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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Minutes of the October 6,2016 Board Meeting 1 t 1 I (t u se i (Approved at the November 3,2016 Board Meeting.) )i" rave r - cmr meet . ijhalr€a The October meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in the Sawyer Library of the Oshkosh Public Museum. President Rego called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Mr. Larson introduced new Board member, Connie Drexler. The roll was taken by Ms. Books. Present: Present: Excused: Mr. Randy Domer Mr. Gabriel Loiacono, alternate Ms. Allison Garner, Ms. Diana Drew, Secretary Mr. Stan Mack, Superintendent of Schools School Board President Ms. Connie Drexler, alternate Ms. Becky Matzke Ms. Carol Fenrich Mr. Rick Rego, President Mr.Jim Hoffman,Vice President Ms.Jean Thierman Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Auxiliary President Barbara Shirtz, Dr. Jeffery Behm, 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 September Board meeting B. October Bill List Mr. Mack moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. Second by Ms. Fenrich. 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. The Board then expressed gratitude to Dr. Jeffery Behm for professional service associated with the conceptualization, development, and research associated with People of the Waters exhibition, presenting him with a check for $5,000. Mr. Larson told of how Dr. Behm visited the Museum as a young boy and these visits influenced him to become an archeologist. Dr. Behm expressed his appreciation for the recognition and spoke of how much the Museum has meant to him through the years and how amazing the People of the Waters exhibition design is. Dr. Behm then excused himself from the meeting. Minutes of the October 2016 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 6 Next, the Board discussed using $575 from the Collections Fund to cover the cost of materials associated with Barry Bauman s gratis conservation treatment of the Gustave Behncke painting, "Snow Scene." Mr. Larson explained that this painting had been donated to the Museum relatively recently. Ms Fenrich moved that the Board approve use of$575 from the Collections Fund to cover the cost of materials associated with Barry Bauman's gratis conservation treatment of the Gustave Behncke painting, "Snow Scene." 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 motion was passed. Next on the agenda was discussion regarding using the remaining Ethel Behncke Memorial Fund earnings, $9,000, to cover the cost of having bronze letters on the sign portion of the landscape arch. Mr. Larson reported that a quote is not yet available for the exact cost; it took a while to locate a vendor to do the work. Mr. Larson noted he did not see it in the bid documents that the letters were to be painted. Because the arch is made of beautiful metal work that will last for generations, it seems only right that the lettering on this monumental, cornerstone piece be bronze. Before discussing this further, Mr. Larson pointed out that since putting the agenda together, something came up with People of the Waters that may also require these funds. The budget planned for the City Electric Division to do the fit-out work in the gallery. However, they are committed to higher priority projects and will be unable to do gallery work until December. Mr. Mack offered to check with the School District electrician and see if he could do the work, and then at a later date the City could perhaps do some work for the School District. Ms. Matzke asked is we had a contract with the City for this work. Mr. Larson said it was a verbal agreement. Much discussion ensued. Various electrical contractors were suggested and various funds were discussed as being appropriate for either of these two projects, including the Collections Fund and the Durow Fund, in addition to the Ethel Behncke Memorial Fund. Ms. Matzke moved that the Board approve use of$9,000 from the Ethel Behncke Memorial Fund for the bronze lettering and the electrical work for People of the Waters. Mr. Mack added to the motion that the Board grant approval for Mr. Larson to use whatever else it takes from the various funds discussed, to make both of these projects happen. Minutes of the October 2016 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 6 Ms. Fenrich seconded the motions. 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 was passed. Mr. Rego requested that Mr. Larson present the monthly Director's Report. Mr. Larson began with a review of exhibition plans for 2017 through 2020. The proposed 2017 capital improvement budget includes $60,000 for conceptual planning by Split Rock Studios. The firm will develop a conceptual plan for the entrance and the second floor exhibition spaces. Because an entrance is the visitor arrival area, both the exterior and interior must be impressive because they set the tone for the visitor experience. As well, the Museum is the institution that embodies the spirit and character of Oshkosh and its people. The space should signal that this is a special place. Mr. Larson noted that only a fraction of the Museum's extensive decorative arts collection of glass, ceramic, silver and other decorative items are on view. Staff envisions an entrance that presents the brilliance and diversity of this collection. This is the ideal project for the Durow Trust because of decorative arts, and because, like People of the Waters, it is a capital project. Both are identified uses for the Trust. The $60,000 includes planning for the second floor. The current Memories & Dreams gallery on second floor will become the space for temporary/traveling exhibitions, as well as programming. This is the preferred space to do this because it is larger (2,200+ square feet) than the space we now use, it does not have floor load limitations like the Sawyer home, and will have direct access to an elevator. The gallery would be fitted with moveable partitions to permit the space to have multiple functions. This option was identified in the strategic plan as an important modification, and there is no other gallery that lends itself to this multi-use function. The Sawyer home (red) galleries would become the location for the next generation Memories & Dreams. If the budget is approved, conceptual planning begins in early 2017, followed by design development in 2018 and partial implementation in 2019, with completion in 2020. Dismantling of Memories & Dreams would begin in January 2018 (which is why we need to find a home for the Crestmobile). Mr. Larson noted that if this anticipated schedule is maintained, the Museum would most likely have both galleries (about 3,900 square feet) available for a major exhibition in 2019. That circumstance will not happen again for a very long time, so the Museum would be in a unique position to present a major traveling exhibition such as Titanic. As soon as Mr. Larson is able to Minutes of the October 2016 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 6 ascertain whether the project schedule will move forward as planned, he will take steps to take advantage of having the galleries available and will bring ideas to the Board. Mr. Larson recognizes that scheduling these projects to follow right behind People of the Waters is demanding and stressful. However, doing so capitalizes on the knowledge gained during fitting out and creation of the People of the Waters gallery, because the second floor gallery was built exactly the same way. Importantly, Mr. Larson requested the same Split Rock Studio team be assigned to this project because Museum staff has a rapport and understanding built up with the designer and interpretive development specialist and all work very well together. As well, the project will fully utilize staff knowledge and expertise prior to their retirement. Next Mr. Larson presented information regarding 2017 Capital Improvements. While everyone is rightly focused on People of the Waters, it is important that we look and plan ahead because an important project is coming up that connects to our vision: conceptual planning for the entrance. The proposed 2017 Capital Improvement budget includes$20,000 to hire an architectural firm for this planning; Mr. Larson recommends Engberg Anderson Architects, the firm that did the proposed expansion planning in 2007. If approved, Mr. Larson intends to present this for Board action at the December 1St Board meeting so the Professional Services contract can be presented to Mr. Rohloff. Mr. Larson provided copies of the proposal to the Board. Staff has developed a lengthy list of ideas and requirements that will be discussed at the workshops with the architects. However, it is critical that we keep to within the parameters identified for the project: o Approximately 2,000 square feet o Improve how we serve the public o Center on optimal function o Restrooms o Make the current restrooms into one or two family restrooms o Improve accessibility to the library o Minimal impact on the archives o Enhance accessibility (including the back doors) o Add a second (emergency) exit to the archives o Add a freight elevator and truck loading door o Must be an appealing, elegant entryway into the Museum o Return the Tiffany wisteria window to the Sawyer home o An exterior appearance that reflects the architecture of the Sawyer home o Ensure the west facade presents a more appealing view from the gateway corner and High Avenue Minutes of the October 2016 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 4 of 6 Mr. Larson pointed out that the project's impact on the archives is a matter that must be kept in mind, for the archives is directly below the entrance. If it seems probable that the entrance might require moving the archives, then we must step back and discuss the scope and costs. Moving or altering the archives is a major, complicated, and expensive undertaking. On the other hand, the entrance might add additional archival storage under the entrance, which would be welcome. Mr. Larson further reviewed that public access to the research library must be improved and it may be necessary to use part of the Lecture Room to achieve this. There are three reasons the alteration would be acceptable. First, the library is difficult to find and access when the Museum is busy, as it is at the end of narrow hallways. Next, the library is limited to one small table, so expanding into the Lecture Room would improve our ability to serve researchers. And third, the design will add general program space on second floor in the current Memories &Dream gallery. If the conceptual design can be completed by early April 2017, the Museum will be in a position to include a request for entrance construction in the 2018 capital improvement budget. The cost of the entrance would be borne by a combination of the City's capital improvement program, the Durow Trust, and private donations. The Museum now has about$170,000 in the capital fund at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. As well, staff would most likely submit a capital grant to the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. Ideally, the project would be put out for bid in winter or early spring 2018 and work would be completed by December 2018. He asked the Board to please be aware that the other phases of the landscape plan will be delayed. The parking lot design will be revisited so it works with the new entrance, and because the lot design adopted a few years ago is too expensive. Also of note, Mr. Larson is pleased that a new vehicle is in the 2017 capital budget, a truck to replace the 1998 GMC van. A truck will enable staff to plow the two lots much more efficiently than the lawn tractor. In conclusion, Mr. Larson reviewed information regarding possible deaccession of the 1903 Crestmobile, currently on view in Memories & Dreams. The Museum has had this vehicle since 1926, and it has been on view in this exhibition since 1998. Staff is uncertain as to how or why it came to the Museum. The vehicle was used exclusively in Iowa, where it is said to have been the first auto used in that state. The preference is to transfer it to the Iowa Historical Society, and the Iowa Historical Society would assume all costs associated with the transfer. He requested the Board's opinion of deaccessioning the 1903 Crestmobile. Discussion commenced. Ms. Fenrich asked where the car had been made. Mr. Larson said it was made in Massachusetts. Noting the company that made it was not in business very long. Ms. Drew expressed that because it has no history with Oshkosh, she is in favor of deaccessioning it. Mr. Domer asked what usual protocol is; would the Museum sell it to the Historical Society or have them just pay for shipping? Mr. Larson stated typical protocol is to first see if the most appropriate location to gift it to is interested in it. If they decline it, then the Museum is free to try to sell it. Having general Minutes of the October 2016 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 5 of 6 consensus, Mr. Larson will bring a recommendation to the Board in November to deaccession the Crestmobile. That concluded the Director's Report. President's Report-none submitted. Board Member Statement-none submitted Mr. Rego then requested the Auxiliary Report. Auxiliary President, Barb Shirtz, reported that the Auxiliary is looking forward to their first meeting of the 2016-2017 season on Friday, Oct. 14. This year the Auxiliary Board members made calls to all the members to welcome them back and remind them of dues and a donation to help with raffle baskets. New at the Gala this year will be a tree for the silent auction decorated by House of Flowers with a $100 of decorations. The Auxiliary is also pleased to have a set of Mr. Domer's books and a membership to the Winnebago County Historical Society. Ms. Shirtz had Gala rack cards available for people to pass out and noted that invitations will be mailed in November. 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 4:47 p.m. Minutes of the October 2016 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 6 of 6