HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Minutes of the December 4,2014 Board Meeting
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The December meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, December 4, 2014, in
the Library 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: Absent:
Ms. Cryan Mr.Metz None
Ms. Drew,Secretary Mr. Rego,Vice President
Ms. Fenrich Ms.Thierman
Mr.Haffeman, President Mr.Mack,Superintendent of Schools-Oshkosh
Mr.Hoffman, alternate Mr.Wiedenhoeft,School Board President
Ms.Matzke, alternate Ms.Bauer, Leadership Oshkosh Adjunct Board Member
Mr. Larson introduced new Board member Jennifer Matzke. Dr. Matzke is a history professor at Ripon
College and has also taught at UW-Oshkosh.
Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson,Auxiliary President Nancy Samida, Auxiliary Member Catherine
Martin, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes.
There were no citizen statements.
Consent Agenda items included the following:
A. Minutes of the November Board Meeting
B. December Bill List
Mr.Weidenhoeft moved that the Consent Agenda be approved.
Second by Ms. Fenrich.
The vote went as follows:
In Favor: In Favor: Against:
Ms. Cryan Mr.Metz None
Ms. Drew Mr. Rego
Ms. Fenrich Ms.Thierman
Mr.Haffeman Mr.Wiedenhoeft
Mr.Mack
The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed.
Mr.Haffeman requested that Mr.Larson present his monthly report.
Mr. Larson began his report noting that this was a challenging budget year and Museum operational
funding does not reflect increases beyond salaries, in part due to the challenge of low revenue. Mr. Rohloff
is very aware of Museum limitations and Mr. Larson believes they came up with a good balance between
reality and potential for revenue budget figures. Part of the compromise to make the Museum budget
balance was to leave the Exhibit Technician position vacant until January 2016. While not ideal, it was
better than further deductions.
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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Mr.Larson stated that one thing the staff and Board must focus on in 2015 is generating more income.Until
Museum income is increased, it is unlikely we'll see operational changes and improvements, so it is really
important all the way around. Staff has many ideas in this regard, but as always, it will be a challenge to
effectively balance and allocate staff time and financial resources to make things happen. Mr. Larson noted
that more than any other year, Trust and Endowment earnings play a big part in supporting the 2015
budget and its various projects, as well as supporting the Museum Assistant position filled by Katrina
Achilli. Mr. Larson mentioned this because with finite funds it is important to be deliberate in allocating
money toward priority projects.With that in mind,in early 2015 Mr.Larson plans to bring before the Board
a recommendation regarding the Behncke Trust. This Trust is worded vaguely and Mr. Larson believes
that by reviewing it and making minor changes the earnings can be better maximized and thereby help the
Museum budget.
Mr. Larson reviewed that with a variety of funding sources supporting the budget this coming year, it is
vital that we stay current with these expenses because we do not have much of a contingency fund. Ms.
Books will be monitoring expenditures especially close.
Mr. Larson stated that the Membership Fund is a crucial part of the Museum's ability to focus on
established goals, and the Museum needs to ensure Membership continues to grow and remains strong.
Staff anticipates building the Membership in 2015 by working with Wisconsin Public Television(WPT) and
capitalizing on the release of "Hometown Stories: Oshkosh." Of note, earlier this week the producer told
Archivist Scott Cross that WPT was getting close to wrapping up production of "Hometown Stories:
Oshkosh."We do not have any more details or a release date.
Next Mr. Larson recapped 2015 Capital Improvements (CIP). He noted that the need to carefully plan next
year's work is perhaps most apparent with CIP. The Museum's priority project is the replacement of the
Steiger Wing roof and the associated tuck pointing and work on flashings. This project is not reflected in
the Museum's CIP budget,but rather is part of the City's CIP budget related to various building upgrades
and repairs.
Next on the list of CIP is the Landscape Design Plan, Phase I. Mr. Larson anticipates meeting with Jim
Schaefer of Schaefer Land Design in January to discuss the project and his professional services.The earlier
we do this the better, as there are many other City projects going through the same process. Ideally, Mr.
Larson would like to see landscape work start as soon as the weather allows and be completed prior to the
opening of Great War to Great Gatsby.
Finally, Mr. Larson reviewed the other major CIP project—the replacement for Wetlands & Waterways. He
explained the City committed$50,000 to this project to help with the cost of design development with Split
Rock Studios (SRS), and the Museum is providing the balance. Mr. Larson noted he will work with SRS to
establish the parameters and budget for People of the Waters and establish an accurate cost.
Regarding People of the Waters, Mr. Larson explained that after reviewing schedules and considering what
the Museum staff has to accomplish prior to starting with SRS,the start date will be sometime in April.
In conclusion, Mr. Larson reported in January he will meet with Karla Szekeres to create a plan with
multiple ways people and businesses can help support this major exhibition. Mr. Larson noted that he will
be submitting grant applications as well.That concluded the Director's Report.
Mr.Haffeman did not have a President's report.
There were no Board member statements.
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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Ms. Nancy Samida asked Ms. Martin to report on the Auxiliary Gala. Ms. Martin reported many details
including the following. This year there were 126 guests (up from 2013). The raffle brought in $434, the
auction brought in$390. The Auxiliary gave the Museum $982. Ms. Martin noted that this is the first year
that a cash bar was available during the event—it was well used. She noted that the Auxiliary enjoyed
working with the Museum staff; anything the Auxiliary asked for, they were helped with. Ms. Fenrich
reported she had been asked who catered the food -- this was a nice compliment to Auxiliary members.
Ms. Drew spoke on behalf of the Museum Board and staff, thanking the Auxiliary for all their work in
putting on an excellent event.It was noted that the City Manager,Mayor and a majority of the City Council
attended the Gala. The Museum staff and Board greatly appreciate this act of support. Ms. Samida spoke
briefly to report of the upcoming December Auxiliary meeting of Dec. 12. She noted she will be out of
Wisconsin for a few months and will appoint someone to give reports to the Board while she is away.
With no other agenda items Mr. Haffeman asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Fenrich 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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