HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-20-2013 Approved 4/172013
White River Valley Historical Society
Board Meeting MINUTES, March20, 2013
Muckleshoot Room, White River Valley Museum
I. Call To Order, Introductions, Approval of Minutes
A. President Evans introduced the Icebreaker of the Month, enquiringas to our faVorite
vegetables. We learned that rhubarb is a vegetable and it can be used to flavor vodka.
e. Museology 301, Making Collection Choices
Curatoc of Collections Hilary Pittenger brought in a number of reilroad signal lanterns and
described their various uses and age.Then she challenged board members to evaluate two
reilroad lanterns that are being considered as additions to the collection.
II. Committees
A. Treasurer Jamie Bothell reviewed the Museum's monthly Financial Statement,
which shows a slightly more positive than normal balance for this time in the year.
He also reviewed the findings of the 2012 Internal Audit. Board members Richard Arture,
Bill Greene, Gerry Honeysett, Kim Perry met on March 19�h.There were no findings, but
recommendations made by the group were: inciude two reviews and signatures on deposites;
have staff members get written permission for purchases over$100; some minor language
changes to the Audit Form; creation of a Receipt Replacement Acknowledgement form; and that
classifications on Financial Statements of Investments be reclassified as Money Market Accounu.
Treasurer Bothell postponed review of the Endowment Fund Plan un4il the April meeting.
B. Board Memberand Farm Liaison Scott Gibbons presented a sUde show on "My
Weekend asthe Caretaker."Scott generously filled in for Gary Moberly while on vacation.Among
his discussion points was a thank you to Reber Ranch (Bill Greene)for donating a pasture feeder
for the cattle, and for the discounts we receive on livestock feed and supplies.Scott showed
photographsof the livestock shelters, paddocks and manure compost binswhich are under
construction, and of a work party he participated in sealing 10 new wooden picnic tables made
and donated by the City of Auburn Parks Mainenance workers.
C. Museum TourGuide Liaison Rhonda Larson participated in the recent Museum
School Tour Guide Training. She reported that 'anyone can do iY because the lessons are well
designed, scripted and very interective. Especially useful was the segment on how to handle
difficulties with students or shaperones.
III. Staff Report
A.. Knowing that the Board would like to see Facility Rentals at the Mary Olson Farm,
Patricia Cosgroye shared a dreft of an On-Site Farm Photography Policy; a plan to create a Bride's
Changing Roo.m in the downstairs bedroom, and previewed the next steps which include
developing a Staffing Plan and Rental Policy/Fees/Partner. Board members asked that staff bring
in compara6le photography costs for other sites at the April meeting. Staff expressed their
support for stepping into facility rentals slowely. This summer one wedding will be held at the
Farm to experiment with the experience. Board Member poug Lein recommends that the
museum consider a Request for Proposals to area caterers and event planners, seekinga partner
for exclusive use of the Farm. ln thisway, we can train one catering staff member of the partner
who be responsible to promote the Farm for facility use,tour prospective renters, coordinate
deliveries and be on site for aU rentais.Board member Bili Greene noted that facility rentals at
the Farm could oaupy a fuU Sime position, and that by partnering with an event planneror
caterer,we can extend our limited sta�ng.
IV. President Evans invited Board Member Comments Around Table, and adjourned the at
2:55 pm.
Next Board Meeting: April 17, 2013, 1:30 to 3 p.m.