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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES_11-02-17 Minutes of the November 2,2017 Board Meeting I i c NA LA se LA irn (Approved at the December 7,2017 Board Meeting.) )i"cover Conrwc: - 111,;pirn The November meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, November 2, 2017, in the Lecture Room of the Oshkosh Public Museum. President Hoffman called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. The roll was taken by Ms. Books. Present: Present: Excused: Mr. Randy Domer Ms. MariBeth Theusch, Alternate None Ms. Connie Drexler, Alternate Ms.Jean Thierman, Secretary Ms. Carol Fenrich Ms. Barbara Herzog, School Board VP Mr.Jim Hoffman, President Mr. Stan Mack, Superintendent of Schools Mr. Gabe Loiacono Mr.John Dinegan, Leadership Oshkosh Ms. Becky Matzke, Vice President Representative Mr. Rick Rego Also in attendance: Museum Director Brad Larson, Auxiliary President Barb Shirtz, and Administrative Assistant Theresa Books recording the minutes. No Citizens were in attendance. Consent Agenda items included the following: A. Minutes of the October Board meeting B. November Bill List Ms. Herzog moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. Second by Ms. Fenrich. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Mr. Domer Mr. Rego None Ms. Fenrich Ms. Thierman Mr. Hoffman Ms. Herzog Mr. Loiacono Mr. Mack Ms. Matzke The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed. Mr. Hoffman then requested that Mr. Larson present the Director's Report. Mr. Larson began his report stating that the Museum's 2018 budget review with the Common Council was Tuesday afternoon, October 31. The Common Council will further discuss the City's budget, including possible changes to various departmental budgets,before it is adopted on Minutes of the November 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 4 Tuesday, November 28. A copy of the proposed operating budget was given to each Board member. Mr. Larson stated he does not anticipate any changes to the Museum budget. Next, Mr. Larson reported that the Museum submitted its re-accreditation request to the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). This included a multi-page narrative that answers a series of questions about all phases of operations, as well as supporting documentation, such as policies and sample materials. This is necessary because it is the way they compare our museum operations and management against national standards. Mr. Larson was pleased to single out and credit Durow Curator Anna Cannizzo for the excellent work she did compiling, writing, and preparing the submission, as it took a great deal of her time. He reviewed that over the past two years Ms. Cannizzo updated the Code of Ethics, Collections Management Policy, and Disaster Plan, all in preparation for this submission. He further noted that the$3,000 re-accreditation fee is in the 2017 budget and is being processed. The next step, Mr. Larson stated, is that the submission will be reviewed and checked by AAM staff. If everything is in order, then it moves forward to the actual reviewers. The Museum will shortly receive a list of potential reviewers, and will select two people for the on-site visit. The reviewers verify that what was said in the submission is factual and they will spot check how the Museum manages and operates in various areas, of their choosing. This will take place in spring, and the reviewers will most likely want to meet with the Board. Mr. Larson noted that the cost for the on-site visit is included in the 2018 budget. In conclusion, Mr. Larson reported that next Thursday, November 9, staff will have their first look at the conceptual ideas for the second floor. For those new to the Board, he reviewed that what typically happens in the exhibition design process is that there is an initial meeting with staff. This occurred in mid-September. This is when staff present their ideas, storylines, potential key artifacts, gallery or building issues or limitations, and preferred budget. This is a particularly challenging exhibition project because of the limited space, floor load considerations, and the large number of key connections to curriculum. Split Rock then takes all that information and, through a series of their in-house meetings and brainstorm sessions, comes up with a few design versions for Museum staff consideration. Those versions are what will be presented next week, and staff are quite eager to see what the designer comes up with. Further, Mr. Larson noted that during and after the presentation, staff will confer on what they like or dislike, and will make suggestions, adjustments, and refinements. The firm then incorporates those into the next rendering. That is the version the Board will see and discuss at the December 7 meeting. Mr. Larson expressed that it is essential that staff receive Board members' input and thoughts before moving the process along. He encouraged the Board that if they see something in this initial design that they think staff ought to consider, then staff need to know those thoughts and ideas. The main reason this early input is so important is because once Mr. Larson says yes to the Conceptual Design, to go back later and change a major component may result in additional costs. Mr. Larson noted that the final design will most likely be presented to staff and Board in early 2018. Once a design is approved by the Board, staff will begin using the concept design for inquiries about sponsorship and grant funding. To give a frame of reference,Mr. Larson said the Minutes of the November 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 4 staff went through three or perhaps four different designs for People of the Waters. He noted that the various design ideas brought staff a little closer to one that all agreed on, and the final gallery rendering was quite different from the one that they started with. He further noted that Design Development is slated for 2019. That concluded the Director's report. Mr. Larson asked if there were any questions. Mr. Loiacono asked how often the reaccreditation is done and what is the value of being accredited? Mr. Larson said it is required every 15 years. The value of accreditation is that it shows that the museum is nationally recognized for having excellent procedures and management in all aspects of business. That helps when staff positions are open, as there are potentially a higher quality and number of applicants. Additionally, when applying for grants it helps show the quality of the museum, and some traveling exhibits, such as the Titanic exhibition, will only rent to an accredited museum. Ms. Matzke then commented in relation to a comment of Mr. Loiacono's at the October Board meeting regarding children enjoying the museum and Oshkosh not having a children's museum. She hope the 2nd floor galleries will continue to have things that are appealing to small children. That things will be in the new exhibition to play with, and interact with, beyond video and electronics. Mr. Larson noted that the 2nd floor cabin had been added after an extensive survey done a while ago that indicated the public would like the kind of interaction that is offered in the cabin and Grandma's Attic. Ms. Thierman added that in her hours at the Museum as a volunteer she has very often seen children enjoying the toys in Grandma's Attic, playing with the trucks, putting on the clothes, playing pretend, cooking in the cabin and making connections to the past by these fun means of interacting. She noted that these goes beyond interactions with video opportunities. Mr. Larson thanked them for their input and will share that with the staff as they plan the new 2nd floor exhibition. President Hoffman did not have anything to report and there were no Board Member statements. Mr. Hoffman then requested the World War One Commemoration Committee report. Ms. Matzke began by reporting that Committee met November 1. She was pleased to report the Standees will make their debut near the Veterans' Wall at Oshkosh West High School Veterans' Honor Wall open house. After that they will be distributed to area cafes, banks, and hotels. Further information about each standee person is on the Museum website, oshkoshmuseum.org. Ms. Matzke further noted that as part of Oshkosh's World War I centennial commemoration, Sunday, November 12, the Oshkosh Library is hosting a program. Students from Lourdes Academy, Oshkosh North High School, and Oshkosh West High School will perform memorable songs from the war. The singers will perform using sheet music that belonged to Oshkosh residents at the time of the war. The music is housed in the archives of the Oshkosh Public Museum. Additionally, Dr. Chybowski, who specializes in music history, will join the singers to talk about what role the music of the era played in American wartime culture. Ms. Matzke noted that in January the Oshkosh Library will be showing relevant films from 1:00-3:00 p.m. In conclusion, she reported that the Museum's 2018 summer exhibition will be related to World War One. That concluded the World War One Commemoration Committee report. Minutes of the November 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 4 Mr. Hoffman then requested the Auxiliary Report. Ms. Shirtz began by inviting the Board to join the Auxiliary for their fundraiser at Culvers on Tuesday, November 7, 5:00-7:00 p.m. She then reported that the Auxiliary members made lovely Holiday candles to give to each Gala attendee, she had a sample with her to show the Board. The candles will be presented to guests in small gift bags. Ms. Shirtz was then pleased to report that Sis Martin and her would be interviewed by Channel 2, Community Access TV, regarding the Gala. The Gala Committee has been working hard and they have seven baskets for the raffle and a great line up of silent auction items. Additionally, the Auxiliary is committed to helping decorate the Sawyer Home on Member decorating day. Ms. Shirtz expressed that all are looking forward to the November Auxiliary program when Mr. Domer will present Oshkosh history and information regarding the books he has written. In conclusion, at the November meeting the Auxiliary will vote to have the mail delivered to the home of the President. After paying $45.00 every three months for about a year, and only getting about three pieces of mail at the PO Box, the Auxiliary Board all felt is isn't worth the cost.That concluded the Auxiliary Report. With no other agenda items Mr. Hoffman asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Thierman so moved and Mr. Rego seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m. Minutes of the November 2017 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 4 of 4