Andy Ramirez had forwarded a letter from the Kansas Human Rights Commission informing of the dismissal of the age discrimination complaint. A thank you e-mail has been sent to Andy for all his work.

Treasurer

Piller distributed a draft of the year-end figures. A final report had not been received. The museum ended the year with $2,525.09 in the black. It was suggested that the estate-planning brochure be updated and distributed at the annual meeting each year. Phipps will direct the updating responsibility to the new development officer.

Niebaum and Phipps met with the Friends of Watkins on February 14. The meeting was to explain that any finances received by the Friends could not be independent of the museum’s budget, and that all fund-raising by them be approved by the Director. The Friends voted four to two to disband and regroup as a committee. Any funds currently held by them would be donated to Miss Lizzie’s gift shop. It was agreed that the Friends Committee were to work with the Director of the Museum. Some of their projects would include participating in programs, fund-raising and building upkeep.

It was noted that the amount of $175 was collected and forwarded to the Bleeding Kansas National Heritage area project.

Director’s report

Phipps reported that a Development Officer has been hired. His name is Richard Martin. Also a custodian, Brian Garcia, has been hired.

Phipps has been asked to accompany city officials to Lawrence’s sister city, Eutin, Germany. The weeklong trip will take place the first week in June and Phipps would have opportunities to interact with other historians and officials. Phipps requested that the Society pay one-half of her plane ticket, around $500. Humphrey moved that it be recommended to the Board that the Society pay one-half of Phipps’s plane ticket and grant her release time to attend this exchange. Piller seconded the motion. Motion was approved by voice vote.

The next board meeting will be February 24. Because Niebaum will be unable to attend, Simmons will preside. Phipps has been asked to conduct the first of a series of board responsibilities and education. Other agenda items will include a financial report, action on the trip to Eutin, introduction of Richard Martin, short committee reports and a tour of the collection.

The question was raised as to why the museum did not have an answering machine on the telephone system. The response was that it is currently too expensive at a cost of close to $2,000.

Meeting was adjourned at 6:33 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Patty Johnston

Secretary