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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03. Museum Board Minutes Minutes of the January 12,2017 Board Meeting 1 1�-,t, � ., u m (Approved at the February 2,2017 Board Meeting.) Di,,(ovoi (ori ,e( I .iairy. The January meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held Thursday,January 12, 2017, in the Sawyer Library 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. Randy Domer Mr. Gabriel Loiacono, alternate Ms. Allison Garner, Ms. Diana Drew, Secretary Ms. Becky Matzke School Board President Ms. Connie Drexler, alternate Mr. Rick Rego, President Ms. Carol Fenrich Ms.Jean Thierman Mr.Jim Hoffman,Vice Pres. Mr. Stan Mack, Superintendent of Schools Ms. Maribeth Theusch, Leadership Oshkosh Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Auxiliary President Barbara Shirtz, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes. There were no citizen statements to the Board. Consent Agenda items included the following: A. Minutes of the December Board meeting B. January Bill List C. Use$475 from the Collections Fund for restoration by Barry Bauman of the painting"Wolf Scene'by William Ziebell Ms. Thierman moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. Second by Ms. Fenrich. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Mr. Domer Mr.Mack None Ms. Drew Ms. Matzke Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego Mr.Hoffman Ms. Thierman The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed. Discussion regarding sponsoring the Lake Fly Community Art Project ($2,500), including how it might be funded, was next on the agenda. Mr. Larson reviewed for the Board that the Museum has been asked by Mayor Steve Cummings and Arthur Rathgen, President of the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Foundation, to sponsor a fiberglass lake fly sculpture. The cost for this would be $2,500. That cost could be spread over three years (about$835 per year). Ms. Thierman asked if there is any additional information such as how many lake flies will be made and who Minutes of the January 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 6 has agreed to sponsor so far? Mr. Larson said this information was not available at this time. Other Board questions included: would the Museum keep the lake fly, could we sell it, or is an auction planned for the end? Funds raised are to go to the Oshkosh Area Schools for their art programs. It is not known how much of the money each artist will get to create a lake fly. Mr. Mack said the schools do not know how much of the money will go to the schools. Mr. Domer inquired as to past policy for this type of request. Mr. Larson said there is not a precedent as the Museum hasn't been asked in the past. Considerable discussion followed. Mr. Domer noted this project doesn't seem to align with Museum core purposes. Mr. Loiacono suggested the Museum could offer to be a sight for display of a lake fly. Mr. Mack expressed he feels sponsoring a lake fly is not a priority for the Museum, that getting People of the Waters completed is top priority for Museum funds and staff time. Ms. Drexler expressed that from the discussion it may be best for the Board to regretfully decline this opportunity. Ms. Fenrich moved that the Board regretfully decline sponsoring the Lake Fly Community Art Project, with an offer to be a temporary site of display. Second by Ms. Matzke The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Mr. Domer Mr.Mack None Ms. Drew Ms. Matzke Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego Mr.Hoffman Ms. Thierman The vote was unanimous and the motion passed to decline sponsoring the Lake Fly Community Art Project, with an offer to be a temporary site of display. Discussion and vote on creating a First World War Commemoration Committee, to be chaired by Ms. Matzke, was next. Ms. Matzke reported a list of possible events and commemorations has been prepared that brings together the Museum's considerable resources and local expertise. Ms. Matzke noted that a group of individuals from the community have been asked if they will participate on the committee. If approved to move forward, they hope to have their first meeting within the next few weeks. She was pleased to report that the following people have agreed to participate: Gabriel Loiacono, Board Member and UW-Oshkosh History Department;Kevin Boyland, UW- Oshkosh History Department (pending); Tom Rowland, UW - Oshkosh History Department; Steve Cummings, Mayor; and H.S. Teacher/s (tbd). Additionally, Museum staff members will participate: Director Brad Larson and Marketing Coordinator Karla Szekeres. Ms. Thierman moved that the Board approve creating a First World War Commemoration Committee, to be chaired by Ms. Matzke. Second by Ms. Fenrich Minutes of the January 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 6 The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Mr. Domer Mr.Mack None Ms. Drew Ms. Matzke Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego Mr.Hoffman Ms. Thierman The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion passed to create a First World War Commemoration Committee, to be chaired by Ms. Matzke. Next on the agenda was discussion on the use of$8,400 from the Collections Fund for recovering and correctly coloring Senator Philetus Sawyer's Congressional Chair with French split goatskin. Mr. Larson reported that all the wood parts of the chair were previously conserved, including the ornate carvings of Congressional symbols. Congressional records were consulted to learn the materials and colors originally used for the upholstery. Moreover, Mr. Larson expressed this could be an iconic item for the next generation Memories and Dreams exhibition. Senator Sawyer influenced Wisconsin and the U.S. during his time as a Congressman. The space around the chair could be used to tell many stories using various technologies. Mr. Domer asked if money is available from the Smithsonian or the federal government for a restoration such as this. Mr. Larson replied there are limited conservation grants available but the success rate is quite low and therefore not worth the considerable investment of staff time necessary for the application. Ms. Drew expressed that if the Board does approve use of the Collections Fund money, she would like to know that the chair would be exhibited and not just placed in storage. Considerable discussion ensued. Ms. Thierman moved that the Board approve use of $8,400 from the Collections Fund for recovering and correctly coloring Senator Philetus Sawyer's Congressional chair with French split goatskin. Second by Mr. Mack The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Mr. Domer Mr.Mack None Ms. Drew Ms. Matzke Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego Mr.Hoffman Ms. Thierman The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion passed to use$8,400 from the Collections Fund for recovering and correctly coloring Senator Philetus Sawyer's Congressional chair with French split goatskin. The Board then discussed hiring Engberg Anderson Architects, per the proposal dated April 30, 2016, for$18,800 for conceptual planning of a new Steiger Wing Entrance. Money for this service Minutes of the January 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 6 is allocated in the 2017 CIP. Mr. Larson noted that Board approval is the necessary next step to move the project forward. He reviewed that in 2008 and 2009 Engberg Anderson Architects worked with the Museum on some planning; consequently, they already know details of the Museum. Mr. Loiacono asked how the two companies, the architects and Split Rock Studio's (SRS), divide the tasks. Mr. Larson explained that the architects will start February 23rd with a meeting to plan the needed elements of the entrance, and then in early April SRS will get involved to plan exhibition elements for the entrance. Mr. Mack moved that the Board approve hiring Engberg Anderson Architects, per the proposal dated April 30, 2016, for up to $20,000 for conceptual planning for a new Steiger Wing Entrance; understanding the money for this service is allocated in the 2017 CIP. Second by Mr. Domer The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Mr. Domer Mr.Mack None Ms. Drew Ms. Matzke Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego Mr.Hoffman Ms. Thierman The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion passed to approve hiring Engberg Anderson Architects, per the proposal dated April 30, 2016, for up to $20,000 for conceptual planning of a new Steiger Wing Entrance;understanding the money for this service is allocated in the 2017 CIP. The Board next discussed hiring Split Rock Studios (SRS) per their proposal dated April 28, 2016 for $60,000 for conceptual planning of an exhibition in the proposed new entrance, and conceptual planning for the Memories & Dreams exhibition. Money for this service is allocated in the 2017 CIP. Mr. Larson explained SRS will design with the intent to have a stunning welcome experience for Museum visitors. As well, they will conceptualize a new space for temporary exhibitions that can also be used as meeting and program space (i.e., in the current Memories and Dreams gallery.) He explained this is consistent with our strategic plan, which calls for the creation of a multi-use space. In addition, they will work with Museum staff to conceptualize the next generation Memories and Dreams exhibition to be in what is currently the temporary exhibition space/Red Galleries. Ms. Fenrich expressed that at an earlier meeting Mr. Mack had suggested a space that could be changed out monthly or quarterly to add reason for guests to visit often. Mr. Larson noted Museum staff is speaking of having the entrance exhibition be changeable. Mr. Domer moved that the Board approve hiring Split Rock Studios, per their proposal dated April 28, 2016 for $60,000 for conceptual planning of an exhibition in the proposed new entrance, and conceptual planning for the Memories & Dreams exhibition; understanding the money for this service is allocated in the 2017 CIP. Second by Ms. Drew Minutes of the January 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 4 of 6 The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Mr. Domer Mr.Mack None Ms. Drew Ms. Matzke Ms. Fenrich Mr. Rego Mr.Hoffman Ms. Thierman The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion passed to approve hiring Split Rock Studios per their proposal dated April 28, 2016 for $60,000 for conceptual planning of an exhibition in the proposed new entrance, and conceptual planning for the Memories & Dreams exhibition; understanding the money for this service is allocated in the 2017 CIP. Mr. Rego requested that Mr. Larson present the monthly Director's Report. Mr. Larson began with an update regarding progress on People of the Waters. He reported that the interactive media content of the exhibition is currently the primary focus for staff. This involves three elements: the animated glaciations map; the fur trade game; and the computerized information on artifacts. This work has been divided between Registrar Joan Lloyd, Museum Assistant Katrina Achilli, and Mr. Larson. It involves written narrative on multiple levels, still images, and video of Mike Hoffman, a Menominee, talking about selected artifacts. Further, Mr. Larson reported that the glaciations materials are being provided by a geologist at the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, Dr. William Mode. The map will focus on the last glaciations, from 31,500 to 11,000 years ago. Of further note, this week content samples were supplied to Split Rock Studio's media contractor, Northern Lights. The deadline for submitting material is mid-March, and Museum staff should be able to review the rough cuts in early April. Ms. Achilli and Curator Anna Cannizzo are beginning work on the curriculum materials, and Membership/Marketing Coordinator Karla Szekeres is working on a number of marketing initiatives. Next, Mr. Larson informed the Board about The World of Jan Brett. Installation of the exhibition begins next week. He noted it has a series of activities and programs associated with it. The Museum partnered with the Oshkosh Public Library for some programs, and the Auxiliary will be doing others. Also of note, Ms. Szekeres is already scheduling field trips, both from Oshkosh schools and from schools outside of the city. This exhibition opens February 4 and goes through May 14. Mr. Larson gave Board members a summary for Deck the Halls. He noted staff is satisfied with December attendance and the solid profit seen through admission and store sales. Staff is planning for Deck the Halls in 2017, but is unsure for 2018 whether that gallery may be under construction, depending on approvals and funding. Museum staff expects that with People of the Waters open, the 2017 Deck the Halls will be well attended. In conclusion, Mr. Larson was pleased to inform the Board that City Manager Mark Rohloff will attend the February 2nd Board meeting. This will be the first agenda item. His attendance is an Minutes of the January 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 5 of 6 opportunity for the Board to discuss funding for capital improvements, and changes to the Municipal Code, Chapter 2 - Administration. The Municipal Code (as it relates to the Museum) was last changed in 1958. It is anticipated that the revised Code will be adopted by the Common Council before spring. Mr. Larson will send the Board the proposed changes prior to the meeting so they have ample time to formulate questions. Mr. Larson reminded the Board this session is not an open discussion, meaning that dialogue must be focused around capital improvement funding and Chapter 2. However, he noted, Chapter 2 is quite broad and allows ample opportunity to bring up a number of topics. That concluded the Director's Report. President's Report-none submitted. Board Member Statement-none submitted Mr. Rego then requested that Ms. Shirtz present the Auxiliary Report. Auxiliary President Barb Shirtz reported that the Auxiliary was very pleased to give the Museum a check for $2,000.00 for People of the Waters from the Gala profits. (Board members clapped in appreciation for this very generous donation.) Ms. Shirtz reported that for the program tomorrow Curator Deb Daubert will be giving a program regarding historical food, traditions, tools and recipes. Ms. Shirtz noted the April meeting will be a week early, on April 7, because the 14th is a Holiday. She reported that the Auxiliary Facebook page is up and running. In conclusion, Ms. Shirtz expressed that the Auxiliary needs many small jewelry boxes for the 2017 Gala. That concluded the Auxiliary Report. With no other agenda items Mr. Rego asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Domer so moved and Ms. Fenrich seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m. Minutes of the January 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 6 of 6