Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Minutes of the July 7, 2016 Board Meeting (Approved at the August 4, 2016 Board Meeting.) The July meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held Thursday, July 7, 2016, in the Sawyer Library of the Oshkosh Public Museum. President Rego called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm. The roll was taken by Ms. Books. Present: Present: Excused: Ms. Drew, Secretary Ms. Matzke, arrived at 4:12 Mr. Hoffman, Vice President Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego, President Mr. Mack, Superintendent of Schools Ms. Garner, Ms. Thierman School Board President Absent: Mr. Domer, alternate Mr. Loiacono, alternate Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Auxiliary President Barbara Shirtz, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes. Mr. Rego addressed the Board regarding Gary Haffeman’s service to the Museum: Gary Haffeman died unexpectedly on June 9, 2016. He grew up in Oshkosh and always had an interest and love of our local area and its history. He enjoyed learning new stories and facts about our area of the state and sharing those with his students. Gary served on the Oshkosh Public Museum Board for eight years. He assumed several leadership positions on the Board, including president. He had good working relationships with members of the Board and with Museum staff. He was open, gracious, and polite in all his dealings. We will all miss him and his contributions to the Board and the Oshkosh Public Museum. Consent Agenda items included the following: Minutes of the June Board meeting A. July Bill List B. Ms. Thierman moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. Second by Ms. Fenrich. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms. Drew Mr. Rego None Ms. Fenrich Ms. Thierman Ms. Garner The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed. Minutes of the July 2016 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 ■■ Page 1 of 3 People of the Waters Mr. Larson then reviewed funding sources for , showing expenses for Museum staff to do the fit out to be ready for Split Rock Studios (SRS) to put in all the exhibition elements. The design development phase is over and with all current funding there is need yet for about one-third of the fabrication costs. He noted that approximately $100,000 is available in earnings from the Ethel Behncke Memorial Fund; however, he recommends some of it be used in 2017 for the museum assistant position. Ms. Fenrich asked if more of the Durow Trust could be used for People of the Waters . Mr. Larson said that is a possibility. He noted that the contract has not yet been signed with SRS. Ms. Thierman expressed that SRS has been working on this project for months, thinking through every detail, and they can do this exhibition perfectly; it is imperative that the Museum have all the funds needed to not need to cut out any of the planned elements. Mr. Larson reported he will be sending out the annual fundraising letter soon and can emphasize People of the Waters . Ms. Thierman suggested having a wall of recognition for donors at the $1,000 level; it is a nice large amount that people can come up with or pay in increments. Mr. Larson concluded the discussion that he will likely bring some funding options to the August Board meeting for a vote. Mr. Rego requested that Mr. Larson present the monthly Director’s Report. Geniuses of Oshkosh Mr. Larson began by reporting that the exhibition opened Saturday, July 2, and has been well received. This exhibition is exceptionally attractive and presents each individual’s story in a compelling manner and encourages discussion. As mentioned in his weekly memos, this exhibition was a training ground for new staff and was used as a way to build the exhibition team. It was successful in that regard and there was a high level of staff interaction and learning; it built their confidence in the process and in each other. Mr. Larson explained an exhibition is broken down into components and then each area is tackled in turn. Geniuses of Oshkosh Staff focused on the content and process with . The next task is to focus on scheduling the various work steps and this can be more challenging because it is necessary to understand how quickly a person completes assignments. Regarding 2017 exhibitions, Mr. Larson was pleased to report from February 4 through May 14, the Museum will present the paintings of children’s author and artist, Jan Brett. This exhibition will not include interactive and play elements as in 2008. Over the years additional paintings have been added from Brett’s recently published books, so it is different from what was on exhibition eight years ago. There will also be an appearance by Jan Brett, May 6, 2017, which will People of the Waters. attract a lot of people and help create awareness and anticipation for Mr. Larson reported the Museum is looking at two simultaneous exhibitions for summer 2017. The first is contemporary Native American art in the red gallery, and the second would be a small exhibit related to Camp Hiwela in the Sawyer home galleries. A few weeks ago we were notified that a reunion of people who attended or participated in Camp Hiwela in Waushara County is being planned for next summer, to be held on the Paine property. OPM holds Camp Hiwela and Camp Fire materials. Minutes of the July 2016 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 ■■ Page 2 of 3 In conclusion, Mr. Larson updated the Board on 2017 Capital Improvements. Two projects were submitted for 2017. Those are: conceptual planning for the proposed entrance modifications and expansion ($20,000); and the conceptual planning for exhibition creation within or associated with building modifications ($60,000). These two planning and design projects should be done hand-in-hand to create the best possible product. As explained, these first steps provide a clear idea of what is possible within our parameters and what the costs would be. This phase does not create blueprints or other bidding documents. We will not know whether the funds are available for these two projects until the budget is adopted in late November. That concluded the Director’s Report. Mr. Rego then requested the Auxiliary Report. Auxiliary President, Barb Shirtz, reported she received a letter from the IRS requesting more information from the Auxiliary for the requested change to 501(c)(3) status. She hopes to have their decision in a couple months. The Gala committee met last week and has a very good start on planning. To coordinate with the Museum’s holiday tree theme, the Auxiliary will have a small decorated tree to sell as part of the silent auction. The Auxiliary Board met last week and has the list of speakers lined up for the upcoming year. They are working now to confirm dates with each speaker. Next year the Auxiliary will need to have their May luncheon at a new location, as Robbins is closing. Ms. Shirtz asked that everyone remember “Pie on the Lawn” Sunday, July 17, 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. That concluded the Auxiliary Report. th With no other agenda items Mr. Rego asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Drew so moved and Ms. Thierman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The meeting adjourned at 4:46 p.m. Minutes of the July 2016 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 ■■ Page 3 of 3