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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES_09-06-2018 Minutes of the September 6,2018 Board Meeting t II,II, Jlt,� useu i (Approved at the October 11,2018 Board Meeting.) 1 7Cr,vor - r nnner„i: - lii"lp re The September meeting of the Oshkosh Public Museum Board was held Thursday, September 6, 2018, in the Lecture Room of the Oshkosh Public Museum. President Hoffman called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. The roll was taken by Ms. Books. Present: Present: Excused: Connie Drexler, Alternate Joe Stephenson, Alternate Randy Domer Carol Fenrich Jean Thierman, Secretary Becky Matzke,Vice Jim Hoffman, President Barb Herzog, School Board President President Gabriel Loiacono Vickie Cartwright, Superintendent of Rick Rego Schools With Mr. Domer excused, Mr. Hoffman appointed Ms. Drexler. Mr. Hoffman appointed Mr. Stephenson for Ms. Matzke. Also in attendance: Director Brad Larson, Auxiliary President Kathy Wuest, 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 August Board meeting B. September Bill List C. Receipt and Filing of 2nd Quarter Reports from Oshkosh Area Community Fdn. Ms. Fenrich moved that the Consent Agenda be approved. Second by Mr. Rego. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms. Cartwright Mr. Loiacono None Ms. Drexler Mr. Rego Ms. Fenrich Mr. Stephenson Ms. Herzog Ms. Thierman Mr. Hoffman The vote was unanimous in favor and the Consent Agenda items were passed. Minutes of the September 2018 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 1 of 5 Discussion regarding acceptance of the Menominee Nation Clan figures from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point was next. Mr. Larson noted he spoke with Ray Reser, Director of the University of Wisconsin - Steven's Point Museum, regarding the $70,000 that is to come with the exhibition. Mr. Reser expressed that it is unclear whether it will be possible for the money to be removed from the Foundation at Steven's Point. Regardless,Mr. Larson feels the Clan figures are an important part of Menomonee history and it would be an honor to have them exhibited at the Oshkosh Public Museum. Mr. Larson noted that the Clan figures have to be moved from Stevens Point by June 1, 2019. If the Board votes to receive the figures, then staff will have a lot of work to do to prepare the gallery space. He noted the artist's son, Richard Frechette and the Clan Committee would do the transfer of the figures from Stevens Point to the Museum. The Board further discussed the clan figures. With no more discussion Mr. Hoffman asked for a motion. Ms. Herzog moved that the Museum accept the Menominee Nation Clan Figures, currently located at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, from the artist's son, Richard Frechette. Second by Ms. Cartwright. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms. Cartwright Mr. Loiacono None Ms. Drexler Mr. Rego Ms. Fenrich Mr. Stephenson Ms. Herzog Ms. Thierman Mr. Hoffman The vote was unanimous in favor that the Museum accept the Menominee Nation Clan Figures, currently located at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, from the artist's son, Richard Frechette.. Next on the agenda was the acceptance of the bequest from Beverly Smerling with the transfer of 10% ($1,000) to the Museum Endowment Fund and $1,500 to be allocated for a 2019 Education Intern. Mr. Larson explained Museum policy is that 10% of any undesignated gift to the Museum be invested in the Museum Endowment. He explained that the education intern position is a direct response to the accreditation review. The intern will develop curriculum-based activities and materials that schools can use, based on exhibitions at the Museum. Minutes of the September 2018 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 2 of 5 Ms. Thierman moved that the Board accept the bequest from Beverly Smerling, transfer 10% ($1,000) to the Museum Endowment Fund, and allocate$1,500 for a 2019 Education Intern. Second by Mr. Loiacono. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms. Cartwright Mr. Loiacono None Ms. Drexler Mr. Rego Ms. Fenrich Mr. Stephenson Ms. Herzog Ms. Thierman Mr. Hoffman The vote was unanimous in favor that the Board accept the bequest from Beverly Smerling, transfer 10% ($1,000) to the Museum Endowment Fund, and allocate $1,500 for a 2019 Education Intern. Review, discussion and vote on the Behncke, Bray, Collection, Durow, Endowment, and Membership Funds were next on the agenda. Mr. Larson noted that he budgeted conservatively for all funds. He highlighted a project the Museum is working on with the Fire Department. Mr. Loiacono asked if the Durow Trust, as re-invested, covers the budgeted salary and benefits of the Curator.Mr. Larson noted that it does. Further discussion of the budgets followed. Ms. Herzog moved that the Board accept the Behnke, Bray, Collection, Durow, Endowment, and Membership Funds as presented. Second by Mr. Loiacono. The vote went as follows: In Favor: In Favor: Against: Ms. Cartwright Mr. Loiacono None Ms. Drexler Mr. Rego Ms. Fenrich Mr. Stephenson Ms. Herzog Ms. Thierman Mr. Hoffman The vote was unanimous in favor that the Board accept the Behncke, Bray, Collection, Durow, Endowment, and Membership Funds as presented. Mr. Hoffman requested Mr. Larson present the monthly Director's Report. Minutes of the September 2018 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 3 of 5 Mr. Larson began his report with an update on the Fire Barn project. The building is now empty and staff are preparing it for demolition. Wisconsin Public Service will terminate the electrical service next week, and the City Electrical Division will then salvage whatever they care to take. The building is being checked for asbestos. The Department of Public Works anticipates taking it down the week of October 8, and the paperwork for the demolition permit has been submitted. The Museum will pay the landfill fees (estimated at $3,500). Mr. Larson noted that the City Forestry Division will be on hand during the demolition to ensure that the big white oak, which was planted and dedicated in June 1935 to honor Civil War General Thomas S. Allen, is not damaged in the process. Other trees will be trimmed to improve the appearance of the Museum, soon to become the dominant visual feature at the Congress/High intersection. Mr. Larson reported that the preliminary Capital Improvement Budget (CIP) was released and he is pleased to announce that the budget includes several priority projects for the Museum. He noted that the preliminary budget can change, these projects do not represent the final decisions. The foundation repair is clearly the Museum's highest priority. Further, Mr. Larson reported that the exhibition and building modifications design work will be done over two years. The longer period provides more time to develop and consider design ideas, and solicit feedback.Mr. Larson believes that is especially critical as it relates to the Archives/lower level. It is gratifying that the building modification project is moving forward. In conclusion, Mr. Larson reported it is confirmed that at the start of the October 11 meeting, Mr. Bill Wyman, President and CEO of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation (OACF), will make a presentation to the Board. This is an ideal time to raise any questions or concerns Board members might have about Museum funds invested through the OACF. That concluded the Director's Report. Mr. Hoffman began the President's report by noting the power of the Museum's citizen board to make a positive difference. The input of members is important and he thanked everyone who worked on the letter of reply to the Accreditation Commission of the American Alliance of Museums, especially Connie Drexler for putting all of the discussions and notes into letter form. A copy of the letter was in the Board packet and the Board was asked to review it and provide Mr. Hoffman any further recommended edits. Mr. Hoffman then spoke to the Board regarding moving forward on exploring options for investing funds and trusts and asked Mr. Larson to elaborate on the development of a Museum Foundation. Mr. Larson noted that Finance Director Trena Larson is interested in combining City funds, including the Durow Trust, for better investing leverage and earnings. In response to a member question, Mr. Larson reported that to have the Durow Trust invested differently, one thing City Attorney Lynn Lorenson might do is Minutes of the September 2018 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 4 of 5 request a California judge form a decision of the intent of Mr. Durow. That concluded the President's report. There were no Board member statements as Mr. Domer was not at the meeting, and there was no committee report. Mr. Hoffman then requested that Ms. Wuest present the Auxiliary Report. Auxiliary President Kathy Wuest began by distributing the annual booklet of contact information for the Museum Auxiliary's 941h year. She reminded the Board of the Auxiliary fundraiser at Culver's on Tuesday, September 111h, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. In conclusion she reported that the Auxiliary Gala Committee and Board will meet again on September 201h. That concluded the Auxiliary Report. With no other agenda items, Mr. Hoffman asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Cartwright so moved and Ms. Thierman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion was passed. The meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m. Minutes of the September 2018 Museum Board Meeting Oshkosh Public Museum■ 1331 Algoma Boulevard■Oshkosh,Wisconsin 54901 Page 5 of 5