HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-12-2000White River Valley Historical Society
Board Meeting Minutes
April 12, 2000, 1:30 to 2:30
Board Members Present: Marissa Armstrong, Earl Averill, Al B'Hymer, Libby Dykstra,
Bud Kuhlman, Debbie Maguire, John Meneghini, Charles Natsuhara, Doris Ramstead, Bill Peloza,
Dick Pickett, Mike Stevens, Mae Yamada
Board Members Excused: Earl Hagen, Mike Hamilton, Maxine Moergeli, Walter Pacheco,
Hans Torklep, Daryl Thompson,
Staff Present: Patricia Cosgrove
Guests Present: Mel Sinex
1. Call to Order and Approval of Minutes
President Kuhlman called the meeting to order and asked that the minutes be approved as
corrected. APPROVED
It Chair Report
A. President Kuhlman reported that the position of Curator of Collections was
officially taken into the City of Auburn's permanent, part time staff as of April. Dr. Tina
Brewster-Wray, has worked on contract, as a temporary part time City and Museum employee for
over seven years. This change provides half-time benefits, permanence, sick leave and vacation.
The Board was pleased with this change in status, and Doris Ramstead said HOORAY! At the
same time, the position of Curator of Education was reevaluated, and both moved to Grade 4,
Step 1.
III. Treasury and Committee Reports
A. The treasurer Pickett reported that the Finance Committee met to review the first
quarter financial reports and made the following recommendations.
Delete the $4,000 entry for Grants and Contracts in the standard budget, as Chris Vance
allocated these funds to the building fund. Dick Pickett made a motion, seconded by Charles
Natsuhara to follow this recommendation. MOTION PASSED
Dick Pickett further recommended that the Building Reserve and Insurance be noted as a
monthly accrual. Earl Averill seconded this recommendation. MOTION PASSED
Lastly, Dick Pickett recommended that a portion (half of one of the biannual interest
payments) be reinvested into a money market fund with the intention of rolling these funds into
the long term investment. This will help the long-term funds keep up with inflation. Earl Averill
seconded this motion. MOTION PASSED
B. Bud Kuhlman reported for Mike Hamilton on Construction Committee issues. At the
last meeting, the Committee discussed the idea of bypassing the General Contractor to save
money. Mike Hamilton and Patricia Cosgrove would work together to fill that role, and employ a
superintendent to oversee the construction of the new wing. This plan can save the museum
between $20,00 and $30,000. Board discussion of this plan was positive. Further details will be
discussed at following board meetings.
C. Mike Stevens reported that an advertising plan was in place for the summer months.
The Marketing Committee met and created several plans: Neighborhood Open House to be held
August 12; PTA sponsorships for fieldtrips to be promoted at a PTA annual meeting June 13;
distribution of museum flyers through City water bills and local merchants. Action is being taken
on all three fronts.
IV. Staff Report
A. Patricia Cosgrove reported that sculptor Reynaldo Rivera will be in town for the next
board meeting. The meeting will provide an opportunity for the Board to meet the artist and get
to know about the artwork.
B. The museum director noted that two upgraded City of Auburn computers were
installed last week. They allow the staff to access a new data base program that will eventually be
used to organize collections, membership, and donor records.
C. The Board discussed the best ways for the museum to have a presence at the Auburn
Good Old Days. The Public Relations/Marketing Committee was asked to develop a plan.
V. Mystery Board Member
Al B'Hymer was revealed as the mystery board member, with the clues: mom was a
scientist before her time, is a "trekie," and was raised in Covington.
VI. Adjourn
President Kuhlman adjourned the meeting at 2:45. The next meeting will be held at the
Museum on May 10, from 1:30 to 2:30.