HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-2009 e
White River Valley Historical Society
Board Meeting
' July 15, 2009, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Muckleshoot Room, White River Valley Museum
Board Members Present: Ronnie Beyersdorf, Tom Campbell, Gator Chamberlain, Jan
Cavanaugh, Mike Gerber, Julie Herren, Warren Kinggeorge, Michelle Marshman, Judi Roland,
Clarissa Ruston, Lisa Scarff, Jennifer Taufler
Board Members Excused: Mae Yamada, Richard Artura
Staff Present: Tara McCauley, Erin McEntire
Guests: Way Scarff (Auburn rotary), Bob Wuotilla (Auburn Parks Planning manager, Jack
Halverson (US Bank.
1. Call To Order, Introductions, Approval of Minutes President Ronnie Beyersdorf
Meeting called to Order at 1:30 PM. Minutes approved with typographical error noted.
President Beyersdorf introduced guests Way Scarff and Jack Halverson.
Way Scarff, on behalf of the Rotary Golf Tournament (an event that raises money for children's
needs in our community) presented a check for $4000 to provide school children with
transportation to Mary Olson Farm. Way requested that Tara attend a Rotary meeting prior to
the next tournament to promote the farm education program. Jack Halverson of US Bank
presented $1500 for the museum's Free Wednesday program. Jodi Roland, representing the
Auburn Soroptimists presented $1700 for educational supplies.
II. Board President Report
Of special note: The Auburn Chamber of Commerce Mixer will be held at the museum,
August 20, 2009. Board members are encouraged to attend and to use that time to promote
the Halloween Ball.
B. As part of the ongoing board education program, Tara presented a paper titled
"Leaning in Museums - What Makes It Unique?
She discussed how museums rely on intrinsically motivated learning, based on interest.
Museums foster inquiry to increase learning and exploration. Everyone learns in a different way.
A museum can cater to children that learn by seeing, hearing or moving. Tara demonstrated
how children can learn from an object or pictures by asking them such questions as "What do
you think this is?", what do you think it was used for and why?"
III. Committees
A. Treasurer Doug presented the 6/30/2009 Report. The museum is experiencing
some of the financial downturns seen across the nation. We are slightly ahead of budget from
last year due to operating grants. However, admissions ($1000) gift shop and door donations
($4000) and the Halloween ball ($8,000) are all down the amounts noted. The museum
continues to solicit for grants. However, these grants are primarily for the farm or special
projects and cannot be used for operating costs. It was suggested that the museum have an
"open house" Free Saturday to try to recoup losses from the gift shop and donations. President
Beyersdorf stated the motion to have a trial "open house" on Saturdays through 2009 to
promote the museum at no charge. The motion was seconded and approved.
The Finance Committee described the museum's City budget which has suffered two cuts. The
first at 2% and the second at 3%. Only certain line items can be cut. Salaries are excluded.
$50,000 was cut from the museum impacting repair, maintenance, and advertising.
Halloween Ball: Julie Herren stated that there have been no ticket sales for the Halloween Ball.
Without sponsorships it is difficult to sell tickets. Discussion: It is reasonable to request that our
vendors support the museum?
After lengthy discussion, President Beyersdorf stated a motion to amend contracts to include
statement such as: Exhibit a sincere interest with the intention of supporting the Museum and
Mary Olson farm throughout the length of the business relationship by way of corporate
sponsorships, grants and/or combination thereof provided there are no legal requirements
otherwise. The motion was postponed for further investigation.
President Beyersdorf stated a motion to approve the treasure's report. The motion was
seconded and approved.
B. Mary Olson Farm Committee Chair Judi Roland noted there have been 4 bids
for a security system. The committee has narrowed the bids to two companies. These
companies have been asked to provide additional information. Mike Gerber is assisting. They
are looking at combining requested work to include the museum and the Mary Olson farm.
C. The Harvest Ball provides approximately $20,000 to the museum. At this time
there are no major sponsors. It is the sponsorships that make money, not the ticket sales. Julie
reviewed the past sponsors and noted that there have been personal relationships with
sponsors that have aligned with board members. It is necessary to know who should not be
asked. It is also necessary to identify new sponsors. If we are not going to get sponsorships
we need to know this and move forward and discuss possible options. The committee will need
direction from the Museum Board.
D. The Community Connections Committee meeting was held at the farm. They
are making a "thank you" presentation to the school board. The committee is discussing
reaching out to the PTSA of Auburn, home schoolers, Parents magazine and heritage kids.
They are looking to increase exposure to new audiences, and to the possibility of renting the
museum kits.
IV. Board Member Comments Around Table President Beyersdorf
Meeting was adjourned at 3:12 PM
Next Board Meeting: • September 16, 2009, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Muckleshoot Room, White River Valley Museum