HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES_03-02-17 Minutes of the March 2,2017 Board Meeting
1 t b 1 (t u se i (Approved at the April 6,2017 Board Meeting.)
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The March meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, March 2, 2017,
in the 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: Excused:
Ms. Carol Fenrich Mr. Randy Domer
Ms. Allison Garner, School Board President Ms. Diana Drew, Secretary
Mr. Stan Mack, Superintendent of Schools Ms. Connie Drexler, Alternate
Ms. Becky Matzke Mr.Jim Hoffman,Vice President
Mr. Rick Rego, President
Ms.Jean Thierman Absent:
Ms. Maribeth Theusch, Leadership Oshkosh Mr. Gabe Loiacono, Alternate
Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Durow Curator Anna Cannizzo, Auxiliary President
Barb Shirtz, Personal Trust Manager Daniel Evensen, Portfolio Managers Roy McCanna and
James Hartz of Associated Bank, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the
minutes.
Mr. Larson introduced Daniel Evensen, Roy McCanna, and James Hartz of Associated Bank.
They presented the annual review of the Durow Trust activity for 2016. Mr. Hartz began by
reviewing that the portfolio is invested half in fixed income and half in equity allocations. He
reviewed the corporations included in the mix, noting many are quality blue chip stocks. Mr.
McCanna was pleased to report that the fund earned 8.2% for 2016. He noted that Associated
Bank has its own trade desk and therefore realizes cost efficiency, but emphasized that in caring
for the Durow Trust, they are not "traders," rather investors. They showed a hypothetical return
for the Trust if invested according to State Statutes, showing a yield of less than 2%. Time was
provided for questions. Mr. Evensen, Mr. McCanna, Mr. Hartz, and Ms. Cannizzo excused
themselves after the presentation.
Consent Agenda items included the following:
A. Minutes of the February Board meeting
B. March Bill List
C. Receipt and filing of 4th Quarter Reports of Funds held at the Oshkosh Area
Community Foundation
Mr. Mack moved that the Consent Agenda be approved.
Second by Ms. Thierman.
Minutes of the March 2017 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
Page 1 of 4
The vote went as follows:
In Favor: In Favor: Against:
Ms. Fenrich Ms. Matzke None
Ms. Garner Mr. Rego
Mr. Mack Ms. Thierman
The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed.
Next on the agenda, discussion and vote on deaccessioning the 1902 Crestmobile and transferring
the vehicle to the Garnavillo Historical Society in Iowa, where the Crestmobile was originally
owned and used. Mr. Larson reported that Curator Anna Cannizzo was in contact with the
Garnavillo Historical Society and they would love to have it, and would pay costs associated
with shipping it to their location. It is valued at more than $10,000, and therefore the Board must
vote. To review, as stated at an earlier meeting, Museum policy is to first offer it to a museum in
the originating location;if turned down, then selling it would have been a next step.
Ms. Fenrich moved that the Board approve the deaccession of the 1902 Crestmobile and transfer
the vehicle to the Garnavillo Historical Society in Iowa, where the Crestmobile was originally
owned and used.
Second by Ms. Thierman.
The vote went as follows:
In Favor: In Favor: Against:
Ms. Fenrich Ms. Matzke None
Ms. Garner Mr. Rego
Mr. Mack Ms. Thierman
The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion passed.
The Board then discussed using up to $1,800 from the Membership Fund for a 2017 Archives
Intern. Mr. Larson reviewed that while the Board had earlier approved Durow funds for
Curatorial Interns, the Durow Trust cannot be used for an Intern for the Archives. Archivist Scott
Cross had an intern in 2016 and he would have work for another intern for the summer of 2017.
Mr. Mack moved that the Board approve using up to $1,800 from the Membership Fund for a
2017 Archives Intern.
Second by Ms. Matzke.
The vote went as follows:
In Favor: In Favor: Against:
Ms. Fenrich Ms. Matzke None
Ms. Garner Mr. Rego
Mr. Mack Ms. Thierman
Minutes of the March 2017 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
Page 2 of 4
The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Rego then requested that Mr. Larson present the Director's Report.
Mr. Larson began his report by addressing next steps for the Durow Trust. As the Board
recognizes, the Durow Trust enables the Museum to move beyond ordinary and to do things that
elevate the Museum to the next level. Having two curators on staff has been a tremendous
benefit to both collections and exhibition work as both require a great deal of time and are too
much for one curator. For that reason alone, maintaining the Trust's investment income is crucial.
Mr. Larson stated that if the Board agrees, he would like to make discussion and vote of
exploring possible next steps for the Durow Trust an agenda item for the April 6 meeting. The
Board agreed.
Mr. Larson then provided an overview on the entrance project, noting that the February 23
meetings with Alexandra Ramsey provided her with a great deal of information on the functions
and needs of the Museum entrance. Using what she learned during those sessions, her next step
is creation and presentation of alternative plan diagrams. Mr. Larson noted that the heart of the
problem is space, and not every activity can be a priority. Next month Ms. Ramsey will present
and discuss three alternative plan diagrams. She needs staff and Board input as to the preferred
diagram. As well, Ms. Ramsey will present initial sketches of possible facades to determine the
preferred aesthetic. She will present all this as part of the regular April 6 Board meeting. Mr.
Larson noted this is a very challenging project because of the configuration and use of the three
different buildings, the small site, and the need to maintain adequate parking. Also of note, the
Professional Services Agreement with Split Rock Studios (SRS) for the entrance exhibition and
second floor work has been signed. Mr. Larson anticipates starting with SRS in mid-to-late April,
but that might move back to May because People of the Waters is the priority.
In conclusion, Mr. Larson reported that People of the Waters work continues with both gallery
construction and the media components of the artifact wall, with the content of the latter
currently being the primary focus. As artifacts are finalized, mounts are being created for each
piece. Visitors will be able to see images and video clips of 75 key artifacts spanning different
time periods. Mr. Larson noted it takes time to track down suitable visual materials (especially
video) and then obtain permission, or in some cases like the recent Menominee Clan Committee
session, create the necessary footage. However, visual materials are vital to effectively conveying
the story of Native peoples and staff enjoys the challenge of finding appropriate material. As for
gallery construction, necessary approval for the inlayed flooring is complete and the floor is now
in production. Mr. Larson further reported that Matt Reinke is moving the gallery construction
forward and Split Rock Studios is seeking quotes on track lighting, which is the next significant
expense. Mr. Larson reported that he will be on vacation from March 20 through March 24. That
concluded the Director's report.
Mr. Rego requested the World War I Commemoration Committee Report.
Minutes of the March 2017 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
Page 3 of 4
Ms. Matzke reported that the World War I Commemoration Committee had their initial meeting
and had many ideas to discuss. She noted that Mr. Loiacono was especially inspired by the idea
of a cut out figure, similar to those that were around during the filming of Public Enemies. Mr.
Loiacono talked with UW-Oshkosh students who are eager to research the stories of former
Oshkosh residents, to discover the stories of their participation in WWI. The Museum has
developed web pages that link from the main Museum website (www.oshkoshmuseum.org) to
help people: to Honor, to Remember, to Learn. Ms. Matzke is also working with the newspapers
to see what articles and coverage can be given for the commemoration.
Mr. Rego then requested the Auxiliary Report.
Ms. Shirtz began her report stating that the Auxiliary Grants Committee will meet again
Wednesday, March 81h. Additionally, a committee will soon be established for Pie on the Lawn,
which is scheduled for July 91h. In conclusion Ms. Shirtz reminded the group of the April 3rd
fundraiser at Culvers near Festival. She had flyers for people to take to post wherever possible.
That concluded the Auxiliary Report.
With no other agenda items Mr. Rego asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Fenrich so moved and
Ms. Matzke seconded the motion.
The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Minutes of the March 2017 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
Page 4 of 4