HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES_12-07-17 Minutes of the December 7,2017 Board Meeting
I i c NA LA se LA irn (Approved at the January 11,2018 Board Meeting.)
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The December meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held on Thursday, December
7, 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:
Randy Domer MariBeth Theusch, Alternate Gabe Loiacono
Connie Drexler, Alternate Jean Thierman, Secretary
Carol Fenrich Barbara Herzog, School Board VP
Jim Hoffman, President Stan Mack, Superintendent of Schools
Becky Matzke,Vice President John Dinegan, Leadership Oshkosh
Rick Rego Representative
With Mr. Loiacono excused, Mr. Hoffman appointed Ms. Drexler.
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 November Board meeting
B. December Bill List
C. 2018 Board Meeting Dates
D. Receipt and Filing of 3rd Quarter Reports from Oshkosh Area Community
Foundation
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. Rego None
Ms. Drexler Ms. Thierman
Ms. Fenrich Ms. Herzog
Mr. Hoffman Mr. Mack
Ms. Matzke
The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed.
Mr. Larson then presented the initial draft of the Split Rock Studio conceptual design for the
entrance and second floor spaces, posing several questions to the Board. The idea for the new
Minutes of the December 2017 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
Page 1 of 3
entrance is to have a focal point consisting of a tree, as it represents strength, deep roots, growth,
and the foundational woodworking industry. Discussion followed, with the Board endorsing the
concept. The concept design includes lighted exhibition windows or cubicles that would offer
visitors an intriguing and attractive facade during the evening and periods of low light. The
Board endorsed the idea and encouraged Mr. Larson to follow up with Split Rock on the concept.
With such a large and varied collection, the Board expressed a desire to have a space that would
be utilized to show more of the collection on a rotating basis. Whether that is the second floor
room currently used as the Winnebago Room, or another space, the Board expressed the idea
rotating more items on periodic view is highly desirable. Mr. Larson encouraged Board members
to let him know of additional comments and ideas in the coming weeks.
Mr. Hoffman then requested that Mr. Larson present the Director's Report.
Mr. Larson began by reporting that the accreditation on-site reviewers will be at the Museum
March 19 and 20, 2018, and staff will ensure that the Museum puts its best foot forward. The two
reviewers are Dennis Kois of the Milwaukee Public Museum and Elspeth Inglis of the Kalamazoo
Valley Museum. While the details and schedule are not yet formalized, the reviewer will likely
want to talk with Board members, and most likely this will be the three officers. Curator Anna
Cannizzo is now providing detail on some areas that were perceived as incomplete. While the
Museum has a few areas of weakness, neither Ms. Cannizzo nor Mr. Larson anticipate any
serious challenges or problems.
Next, Mr. Larson explained that for the last few years the annual review of the Durow Trust has
been given at the February meeting. He noted that the review can be done at any time the Board
wishes. If the Board would like the review in February, he will contact Associated Bank and
Trena Larson, Director of Finance. A show of hands indicated Board members would like the
review in February.
In conclusion, Mr. Larson reported that each year the City follows the directive in its strategic
plan and showcases one department with an open house. With the successful completion of
People of the Waters, the Museum was selected for this year. Mr. Larson encouraged Board
members to attend and help welcome and talk with citizens. The open house runs from 1:00 to
4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 101h. That concluded the Director's Report.
President Hoffman, for his report expressed congratulations and thanks to the Auxiliary for the
excellent Gala this year. The Board applauded and Ms. Shirtz said she will pass along the kind
words. .
There were no Board Member statements.
Mr. Hoffman then requested the World War One Commemoration Committee report.
Ms. Matzke began by reporting that the Standees made their debut at the unveiling of the
Veterans' Honor Wall at Oshkosh West High School. After that they were distributed to area
Minutes of the December 2017 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
Page 2 of 3
cafes, banks, and hotels, and they will be rotated among the locations from time to time. Ms.
Matzke further noted that the program hosted at the Oshkosh Library on Sunday, November 12,
went very well with excellent attendance. Students from Lourdes Academy, Oshkosh North High
School, and Oshkosh West High School performed memorable songs from the war. The singers
performed using sheet music that belonged to Oshkosh residents at the time of the war.
Additionally, Dr. Chybowski, who specializes in music history, told the role each piece of music
played in American wartime culture. Ms. Matzke reported that the Oshkosh Library will be
showing World War One films from 1:00-3:00 p.m. each Saturday in January. In conclusion, she
reported that the Committee will meet again in January. That concluded the World War One
Commemoration Committee report.
Mr. Hoffman then requested the Auxiliary Report.
Ms. Shirtz began by reporting that all the Auxiliary agrees this year's Gala was a great success.
There were 122 paid guests, up by 13 over last year. Expenses were $697, which came in under
the planned budget. Ms. Shirtz then reported revenues from the Gala.
Cash bar income equaled expenses
$1,315 Silent Auction
$ 455 Basket Raffle
$1,830 Paid Admissions
$ 190 Donations at the Coat Check
After giving the Museum their share of admissions ($854) and calculating expenses, the grand
total of revenues was $3,059. The Gala committee will meet tomorrow to discuss the evening.
Ms. Shirtz noted that the Auxiliary can start 2018 feeling very good about their successes in 2017.
That concluded the Auxiliary Report.
With no other agenda items Mr. Hoffman asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Domer so moved
and Ms. Thierman seconded the motion.
The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed.
The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
Minutes of the December 2017 Museum Board Meeting
Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901
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