HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES_02-02-17 y ��� Minutes of the February 2,2017 Board Meeting
(Approved at the March 2,2017 Board Meeting.)
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The February meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held Thursday, February 2,
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:
Ms. Diana Drew, Secretary Mr. Rick Rego, President Mr. Randy Domer
Ms. Carol Fenrich Ms.Jean Thierman Ms. Connie Drexler,
Mr.Jim Hoffman,Vice Pres. Ms. Allison Garner, School Board President alternate
Ms. Becky Matzke Mr. Stan Mack, Superintendent of Schools Mr. Gabriel Loiacono,
Ms. Maribeth Theusch, Leadership Oshkosh alternate
Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, City Manager Mark Rohloff, City Finance Director
Trena Larson, City Attorney Lynn Lorenson, 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 January Board meeting
B. February Bill List
Ms. Thierman moved that the Consent Agenda be approved.
Second by Ms. Drew.
The vote went as follows:
In Favor: In Favor: Against:
Ms. Drew Mr. Mack None
Ms. Fenrich Ms. Matzke
Ms. Garner Mr. Rego
Mr. Hoffman Ms. Thierman
The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed.
To begin discussion regarding budgeting for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and updates to
the City's Municipal Code Chapter 2, Mr. Larson introduced City Manager Rohloff, City Finance
Director Trena Larson, and City Attorney Lynn Lorenson. Mr. Rohloff began by noting that while
the City and the Museum both prepare individual strategic plans, it is good news that both plans
coordinate very nicely. Within the City's Plan, Quality of Life assets are very important. He noted
that when people consider moving to a community they want to know about its quality of life,
including its library, museum, parks system and schools. Ms. Drew then asked about CIP. She
wanted to confirm when the Museum Board could be assured that an item in the CIP can be
Minutes of the February 2017 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
Page 1 of 3
acted on, with full assurance that the money has been allocated and approved. Mr. Rohloff
explained that he and Ms. Larson review all the department CIP requests as part of the five-year
plan and they balance the requests to the required $11,400,000 for the first and second year. The
first year plan can be acted on once City Council approves it at a November meeting. The second
year plan may be adjusted before the following year, depending on what other projects come into
the picture. Mr. Rohloff described the new system that is in place to grade the level of importance
of each CIP request, making decisions less arbitrary. Mr. Rohloff encouraged the Board to
continue to make their opinions known through the CIP process.
The meeting then moved to Ms. Lorenson, who reviewed the proposed revisions to Chapter 2.
She noted that she and Mr. Larson had talked through the many details, and they found there are
practices the Museum has used through the years that were not spelled out or defined in Chapter
2. The revisions were an opportunity to clarify processes and responsibilities. The Council has the
Chapter 2 revisions and the February 14th Council meeting is the first reading, then on February
281h the Council will adopt it if they accept the recommendations. Ms. Thierman wanted to
confirm that the Museum edits for Chapter 2 are to make things clear, with no major changes.
Ms. Lorenson confirmed this is the case.
Continuing, Ms. Lorenson noted she reviewed and confirmed that the Museum is a department
of the City, and therefore is subject to all the regulations that govern the City. In particular, the
investment of funds held by the City for the Museum. The various Trusts and Endowments
should be invested according to 66.0603 Wis. Stats. Ms. Lorenson and Ms. Larson expressed that
if the Museum Board were interested in creating a Museum Foundation to be able to have
additional investment options, the Board should carefully look into the options, talk with
advisors, research what is required, define how it will work, as well as the costs associated with
creating and maintaining a foundation. Mr. Rego asked if there are local businesses that are
experts in this field. Mr. Rohloff replied that the Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation
recently set up a foundation without difficulties. Mr. Mack noted that the Board should also
carefully look into the options of companies to invest the money with. Ms. Lorenson stated she
would advise the Board and encouraged hiring counsel with expertise in the area of foundations.
Ms. Fenrich ask Mr. Rohloff if it is possible to change the law to allow non-residents of the City
be Board members. Mr. Rohloff confirmed that Council could adopt a policy pretty easily to say
Museum Board members do not have to be a resident of the City. Ms. Drew the mentioned that at
one time the Board did an annual review of the Director but that had stopped. She inquired if
that could be in effect again, since the Board has constant involvement with the Director. Mr.
Rohloff is open to having the Board give input for the review of the Museum Director. He
appreciates the Board's consistent work with the Museum and its Director.
Mr. Rego requested that Mr. Larson present the monthly Director's Report.
Mr. Larson began by informing the Board that the annual review of the Durow Trust is scheduled
for the March 2 Board meeting. Director of Finance, Trena Larson, is invited to participate in that
meeting. Mr. Larson reported that he asked Associated Bank to prepare an investment scenario
showing probable earnings when the Trust is invested according to 66.0603 Wis. Stats. As in
previous years, the bank's annual report will be distributed to the Board a week or so prior to the
meeting so there is time to review it prior to the meeting.
Minutes of the February 2017 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
Page 2 of 3
Next, Mr. Larson informed the Board regarding the planning meeting with Engberg Anderson
Architects for a new entrance. It is scheduled for Thursday, February 23. Mr. Larson prepared a
list of what needs to be included in the redesign as the starting point. The four objectives of this
building modification are: 1) to improve and enhance the visitor experience; 2) to improve
aspects of operations;3) to increase the overall flexibility of the building;4) to ensure the safety of
staff. This information will be sent to the architect, Alexandra Ramsey, prior to February 23, and
will be sent it to the Board within a week or so. The meeting will include staff from the City
Planning Department and General Services Division, Museum staff, and any Board members
who would like to join. Mr. Larson noted that no one wants to go through the entrance design
process only as an exercise because building modifications are essential to the Museum's future.
Everyone wants to make sure that this project becomes a reality within a few years and certainly
well before the Museum's 1001h anniversary in 2024. With the probability of changes in Durow
Trust investments, which we understood would play a significant role in the project, Mr. Larson
is hoping the Museum can count on the City's capital improvement program. The other
component of the new entrance is an exhibition. Mr. Larson anticipates starting with Split Rock
Studios in April.
In conclusion, Mr. Larson reminded the Board that The World of Jan Brett opens to the public on
Saturday, and the member opening is tomorrow evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Mr. Larson was
pleased to report that Marketing Coordinator Karla Szekeres has been scheduling field trips
almost daily. There are programs and activities throughout the duration of the exhibition, and
volunteers in the gallery continue to be needed. If this interests you, please contact Karla. 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 was pleased to report the Auxiliary recently gained four new
members. Additionally, she and Treasurer Nancy Samida moved the Auxiliary's CD from West
Point Bank where it was earning under 1%, to a credit union where it will earn 2.17%. Next, Ms.
Shirtz encouraged everyone to put April 3 on their calendars; the Auxiliary will be serving at
Culvers across from Menards for a fundraiser from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. that evening. In conclusion,
Ms. Shirtz reported the Auxiliary Grant Committee met yesterday to start the search for grants
that will help both the Museum and the Auxiliary. That concluded the Auxiliary Report.
With no other agenda items Mr. Rego asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Matzke so moved and
Mr. Mack seconded the motion.
The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed.
The meeting adjourned at 5:09 p.m.
Minutes of the February 2017 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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