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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Minutes of the April 7, 2016 Board Meeting (Approved at the May 5, 2016 Board Meeting.) The April meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, April 7, 2016, 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: Mr. Domer Ms. Matzke Ms. Drew, Secretary Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego, President Mr. Loiacono, alternate Mr. Hoffman, Vice President Ms. Thierman Mr. Haffeman Mr. Mack, Superintendent of Schools Absent: Mr. Dedow, School Board President With Ms. Drew’s absence, Mr. Rego appointed Mr. Domer. Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Membership/Marketing Coordinator Karla Szekeres, Exhibit Technician Greg Witthun, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes. Mr. Larson introduced new Exhibit Technician Greg Whitthun. He has been with the Museum since March 14 and is receiving orientation and training from both Matt Reinke and Bill Radig. th Mr. Whitthun greeted the Board and noted he is enjoying his work here at the Museum. He then excused himself from the meeting. 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 Ms. Thierman. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Mr. Domer Mr. Mack None Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego Mr. Hoffman Ms. Thierman The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed. Minutes of the April 2016 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 ■■ Page 1 of 4 Next on the agenda was discussion and vote on the use of $3,950, plus shipping, from the Collections Fund to purchase a flintlock Trade Gun from Michael Simens Historical Antiques. Mr. Larson provided information regarding Mr. Simens work. Ms. Thierman noted she likes the People of the Waters idea of buying the gun to be sure we have one for the exhibition. Mr. Domer inquired regarding the original musket the Museum had, could it be restored? Mr. Larson noted that the Museum’s musket was destroyed in the fire, beyond restoring. Mr. Mack asked what the research process is to locate a musket from that era. Mr. Larson said he started with the Museum of the Fur Trade in Nebraska to be directed to options from there. That concluded the discussion. Ms. Fenrich moved that the Board approve the use of $3,950, plus shipping, from the Collections Fund to purchase a flintlock Trade Gun from Michael Simens Historical Antiques. Second by Mr. Domer. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Mr. Domer Ms. Matzke None Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego Mr. Hoffman Ms. Thierman Mr. Mack The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion passed that the Board approve the use of $3,950, plus shipping, from the Collections Fund to purchase a flintlock Trade Gun from Michael Simens Historical Antiques. People of the Waters was the next topic of discussion. Mr. Larson reviewed that when the Museum signs with Split Rock Studios for the construction of the exhibition, the contract can be for only the amount raised up to that point. He informed the Board that the Alberta S. Kimball-Mary L. People of the Waters Anhaltzer Foundation and Associated Bank are considering . In the meantime Mr. Larson is talking with and writing to as many companies and foundations as possible, but without 501(c)(3) status, the Museum is not eligible to apply with some funders. The Muse Ms. Szekeres updated the Board regarding outreach thus far. cover article was about People of the Waters and was distributed to approximately 700 people. A press release describing People was sent out. WHBY taped an interview with Ms. Szekeres; in addition, she will be doing a phone interview next week. She will also be at a two-day conference on grant writing, April 11 and 12. She hopes to learn more about government grant opportunities. Also, a donation box will be made to put in the location of the beavers, near the front entrance. This will be an opportunity for visitors to participate. Mr. Hoffman noted that it is an excellent idea as it will give people a sense of ownership. Minutes of the April 2016 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 ■■ Page 2 of 4 Mr. Mack asked if the Museum has considered forming a 501(c)(3) entity to make it easier to apply for grants. He said the Oshkosh School District has its own 501(c)(3) Foundation. The Board consists of citizens, one School Board member, and few administrative personnel. Mr. Larson will consider that possibility. Ms. Fenrich asked if there will be coverage about the exhibition on Wisconsin Public Television. Karla noted that with Mr. Behm’s class making the canoe for the exhibition, Oshkosh Media will come periodically to film the progress. Mr. Rego then requested that Mr. Larson present the Director’s Report. Mr. Larson began his report updating the Board on Phase I of the Landscaping project. The Common Council awarded the contract for $69,331.89 for Phase I landscaping (i.e., Entry Gardens) to Schmalz Custom Landscaping on March 22. The budget for this work is $100,000, so the Museum has ample funds remaining for any contingency needs, and for the other part of Phase I, which is the entry arch. Mr. Larson anticipates landscape work will start in mid to late summer. Landscape Architect Jim Schaefer will provide oversight of the project. As noted, creation of the artistic arch for the northeast corner is being done separately from the Schmalz work. Mr. Larson reviewed there are four to six ornamental blacksmiths in Wisconsin who do this type of artistic work. The Museum will contract directly with a blacksmith, once a smith is selected. Mr. Larson reported that Jim Schaefer is now working on this and quotes may be available yet this month. Once a blacksmith is selected, the arch design will be finalized based ad hoc on input from the arch committee (Jim Hoffman and Gary Haffeman). If any other Board member is interested in being on the committee, they should contact Mr. Larson. Mr. Larson noted that there should be ample funding for the arch, with the balance of the capital improvement budget for Phase I available, as well as private contributions totaling an additional $10,000. Be the Dinosaur In conclusion, Mr. Larson updated the Board regarding . The exhibition has Art of the Brick proven popular and attendance is good, although not as strong as . As of mid- week (April 16) the Museum has served about 7,300 visitors and has generated about $36,500 in th Be the Dinosaur income. The unofficial attendance goal for is 10,000 people; Mr. Larson anticipates attendance will come close to that once the numbers are in for the final five weeks. Be the Dinosaur Ms. Thierman volunteers as docent during and she noted that people are really enjoying it; she has heard many positive comments and seen many pleased visitors. The last day Be the Dinosaur of is May 16. That concluded the Director’s Report. Mr. Rego then requested the Auxiliary Report. Ms. Shirtz began her report stating that the presentation about wigs at the March meeting was interesting and much enjoyed. Committees were made for both Pie on the Lawn, (Sunday, July 17, 2016) and for the Gala (date to be determined for 2016.) Ms. Shirtz noted that tomorrow the Auxiliary will further discuss the possibility of become a Public Charity. After talking with an IRS agent, they were told it will take five years and a fee of $400.00. That concluded the Auxiliary Report. Minutes of the April 2016 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 ■■ Page 3 of 4 With no other agenda items Mr. Rego asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Thierman so moved and Mr. Hoffman 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 April 2016 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum 1331 Algoma Boulevard Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 ■■ Page 4 of 4