DOUGLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE

July 13, 2004

 

            The Administrative Committee meeting was called to order at 5:00 on July 13, 2004 at the Watkins Community Museum.  Attending were Board officers John Simmons, Patty Johnston, and Bob Piller; Society representatives Lew Phillips (arriving a little late), and Pennie Von Achen, and Director Rebecca Phipps, with Jerry Niebaum, Chair presiding.  Phil Humphrey was unable to attend.

 

            The minutes of the June 15, 2004 meeting were approved as written.  The minutes of the general membership meeting of July 11 are on the web site for review.

 

Correspondence

 

            Bill Crowe with the Spencer Library at KU has written inviting the Board to hold their next regular meeting (Sept. 28) at the Spencer Library.   On display will be a new exhibit about Lawrence for the Sesquicentennial.  Discussion was held regarding this invitation.  It was agreed to hold the meeting at Spencer from 5:00 until 6:00 and then from 6:00 until 7:00 have a social hour inviting the local history museum Board members.  Niebaum will correspond with Crowe.

 

Financials

 

Piller distributed the 2004-year to date financial summary for the month of June.   Phillips reported that the corporation membership committee is working on its first phase of visiting leading area members.  A large donation has recently been received. The question was asked that when the financial committees are successful in their campaigns, what is the plan for the funds? 

 

Piller and Phipps presented the 2005 budget for the Museum to the County Commissioners.   Phipps reported that so far, funds for the restrooms renovation and for the Development officer’s salary have been approved.  One of the commissioners asked about future funding needs and Phipps present the idea of the addition of a kitchen in the museum’s ground floor.  The commissioner also suggested the idea of purchase of additional space for the museum. 

 

Staffing

 

            Niebaum reported he has e-mailed  James Hill with the National Parks Service asking to meet with him regarding the grant, but as of yet has had no reply.

 

 

 

 

Director’s report

 

            Phipps reported the vacuum cleaner is broken beyond repair and needs to be replaced.  Pennie VonAchen moved Phipps be authorized to purchase a vacuum cleaner at a cost of not more than $600.00.  Johnston seconded the motion.  Motion was approved by voice vote.

            The staff is completing the exhibit of “150 years of fashion accessories”.  They are also discussing ideas for events for 200.  There will be at least four quarterly presentations such as held on Sunday, July 11.  The July 11 event, the Will Rogers presentation was well received.  Approximately 150 people attended with not even standing room available.  August will center on the Civil War on the Western Frontier days events.

            Phipps proposed a kitchen area be installed on the lower floor of the museum at the north end with either French or folding doors to separate the areas when needed. 

 

Other items

 

            Niebaum will contact Robert Dole as speaker for the annual meeting to be held November 9.  

            Stan Hernly will be asked for suggestions regarding the updating of the sign in front of the Museum building. 

            Simmons distributed a report for the membership committee. The recommendations include a new membership structure, a new brochure, and requesting board member to each recruit ten new members from among their friends.  Niebaum volunteered to design and create a brochure.  It was agreed that a Douglas County Society membership table is needed at Museum events.  The Membership Committee will make arrangements to have Board members staff this table.

 

            Future meeting dates were set for the Administrative Committee.  They are August 17, on call only, Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Dec. 14.

 

            Meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Patty Johnston

Secretary