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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES_04-06-17 Minutes of the April 6,2017 Board Meeting 1, 1 11 j c it (Approved at the May 4,2017 Board Meeting.) 1"('(wt r - r crri nr?rt_ - I '�J irn The April meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, April 6, 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: Present: Excused: Mr. Randy Domer Mr. Gabe Loiacono, Alternate Ms. Allison Garner, Ms. Diana Drew, Secretary Ms. Becky Matzke School Board President Ms. Connie Drexler, Alternate Mr. Rick Rego, President Ms. Maribeth Theusch, Ms. Carol Fenrich Ms.Jean Thierman Leadership Oshkosh Mr.Jim Hoffman,Vice President Mr. Stan Mack, Superintendent of Schools arrived at 4:10. Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Auxiliary Treasurer Nancy Samida, City Planner Elizabeth Williams, Architect Alexandra Ramsey, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes. Mr. Larson introduced Architect Alexandra Ramsey of Engberg Anderson Architects. Ms. Ramsey presented three conceptual ideas for the new entrance. She highlighted the best features from each, which she had talked through with Museum staff prior to the Board meeting. The new entrance must enhance the visitor experience, add ADA compliance to the Museum by adding restrooms on the main level and making the space easier to maneuver for visitors using wheelchairs and families with strollers. In addition, the new space is to provide safety for the staff by including a freight elevator;eliminating the need to hoist crates up stairs. Ms. Williams and Ms. Ramsey excused themselves after the presentation. Consent Agenda items included the following: A. Minutes of the March Board meeting B. April Bill List Ms. Thierman moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. 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 Consent Agenda items were passed. Minutes of the April 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 6 Next on the agenda was discussion regarding costs for buses for field trips o the Museum. Ms. Drew began with a statement and a table of bus costs for each Oshkosh school. Ms. Drew began by noting that when the Oshkosh Public Museum first began its search for a new main floor exhibit, the staff received input from different groups within the community. Many ideas were received from the Oshkosh Area School District teachers and ultimately the decision was made to design an exhibit that coordinates with the fourth grade curriculum, which in part addresses Wisconsin Act 31. The Museum has undertaken this project with an outlay of $750,000. Moreover, the project involves staff planning, research, readying the exhibit area, supportive curriculum, and the generous time given by Dr. Jeffrey Behm authenticating artifacts so that the information presented is accurate. Ms. Drew expressed that when People of the Waters was first discussed she asked Superintendent Mack if the school district would support this exhibit by bringing the 4th grade students to the museum. He responded that this was not within the budget of the Oshkosh Area School District. Ms. Drew then noted, in Brad's memo dated February 10, 2017, he mentioned speaking with a teacher in Appleton about Museum field trips. She indicated that money for transportation was their biggest hurdle. Brad also stated that this was a concern of Oshkosh teachers. At a prior meeting Barb Shirtz mentioned perhaps raising money for field trips could be a special project of the Auxiliary. Because Ms. Drew wondered just how expensive museum field trips were, she researched costs and contacted the Transportation Department of the Oshkosh Area Schools. She presented a spreadsheet showing the flat rate for the bus is $47.61. The spreadsheet also includes mileage from Kobussen to each school in round trip figures, mileage from the schools to the museum in round trip figures, and total mileage which is calculated at a rate of $1.29 per mile. The total comes to $868.41 annually for all 4th grade groups to travel to the Museum. She stated that this was not an exorbitant amount in comparison to the money expended by the Museum. Stating that she did not look at trips to the Museum to attend this exhibit as a classic "field trip," but rather a curriculum based supported field study. Therefore, Ms. Drew said they should be supported by the Oshkosh Area School District, realizing that these costs cannot be absorbed by the individual schools because we have schools like Traeger that could raise the money but it is unlikely that Washington would be able to do the same. In conclusion, she expressed the opinion that the Oshkosh Public Museum should not look beyond its current investment for People of the Waters to consider funding these trips. Should the Museum commit to such funding, it would be setting a precedent; one she feels should not be entered into. Instead, her hope is that there would be other sources of revenue to cover the costs for field trips. In summary Ms. Drew noted she wants all the children to be able to attend the People of the Waters exhibition. Minutes of the April 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 6 Discussion followed. Ms. Fenrich suggested writing letters to PTOs to request their help. Mr. Loiacono agreed that his experience on PTOs shows that they want to respond to the needs that teachers bring to them. There was concern that some schools just don't have the means to raise funds, even through the PTOs. Mr. Rego recommended checking with other community organizations that may help, such as Kiwanis. Ms. Drexler proposed checking with the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation (OACF) to see what funds might already be set up, that would be appropriate for this need. Board members liked the idea to check with this community resource. Mr. Domer proposed that since there seems to be agreement to checking with the OACF, who should meet with Mr. Wyman at the OACF? Mr. Mack stated he will first check with his curriculum staff regarding plans for trips to the Museum and budgets to cover those trips. The next item was discussion and vote on using $450 in Collections Fund earnings for the purchase of reproduction Native American Trade Silver for People of the Waters; and $700 for radio carbon dating of a possible prehistoric bow, also for People of the Waters. Ms. Fenrich moved that the Board approve use of $450 in Collections Fund earnings for the purchase of reproduction Native American Trade Silver for People of the Waters; and $700 for radio carbon dating of a possible prehistoric bow, also for People of the Waters. Second by Ms. Drew. 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. Mr. Rego then requested that Mr. Larson present the Director's Report. Mr. Larson began his report updating the Board on People of the Waters. He noted that about two months remain before Split Rock Studios begins installation. Split Rock Studios is scheduled to begin installation on June 9 and complete the task by June 30. This work is part of their overall contract and no additional costs or fees are anticipated. On the Museum's side, there is wall prep and painting to do, lighting must be installed, and the walk-over excavation structural elements must be constructed. Matt Reinke is working hard to complete fit-out and as the Board has seen over the months, is doing an awesome job. The "river' flooring is scheduled for delivery on or about April 17 and should be installed within a month after that. A major portion of Greg Witthun's time is devoted to artifact mounts for the immense number of objects in the timeline. Moreover, staff will be taking over completing the dugout canoe; the canoe has been problematic because of cracking and twisting. The canoe is the first item that must be installed in the 40-foot long timeline. Minutes of the April 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 6 Mr. Larson further noted the media component, which is one element that will make People of the Waters stand well above an average exhibition, has taken much staff time. While all staff are doing good work, he pointed out the extraordinary contributions of Katrina Achilli and Joan Lloyd. Katrina continues to be the Museum's primary liaison with Split Rock and Northern Lights, which is the media firm that Split Rock contracts with, and Joan is working diligently with artifacts. Northern Lights is a top-rated media firm and their cutting edge work on exhibition interactive elements is in use at major museums across the nation, including the Smithsonian and the National World War II Museum. Mr. Larson stated,from what we have seen with the glacial animation and the fur trade game, the firm truly understands how to engage people with media. Once the installation is complete at the end of June, it gives staff about two months for fine-tuning, docent and staff training, and presenting special tours and talks. The Member premier is August 23 (5:00 to 7:00), and the public opening is September 5 (10:00 to 3:00). Karla is working on the activities for this and her ideas and efforts have paid off nicely. A detailed event summary will be sent to the Board. Mr. Larson pointed out that an up-to-date budget summary of People of the Waters is included in the information packet for Board review. The Museum and Finance Departments are requesting that the Common Council amend the 2017 Capital Improvement budget at the April 11 meeting to reflect the fit-out expenses, which are covered by donations received in support of the project. Mr. Larson then noted that there is a great deal of work to do on the grounds every spring. While Nancy Albright can handle some of the annual grounds work, other tasks will have to be delayed until Mr. Reinke completes his work in the gallery. Mr. Larson then expressed that based on the feedback he received from Board members, it is apparent that the next step for the Durow Trust is to look into what would be required to form or create a foundation. If this is correct, rather than create a formal committee he will begin discussions with Lynn Lorenson and Trena Larson on how best to proceed. Board members agreed he should begin discussions with Ms. Lorenson and Ms. Larson. In conclusion, Mr. Larson explained that any museum's key or principal policy is its Collections Management Policy. This is the document that guides staff in the consistent, professional management of collections, a core purpose. He noted the Museum's Collections Management Policy has been periodically revised over the years and the Board has reviewed and approved those changes. However, Mr. Larson knew it was time for a top-to- bottom review and revision as part of the reaccreditation process and to reflect current practices. Durow Curator Anna Cannizzo has completed the task, with input from appropriate staff, and she will do a short presentation of the policy at an upcoming meeting. That concluded the Director's report. Mr. Rego requested the World War I Commemoration Committee Report. Ms. Matzke reported that the World War I Commemoration Committee met in March, with Bob Campbell of EAA joining the Committee. Mr. Loiacono introduced two University of Wisconsin -Oshkosh history students who reported on the research they are doing to create Oshkosh WWI "standees." Mr. Larson met with the Parks Board, recommending Rainbow Park's name be returned to its original name of Rainbow Memorial Park. Ms. Matzke further reported that the Minutes of the April 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 4 of 6 Museum launched the web portal to WWI information. The Library is developing WWI related events, with Ms. Matzke presenting the first lecture on April 41h, giving an overview of The Great War. The WWI project now has a logo, designed to look similar to a war poster. Ms. Matzke was pleased to report that the Northwestern will reprint the front page of the April 6, 1917 Northwestern which announced the US was now at war. In conclusion, the Committee will meet again to continue planning additional events, with the possibility of a music festival, and an Armistice Day celebration in November 2018. That concluded the WWI Commemoration Committee Report. Mr. Rego then requested the Auxiliary Report. Ms. Samida began the report stating that the recent fundraiser at Culvers was fun for all who helped. $230.37 was raised from food purchases, tips, and a generous donation. She noted that a Winnebago County Master Gardener will speak at the Auxiliary meeting Friday, April 7th Additionally, Ms. Samida reported that a nominating committee will be chosen to find three new board members in May. The annual May luncheon is at Primo's this year. The Auxiliary Grant Committee began work on a grant through the TREG Foundation, a real estate group foundation fund, for financial support of the annual Gala. Ms. Samida then expressed that the Auxiliary members were honored to learn that in 2018 the Auxiliary will receive the Partnership Award at the State of the City event. That concluded the Auxiliary Report. 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 5:20 p.m. Minutes of the April 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 5 of 6 BUS COSTS FOR FIELD TRIPS TO OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM MILEAGE MILEAGE SCHOOL TO TO MILEAGE TOTAL BUS SCHOOLS MUSEUM TOTAL @$1.29 BUS RATE SCHOOL RATE ROUND MILEAGE PER MILE PLUS TRIP* ROUND MILEAGE TRIP Carl Traeger $47.61 6.4 11.2 17.6 $22.70 $70.31 Emmeline Cook $47.61 10.2 4.2 14.4 $18.58 $66.19 Franklin $47.61 6.4 4.8 11.2 $14.45 $62.06 Green Meadow @Tipler $47.61 6.0 4.8 10.8 $13.93 $61.54 Jacob Shapiro $47.61 11.2 6.4 17.6 $22.70 $70.31 Jefferson $47.61 9.8 4.2 14.0 $18.06 $65.67 Lakeside $47.61 22.4 14 36.4 $46.96 $94.57 Merrill WALK WALK WALK WALK WALK Oaklawn $47.61 8.6 3.4 12.0 $15.48 $63.09 Oakwood $47.61 0.6 5.4 6.0 $7.74 $55.35 Read WALK WALK WALK WALK WALK Roosevelt $47.61 5.2 2.4 7.6 $9.80 $57.41 Smith $47.61 12.2 5.4 17.6 $22.70 $70.31 Washington $47.61 10.4 4.4 14.8 $19.09 $66.70 Webster Stanley $47.61 9.4 4 13.4 $17.29 $64.90 TOTALS $618.93 118.8 74.6 193.4 $249.48 $868.41 ' THESE FIGURES OBTAINED FROM THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT OF THE OSHKOSH AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT ** THESE FIGURES OBTAINED FROM GOOGLE, ALSO USED BY OASD IN MILEAGE DETERMINATION BUS CAPACITY IS 72 PASSENGERS BUS TIME ALLOTTED IS 3.5 HOURS PREPARED 3/5/17-Diana Drew Minutes of the April 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 6 of 6