OCONOMOWOC AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM BOARD MINUTES

April 14, 2008

Aurora Conference Center

Board Members Present: Mac Dorn, Barbara Elwood-Goetsch, Shirley Hinds, Barb Hirsch, Duane Hoffman, Ed Johnson, Melissa Krahn, Margie Krauski, Terry Ladwig, Nancy Lins, Hilton Neal, Kevin Passon, Don Wiemer

Absent Excused: Sue Bickler, Fran Durkin, Betty Hancock, Bill Marris, Ray Mauer, Ann Zimmerman

Absent: Donald Christiansen, Diane Johnson, Bob Ludwig

Other Attendees: Lois Luebke, Dorothy St. Thomas

President Don Wiemer called the meeting to order at 4:02 pm. Lois Luebke was introduced as a guest attendee.

Secretary’s Report: Ed Johnson moved and Hilton Neal seconded to accept the minutes of the March 10, 2008 board meeting. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Neal reviewed the monthly financial statements. Monthly expenditures totaled $3,985.12, revenue was $2,084.53 with expenses exceeding revenue by $1,900.59. Energy costs are exceeding budgeted amounts. Mac Dorn moved and Terry Ladwig seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried.

Administrator’s Report/Museum Operations:

Nancy Lins reported that due to the recent gas explosion in downtown Oconomowoc affecting the First Baptist Church, many media organizations have visited the museum to obtain historical information. She distributed a written report with other information. It was also noted that Bill Balthazor did an outstanding job completing all the carpentry work for the new Draper Hall exhibit, and it was done pro bono.

Committee Reports:

Executive Committee: Wiemer reported the committee completed its review of Audit Committee recommendations and accepted them with some modifications. Vacancies on the board will be left unfilled until qualified candidates emerge. Three vacancies exist, the latest resulting from Chuck Herro’s resignation which has just been received. It was noted that Herro’s 30 years of service to the OAHS&M has been exemplary. The Collections Policy has been approved and will be brought forth for full board approval at the May meeting.

Audit: Ladwig reported that she is collecting required documents for the upcoming audit to be conducted after April 20.

Collections: Lins reported that an unusual and historic chair original to Draper Hall has been acquired. Other recent acquisitions have been outlined in the most recent newsletter.

Education: Barb Hirsch reported that off-site presentations continue and many more are scheduled. They are working on a history of La Belle Cemetery that will include noting historical gravesites and other related information such as tombstone design, weathering and symbolism, and proper cemetery etiquette.

Exhibits: Shirley Hinds reported that the Past Wars exhibit has been finished although the committee is seeking more Korean and Vietnam War artifacts. The Victorian Era exhibit is next. She submitted a written report on the committee’s work.

Local History: Dorothy St. Thomas reported that the Oconomowoc Timeline is done, pending branding graphics for the brochure’s cover and sponsorship information, if required. Black and white copies will be made available for school groups but color copies will involve a small cost. Bill Marris is continuing work on a theatrical tour of La Belle Cemetery.

Membership: Barb Elwood-Goetsch reported the following: 148 single memberships, 111 (222) couples memberships, 1 student membership, 14 organization/business/municipality memberships, 40 free memberships and 71 delinquent memberships.

Nominating Committee: Ladwig reported that the committee will continue its work to fill board vacancies but will do so with care.

Ops and Maintenance (Property): Neal reported Jeff Lins wired the Draper Hall exhibit’s lighting. A protective box was placed over the “EXIT” signs switch to avoid accidental turn-offs. The front hallway was painted, and siding was added to the second floor of the Munger Photo Studio exhibit by John Hansing.

Resource Development: Neal reported that the Capital Campaign’s goal of raising $18,000 this year will not be met, with $13,760 raised to date. It is considerably off the mark compared to last year’s campaign at this time. More business support is needed, and Duane Hoffman noted that in-person requests would be more effective than mailings.

Special Events: Lins reported that Marty Perkins will speak at the April 26 General Meeting at the Museum about local area baseball history. A $75 stipend will be given. The July meeting will feature local architecture by speaker John Eastberg. Other meetings’ speakers are being worked on, with a presentation on Mapleton not likely to materialize until Spring ’09.

Old Business:

Signage/Logo: Wiemer reported that non-budgeted monies are needed for graphic design work to move the new logo/branding process forward. It was moved by Melissa Krahn and seconded by Lins to approve up to $1,000 for graphic design expenses related to branding. Motion carried.

Festival of the Arts: A miscommunication about the Festival’s deadline for Spotlight Group applications resulted in the Society not submitting our request on time. However, the deadline was extended and our application was sent.

First Baptist Church: Members of the recently destroyed church are asking for photos of the church from the community for insurance purposes, and all will be returned. In addition, they are willing for us to make copies if we desire for our archives.

New Business:

Fundraising Event: Ladwig reported that a fundraising event at the museum will be held Friday, August 8, 2008. The evening event is moving forward with the goal to have all expenses underwritten and net $10,000. All board members are asked to buy at least two tickets.

Adjournment: Johnson moved and Lins seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 4:50 pm.

Next meeting will be Monday, May 12 at 4:00 pm at the Museum.

Submitted by Margie Krauski, Secretary