HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-18-2009
White River Valley Historical Society
Board, Meeting Minutes
March 18, 2009, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Board Members Present: Richard Artura, Ronnie Beyersdorf, Tom Campbell, Gator Chamberlain, Jan Cavanaugh,
Mike Gerber, Doug Hedger, Julie Herren, Warren Kinggeorge, Michelle Marshman, Judi Roland, Clarissa Ruston,
Lisa Scarff, Mae Yamada
Board Members Excused: Jennifer Taufler
Staff Present: Patricia Cosgrove, Kristen Bruhan, Alison Tissue, Tara McCauley
1. Call to Order and Approval of Minutes
A. President Beyersdorf called the meeting to order and asked for the approval of the minutes.
Minutes were approved with revisions as follows:
a. Free Wednesdays are sponsored by individuals for $150 per Wednesday or $500 per
month. Dollar signs added to amounts.
b. Vice -President Beyersdorf adjourned the meeting at 2:45 PM MOTION CARRIED
11. Board President Report President Beyersdorf
A. Review of Meeting Calendar, President Ronnie Beyersdorf
President Beyersdorf reviewed the museum calendar:
Mary Olson Farm Committee, 3/22/2009. This meeting needs to be added to each month on the calendar.
Next Halloween Ball Committee will be held 4/6/2009.
B. City Budget Cuts, Patricia Cosgrove
The city of Auburn is requesting Tier 1 budget cuts. There will be a decrease of $10,000 in non-salary money. This
will eliminate a PR consultant and reduce supplies. The Parks Department is supported by the REET tax the
revenue of which is greatly reduced.
Alison Tisue has resigned and no replacement can be acquired. The position has been frozen. The tasks of the
Curator of Collections include making improvements to the collection (such as storage) and reviewing new items
for inclusion in the museum collection. The museum will no longer be able to accept new gifts other than
photographs, will eliminate the collections volunteers, stop process improvements and stop networking to outside
sourcing. Patricia Cosgrove stated that review of in-coming items required a musicologist and that she would now
be the only one. She cannot take on the curator tasks in addition to her own responsibilities. The Museum intern
will keep up with the photo orders. Board Member conversation followed regarding concern over turning away
potential artifacts. Suggestions were 1) to accept the items but postpone the review, and 2) Maintain a list of item
donors for contact at a later date. It was decided to consider accepting only photographs and items of exceptional
meaning or value to the collection.
Staff members have been brainstorming. At what point does the lack of a curator become damaging to the museum?
The quality of the museum will suffer if the current climate continues past this calendar year. There is a potential
loss of income. Note: The City of Auburn has frozen many other positions. There may be potential for hiring a
part time employee to help maintain order in the collections storage area and help the public with photograph orders
and research.
C. Discussion on Budget and Public Service, All
Even with reductions in budget and services it was recognized that the community can benefit from the museum. It
has a "down home" feeling. Strengthening the community can enhance the likelihood of the museum's success.
Board Members can be the museum's Public Relations. They can promote the museum and share what the museum
has to offer, such as communicate the new opportunity for online research.
III. Staff Report
A. Museum Photographs On-Line
Dave Payne is a self-directed museum volunteer. Because of Dave the museum has photos on-line. Dave and
Alison worked together to upload 4000 photos from the museum database. Alison presented an overview of the
online photo search capability on the museum website. Visitors no longer have to browse the photos in the
museum but can do this from the comfort of their own home on their computers.
IV. Committees (Items for Vote*)
A. Finance Committee*, Treasurer Doug Hedger
The museum finances are doing well. Admission was up in February over January. We are still behind for this
years plan. To date we are on budget. Patricia announced that the Museum received a $5000.00 grant from the
Seattle Foundation for the museum's Joy of Wood Working exhibit.
B. Mary Olson Farm Committee, Judi Roland
The first meeting was held in February. The committee reviewed the site map. Next week they will discuss
funding to complete the project. The scope of work is changing. Bids are being reviewed.
C. Halloween Ball Committee, Julie Herron
The first meeting was held March 2, 2009. The meetings will be held at the museum the first Monday of each
month at 2:15. The team is ready to produce a great Halloween Ball.
D. Community Connections Committee, Clarissa Ruston
This committee's goal is to promote museum exhibits and public programs. The committee is working on a list of
community organizations in order to make them aware of education. Members were given free admission tickets to
the museum to pass out. "Special Assignment" for Clarissa regarding the restoration of farm equipment: Clarissa's
husband is very knowledgeable about antique tractors. They will visit the collection.
V. Board Member Comments around Table, President Beyersdorf
A. Comments
1. Relay for Life will be held May 15 and 16, 2009. Requesting board member participation. This is
a fundraiser to promote cancer awareness sponsored by the American Cancer society.
2. "On-line photographs are great." (Michelle)
3. "Thankful to be a part of this group. Great synergy" (Clarissa)
4. "Glad to be back. I finished my thesis!" (Tara)
5. "Reflecting on budget, costs and the turn around of local governments. It could be 3 years."
(Mike)
6. "Impressed by the people on the board. They come to work." (Tom)
7. "Enjoyed the photos", "We will miss you Alison." (Jan)
8. "1 like seeing us pull together." (Judy)
9. "We are lucky the city is cutting as little as they are. Non profits can be cut much deeper"
(Richard)
10. "Happy to be here" (Julie)
11. "Thank you to Alison and to the board for staying late." (Warren)
12. "Thanks to Alison." (Gator)
13. "Thanks for your support" (Kristen)
14. "1 am happy with the way things are going." (Patricia)
15. From all: "Many thanks and farewell" to Alison Tisue.
VI. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 2:42 PM
Respectfully submitted by: Lisa Scarff
Date: March 18, 2009