum will experience a turnover of staff
I deal Iy Done at the Same Ti me as Pear leaf theWatafs
Current Space is Srnal I
ffr Lobby: 500 sq. ft (#1)
Store: 450 sq. ft (#3) (i.e., useable
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Su n Room: 500 sq. ft. #4
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Clash of People& Activities
We now do way too many things in this small space: admission; store sales; answer questions;
answer phone; sell memberships; act as reception and waiting area; deal with potential
donors/donations. Thisoften happensall at thesametime. Extremely noisy.
Scope determined during conceptual planning
Proposed New Entrance
• Morethan acosmeticfix
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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• Focused on the visitor experience
✓ Opportunity to create a"WOW" factor
✓ Restrooms
✓ Lobby/gathering space
✓ Amenities
• Improves operations
✓ Admissions
✓
Retail sales
✓ Membership & Volunteers
✓ Special Events
Other I m pacts
• Unites entrance with thesiteplan, creating an impressive arrival experience
• Will haves bearing on attendance& income
Library & Archives Is Directly Below Entrance
• Scott's office &research area: 260 sq. ft (#20)
• Currently no second or emergency exit
• Foundation of entrance could create more archive space
Opportunity to Create Remarkable Exhibit Entrance Setting
• It says: you are now entering a special place
• M irrors the Sawyer home rather than the c. 1980 institutional look
• Display decorative glass-createaflood of color
• Return the Tiffany w i steri a w i nd ow to itsoriginal location in the Sawyer Den
• Alleviate the perception we area small local museum
Timetable
• Step 1: select, hire, & work with an architectural firm to create a conceptual plan & cost
esti mate(2016 CI P)
• Step 1a:work with Split Rock Studioson theexhibit portion of theentrance
• Step 2: after reviews and approvals at all levels, conceptual plan is turned into blueprints
for bidding (2017 Cl P)
• Step 3: Bidding, construction & completion (2018 Cl P)
Delay PaopleoftheWatesto Coincidewith Entrance?
• Entrance Project M ight be Delayed, or Die
• Staffing is here now
• Intended to coincidewith Iandscapework on parking lots(sanitary lines)
• We can use the Sawyer H ome entrance
• Scott could be moved into the Lecture Room
• Working on more than one major project is difficult without additional staff
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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Final Thoughts
• Though smaller in scale,this is a major construction project
• H as negative short-term i mpact
• Has positive long-term impact
• Can create atruly memorable, impressive, and useable space
Discussion followed the presentation. Mr. Larson asked Board members to consider this idea as
hewiII bring this before the Board at the July meeting for a vote on whether to take next steps.
•r. Rego then requested that M r. Larson present his Director's Report.
•r. Larson began his report with an update on the 2015 Cl P Landscape project. H e noted that
bids were due at 10:00 a.m. on June 2. One bid was received and it totaled just under $194,000,
which is almost double the landscape budget of $100,000. It is believed by M r. Larson, aswell as
James Rabe in Public Works, and landscape architect, Jim Schaefer, that the issuewith the Phase I
site plan is that there isn't enough profit for a general contractor and too many specialized
components for a landscaper. Mr. Larson has suggested breaking out several parts of the plan
such as the removal of the fence, the masonry work, and the wrought iron arch, to get that work
done separately. H e noted the M useum might also bid the irrigation system separately.
Mr. Larson noted the concern waiting to be addressed is whether this circumvents the bid
process. However, the Museum tried bidding the larger Phase I project twice without success.
With the possib/eexception of the wrought iron arch, these components would be under $25,000
each, so the M useum could work with Purchasing and solicit quotes. That would leave the walk
and plantings and maybe the irrigation system — in other words, all regular Iandscapework. The
Museum could then include all the true landscapework in the2016CIP.
Next Mr. Larson reported that a training session was recently held at City Hall for all
departments with Boards or Commissions. The session reviewed legal and procedural
requirements and as a result of that training, the Museum will make changes to its agenda
format. If there are no Board Member Statements or President's Report, those will be deleted. The
agenda will be mailed as usual one week ahead and if a member wants to add something within
24 hours of the meeting, Ms. Books will prepare a revised agenda. Mr. Larson reminded the
Board to be specific in what they wish to talk about. M r. Larson also noted that For the Good of
the City will beeliminated from the agenda asthat is covered in other line items of the agenda.
Mr. Larson told the Board that Citizens Statements was added well over ten years ago when a
citizen was concerned about the disposition of a donation. Since then the Museum has not had
any statements. Typically, Citizen Statements should actually be at the end of the meeting. Mr.
Larson also noted that the Board should not respond to or discuss any Citizen Statement until it
is formally placed on the agenda. In other words, legally a citizen could address the Board but
that would be all. Based on what was learned during training, Mr. Larson's recommendation isto
remove Citizen Statements.
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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Next Mr. Larson reminded the Board that over the past many years the Museum has been dosed
on Independence Day in addition to the observed holiday. After tracking attendance on July 4, it
was apparent that it did not merit being open. Unless the Board would like this changed, Mr.
Larson plansto continueclosing on thisday/s.
M r. Larson reported that he will be on vacation the week of June 15, returning to work on June
22nd. In conclusion, Mr. Larson noted that the August Board meeting is scheduled for August
6th. He asked that the meeting be moved back one week for personal reasons. An alternative is
that the Board could meet as scheduled without Mr. Larson. He would prepare his formal
monthly report as normal. The Board agreed they would prefer to move the August Board
meeting to August 13th. Mr. Larson expressed his appreciation. That concluded the Director's
Report.
There was no President's Report.
There were no Board Member statements.
Ms. Barb Shirtz, Auxiliary President, reported regarding Auxiliary activities. Sue Meyer was
voted as Sunshine person, Sls Martin continues as Chair of the Gala. Pie on the Lawn is set for
Sunday, July 12. Ms. Shirtz was pleased to report that the recent fundraiser at Benvenuto
restaurant raised $120. The next Auxiliary Board meeting is set for June22.
With no other agenda items M r. Rego asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Thierman so moved and
Mr. Hoffman seconded the motion.
The votewas unanimous in favor and the motion was passed.
The meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Oshkosh Public Museum ■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard ■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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