HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-15-2014 MinutesWhite River Valley Historical Society
Board Meeting MINUTES
October 15, 2014, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Muckleshoot Room, White River Valley Museum
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I. President Pat Cavanaugh called the meeting to order. The minutes were unanimously
approved as sent. The President's Icebreaker of the month involved each person revealing
something about themselves that others may not know which resulted in a lot of laughs. For the
Museology 101 segment of the meeting Museum Director Patricia Cosgrove presented a brief
power point on the Museums library and archive holdings.
II. Committees (Items for Vote *)
Treasurer Jamie Bothell reviewed the September Financial Statement and the drafted
2015 operating budget. He noted that the Finance Committee had reviewed the budget carefully
and felt it was a fair estimation of finances for 2015. It reflects a slight increase, primarily through
a modest increase in the City of Auburn's contribution and anticipated cost of living increases. A
motion was made by Michele Oosterink and seconded by Ronnie Beyersdorf to accept the 2015
budget as presented. Motion Passed
Curator of Collections Hilary Pittenger worked with Collections Management Committee
Chair Joan Mason to present information on items coming and going from the artifact collection.
Of particular note is a large collection of antique photographic equipment that longtime Auburn
School District teacher Pete LaPoint donated.
Ever resourceful and diligent Halloween Ball Committee Chair Kim Perry rallied the troops
for the upcoming Ball. 160 guests are expected at the event, because Museum Board member s
have done a good job of filling their tables! Earnings from this event are expected to make
budget coming in around $16,500.
Vice President Kim Perry also is chairing the Nominating Committee. She noted that two
seats will be open in 2015 as Gerry Honeysett will roll off the board and one seat has remained
open. The committee is interviewing possible nominees and will have a full report at the
November board meeting.
III. Staff Report
Patricia Cosgrove reported that we hired Ashley Rust, from Virginia to take the open
position of Assistant Educator. Ashley has several years experience delivering educational
programming in a museum setting, is eager to move to the Puget Sound region, and holds a
degree in arts management /education.
Cosgrove also provided an update on work at the Mary Olson Farm. Using funds from a
State grant a French Drain behind the barn has been reconstructed, two storage sheds have been
erected in that area, and some smaller repairs have been made to the Farmhouse. Next week we
will take delivery of a new tractor, manure spreader, harrow and other farm equipment made
possible by a grant from the King Conservation District. Caretaker Gary Moberly is a heavy
equipment operator, as well as a farmer and livestock handler. So he is very excited about these
new tools and the improvements in maintenance they will afford. We are fortunate to have a
careaker with his combination of skills. Ronnie suggested we have a ceremony or unveiling for
the tractor!
IV. Board Member Comments Around Table
Adjourn 2:45 PM
President Cavanaugh
Next Board Meeting: November 19, 2014, 1:30 to 3 p.m.