HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Minutes of the November 6,2014 Board Meeting
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The November meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, November 6, 2014,
in the Lecture Room of the Oshkosh Public Museum. President Haffeman called the meeting to order at
4:00 pm.The roll was taken by Ms.Books.
Present: Present: Excused:
Ms. Cryan, alt. Mr. Rego,Vice President Ms. Drew,Secretary
Mr.Haffeman, President Ms.Thierman Ms. Fenrich
Mr.Hoffman, alt. Mr.Mack,Superintendent of Schools-Oshkosh
Mr.Metz Mr.Wiedenhoeft,School Board President
Ms.Bauer, Leadership Oshkosh Adjunct Board Member
With the absence of Ms. Fenrich, Mr. Haffeman appointed Ms. Cryan as an alternate. With the absence of
Ms. Drew,Mr.Haffeman appointed Mr.Hoffman as an alternate.
Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson,Auxiliary President Nancy Samida, and Administrative Assistant
Theresa Books recording the minutes.
After the quorum was established the Board moved from the Lecture Room to the Carriage House for a
short tour. Registrar Joan Lloyd and Curator Anna Cannizzo presented and explained the new movable
aisle storage system, as well as upcoming storage work on the second floor. The meeting continued in the
Lecture Room after the tour.
There were no citizen statements.
Consent Agenda items included the following:
A. Minutes of the October Board Meeting
B. November Bill List
C. 2015 Board Meeting Dates
Mr.Mack moved that the Consent Agenda be approved.
Second by Mr.Wiedenhoeft.
The vote went as follows:
In Favor: In Favor: Against:
Ms. Cryan Mr.Metz None
Mr.Haffeman Mr. Rego
Mr.Hoffman Ms.Thierman
Mr.Mack Mr.Wiedenhoeft
The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed.
Next on the agenda was discussion and vote upon the use of Collection Fund earnings for repair of the
music box in the Kitz Cathedral Clock; the estimate given by the Musical Box Doctor is$2,835. Mr. Larson
noted this is a clock found in the attic of the Kitz family cottage in Butte de Morts. When the clock was
being cleaned by exhibit technician Bill Radig, it was found that similar mechanisms in this clock were
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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used in the Apostles Clock; further confirming that the clock was built by Mathias Kitz. Mr. Metz asked
where the clock would be displayed. Mr. Larson said it would be next to the Kitz Apostles Clock.
Discussion ensued.
Mr. Metz moved for the Board to approve the use of Collections Fund earnings for repair of the music box
in the Kitz Cathedral Clock.
Seconded by Ms.Thierman.
The vote went as follows:
In Favor: In Favor: Against:
Ms. Cryan Mr.Metz None
Mr.Haffeman Mr. Rego
Mr.Hoffman Ms.Thierman
Mr.Mack Mr.Wiedenhoeft
The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion carried that the Museum use Collections Fund earnings
for repair of the music box in the Kitz Cathedral Clock.
Mr.Haffeman requested that Mr.Larson present his monthly report.
Mr. Larson began his report with a review of the Attack of the Bloodsuckers exhibit and directed members to
a summary sheet. He noted that this exhibit was the Museum's first true natural science exhibit and a
higher attendance level was anticipated. Feedback received during strategic planning indicated natural
science exhibits may be a niche that has gone unfilled. Mr. Larson stated that, based on the materials
provided about Bloodsuckers, it had a record of attracting good visitation at various venues. When the
exhibit arrived, it was dated and somewhat worse for wear and the Museum staff's professional opinion of
this exhibit was not high. As the report shows, the exhibit did not attract anything near the number of
paying people estimated during 2014 budget planning (8,000). Total income was only $12,609 from 2,536
visitors.
Mr. Larson next reviewed for the Board the new October event Night Whispers, again directing members to
a prepared summary. He highlighted that establishing a new event is always a challenge, especially
anything geared around Halloween or the paranormal because there are so many nonprofit fundraisers
like that. However, Mr. Larson was pleased to inform the Board, Night Whispers was a success and
extremely well received by people. Thanks to the generosity of two individual donors, the Museum started
the project with$6,200, which helped immensely and enabled the Museum to come within about$3,000 of
breaking even.Offering beer and wine in addition to non-alcoholic drinks was a surprise to some people (it
was not advertised), but it was positive and is something that will be continued at future events. Mr.
Larson stressed that in 2015 the Night Whispers event expenses will be reduced significantly and we should
be able to add additional nights, as well as other products.
In conclusion Mr. Larson informed the Board regarding the continued steps for the 2015 budget.He noted
that the City Manager did an excellent job introducing and explaining both budgets, and so there were
relatively few questions at either workshop.Instead, it was more in the line of comments and observations.
Mr. Larson stated that it is obvious to everyone that the Museum's task is to increase the revenue side of
our budget, and that the priority goals in the strategic plan are geared toward both short and long term
efforts to do just that. In regard to capital improvements,there was no discussion about either the
proposed 2015 or 2016 projects.Mr. Larson reported he was incorrect about the amount of capital
improvement funds available for People of the Waters in 2015.The actual City portion allocated for this
project is$50,000,not$150,000. However,the Museum has adequate funds to move forward with design
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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development in 2015.The next Common Council workshop is November 11, and then the Council is
scheduled to adopt budgets on November 25.That concludes the Director's report.
Mr.Haffeman did not have a President's report.
There were no Board member statements.
Ms. Nancy Samida gave the Auxiliary Report. The first meeting of the year, in October, was a traditional
tea and members greatly enjoyed it.Gala planning is progressing very well with many people sharing their
time and talents to help with the many details.
With no other agenda items Mr. Haffeman asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Metz so moved and Ms.
Thierman seconded the motion.
The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed.The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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