HomeMy WebLinkAbout03. Museum Board Minutes, August 13, 2015 NOSHKOSH
►�� Minutes of the August 13,2015 Board Meeting
PublicMuseum (Approved at the September 3,2015 Board Meeting.)
Discover • Connect • Inspire
The August meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, August 13,
2015, in the Lecture Room of the Oshkosh Public Museum. President Rego called the meeting to
order at 4:00 pm.
The roll was taken by Ms.Books.
Present: Present: Excused:
Ms. Cryan Mr.Mack Mr. Haffeman
Mr.Domer, alt. Ms. Matzke, alt. Mr. Hoffman,Vice President
Ms.Drew, Secretary Mr. Rego,President
Ms. Fenrich Ms. Thierman Absent:
Mr.Dedow
Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Auxiliary President Barbara Shirtz, and Administrative
Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes.
With Mr. Hoffman out, Mr. Rego appointed Mr. Domer. With Mr. Haffeman out, Mr. Rego
appointed Ms. Matzke.
Consent Agenda items included the following:
A. Minutes of the July Board meeting
B. August Bill List
C. Receipt and Filing of 2nd Quarter OACF Reports (Not available)
Because the 2nd quarter reports were not available, they were struck from the Consent Agenda.
Mr. Mack moved that the Consent Agenda be approved for items A and B.
Second by Ms. Fenrich.
The vote went as follows:
In Favor: In Favor: Against:
Mr. Cryan Mr. Mack None
Mr.Domer Ms. Matzke
Ms.Drew Mr. Rego
Ms. Fenrich Ms. Thierman
The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items A and B were passed.
Next on the agenda was discussion and vote regarding using $10,785.00 from the Collections
Fund for the conservation of the Union Banner. Ms. Thierman inquired about the size of the
banner. Mr. Larson noted it is approximately 2' x 3.5'. Mr. Domer asked about the possibility of
asking local union chapters to help with the cost of treatment. Discussion followed regarding
that possibility, and which unions are represented under that banner, in order to ask the most
appropriate union/s.
Oshkosh Public Museum■1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
Page 1 of 4
Mr. Mack moved that the Board approve allocating Collections Fund money for the conservation
of the Union Banner,up to$10,785;whether or not the cost can be off-set.
Second by Mr.Domer.
The vote went as follows:
In Favor: In Favor: Against:
Mr. Cryan Mr. Mack None
Mr.Domer Ms. Matzke
Ms.Drew Mr. Rego
Ms. Fenrich Ms. Thierman
The vote was unanimous in favor and the vote carried.
Next on the agenda was discussion and vote on having Barry Bauman conserve two paintings
from the French Gratitude Train using$710 from the Collections Fund. The Two paintings are:
Autumn Trees by Henri Boisgontier(5213-57) and Hussar,unknown artist(5213-58). After
discussion;
Ms. Thierman moved that the Board approve using $710 from the Collections Fund to conserve
the two paintings.
Second by Ms.Drew.
The vote went as follows:
In Favor: In Favor: Against:
Mr. Cryan Mr. Mack None
Mr.Domer Ms. Matzke
Ms.Drew Mr. Rego
Ms. Fenrich Ms. Thierman
The vote was unanimous in favor and the vote carried to use$710 from the Collections Fund to
have Barry Bauman conserve the two paintings.
Next on the agenda was discussion regarding the final report for Art of the Brick. It was a
tremendous exhibition for the Museum to host, bringing in nearly 28,000 visitors to enjoy the
sculptures and the Museum. There were 53 new memberships during that period, compared to
17 new memberships during those same months in 2014. Admission revenues were excellent as
well as Museum Store sales.
Next Mr. Larson informed the Board that during the 2014 audit an auditor determined that the
Ethel Behncke Memorial Museum Trust cannot be invested in mutual funds. It is uncertain why
previous auditors did not have a problem with the investments. For now the funds will be moved
to money market accounts until it is further determined how to best invest those funds. This may
also impact the Durow Trust. Various attorneys have differences of opinions. Mr. Larson noted
that the Behncke Trust is unlike the Durow Trust because the Durow Trust is invested under an
adopted policy,with professional investment management. He was pleased to point out that the
Oshkosh Public Museum■1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
Page 2 of 4
Behncke Trust has experienced growth from its original $130,000 to now over $300,000. Mr.
Larson is hopeful that Finance Director Larson and City Attorney Lorenson will be able to attend
the September meeting to discuss with the Board what options there are for investment.
Mr.Rego then requested that Mr. Larson present his Director's Report.
Mr. Larson began by reporting that the proposed 2016 Capital Improvement Budget includes
$200,000 for the exhibition People of the Waters. These capital improvement funds must be
matched with $200,000 in other funds. He reminded the Board that at the February 5, 2015
meeting he proposed using $200,000 in Durow Trust earnings for the Museum match and the
Board voted unanimous in favor. Mr. Larson was pleased to report the kick off with Split Rock
Studios is on September 23/24. He reported that the proposed 2017 Capital Improvement Budget
does not include any funding for Museum projects.
Next Mr. Larson updated the Board on the bid for the wrought iron arch of the Landscape
Design. One quote of about$36,500 was received for the arch. No quotes were received for other
elements of the Phase I design (masonry columns, brick walkway, and plantings). Mr. Larson
noted that this amount exceeds the estimated cost of the arch by about $11,000. However, an
anonymous donor has contributed $10,000 to the project. The donor believes it is important to
recognize Mr. Sawyer's gift in this way, wants to see the arch become a reality, and believes
getting the arch fabricated will further promote the overall site plan and help it move forward.
Mr. Larson will meet with General Services Manager, Jon Urben, Monday, 8/17/15, to discuss the
options for Phase I work.
Next, Mr. Larson updated the Board on the Exhibition Fund and 2016 exhibitions. He noted that
contributions to the Exhibition Fund were gratifying. As he weighed options for 2016 exhibitions
looking at the availability of various funds, being without an exhibit technician for several
months, and having staff fully involved with People of the Waters, Mr. Larson decided that Be the
Dinosaur is the best course of action. The contract was signed and a down payment made. The
exhibit is scheduled for February through May and more information will be forthcoming.
In conclusion, Mr. Larson was pleased to report that the Museum is the beneficiary of 2% of the
estate of Florence Sarres. Her estate is now being liquidated and while that has not been
completed, it should be finished shortly. He noted that based on the estimated value of her estate
provided to the Museum, the bequest should be approximately $40,000. The Museum has a
policy that 10% of an undesignated bequest must be placed in the Endowment held at the
Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. The Sarres bequest is undesignated. Mr. Larson
recommends the rest be used to support the Museum Assistant position(Katrina Achilli) in 2016.
In conclusion, Mr. Larson stated that various fund and trust uses will be presented to the Board
for discussion and vote at the September 3 meeting. That concluded the Director's Report.
Next on the agenda was a Board member statement by Ms. Cryan. She expressed an opinion that
the wrought iron arch, Spanish-American War memorial, and granite globe war memorial, were
all inappropriate for the Museum grounds. Ms. Cryan was of the opinion that the site master
plan should be reviewed and revised.
Oshkosh Public Museum■1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
Page 3 of 4
Ms. Barb Shirtz, Auxiliary President, reported regarding Auxiliary activities. She noted that three
Auxiliary members will come to the Museum next week to clean their storage areas. The Gala
Planning Committee will meet at 10 a.m. on August 201h. Ms. Shirtz was pleased to report that
Gala planning is coming along well. That ended the Auxiliary Report.
With no other agenda items Mr. Rego asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Fenrich so moved and
Ms. Thierman 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■1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
Page 4 of 4