DOUGLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
February 24, 2004-Minutes
The meeting of the Douglas County Historical Society Board was called to order at 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 24. Vice Chair, John Simmons, presided, as Chair, Jerry Niebaum, was unable to attend. Attending were Dennis Dailey, Phil Godwin, Martha Harris, Stan Hernly, Clenece Hills, Phil Humphrey, Patty Johnston, Ralph King, Jim Martin, Lew Phillips, Bob Piller, Pennie von Achen, Barbara Waggoner, and Director, Rebecca Phipps. Also present were Helen Krische-Dee, Alison Miller, Dick Martin and Thelma Taylor. Board members George Catt, Andy Debicki and David Longhurst, were unable to attend.
FINANCIALS
Piller reported that an end of the year financial report had not been received from the accountant. He noted that the Museum ended the year with $2,525.09 in the black due to an increase in membership and corporate fund giving. The end of the year campaign by Phil Godwin successfully produced $2,050 in business solicitations, an increase over the previous eleven months of 63.5%.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Phipps reported that Brian Garcia had been hired as custodian and positive results had been noted. Phipps introduced the development officer, Dick Martin who will serve on the membership, corporate and fund raising committees.
Phipps has been asked to accompany city officials to Lawrence’s sister city, Eutin, Germany on an exchange program. The weeklong trip will take place the first week in June and Phipps will have opportunities to interact with other historians and officials. The Administrative Committee recommended that the Society pay one-half of her plane ticket, around $500 and grant her release time to attend this exchange. Humphrey moved that this recommendation be accepted. J. Martin seconded the motion. Motion was approved by voice vote. It was suggested that ideas for a program for the German visitors when they exchange in September be considered in the near future.
NEW BUSINESS
Hills noted that the Museum should be represented with a float in the Sesquicentennial parade to be held in September. A workshop will be held on July 17. It was agreed that a Float Committee be formed at the next Board meeting.
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES – PART 1
Simmons turned the meeting over to Phipps to present the first of a series on Board responsibilities. The three essential duties are 1) give an annual gift, 2) promote the DCSH/WCMH programs and 3) attend the DCSH/WCMH programs and events. Phipps distributed handouts for the Board members handbooks. She reviewed the materials that included ten suggested responsibilities of a Board.
Phipps distributed written reports from the Archivist, Helen Krische-Dee and Curator, Alison Miller.
The next Board meeting is March 30 and the next Administrative Committee meeting is March 16.
Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Johnston
Secretary