DOUGLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

November 23, 2004-Minutes

The meeting of the Douglas County Historical Society Board was called to order at 5:00 p.m. at Watkins Community Museum. Chairman Jerry Niebaum presided. Attending were Phil Godwin, Martha Harris, Clenece Hills, Phil Humphrey, Patty Johnston, Ralph King, Jim Martin, Lew Phillips, John Simmons, Pennie Von Achen, Barbara Waggoner, and new board members Charles Derby, Bennett Griffin, Bill Myers, and Lynne Zollner. Also present were museum staff Rebecca Phipps and Dick Martin. Board members Dennis Dailey, Stan Hernly and Bob Piller were unable to attend, as was new member Napoleon Crews.

The minutes of the October 26 Board meeting were approved as printed. Niebaum explained that Board agendas and minutes are available on the website for those who use a computer and mailed to those who don’t.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Niebaum distributed the year-to-date financial report for January-October. Phillips reminded everyone the reasons why the positive net at this time. He stated that the income drive needs to be continued through 2006 if the Society/museum is to continue to show a positive outcome. Phrase two of the drive is still in process.

MEMBERSHIP

A proposal to raise the membership level had been distributed via e-mail. After reviewing responses, Niebaum decided to hold a discussion at the meeting. The proposal was for a $10 increase in three levels of membership; individual, family, and conservator, and to add a junior level for children. Humphrey moved that the proposal be accepted. Waggoner seconded the motion. Discussion followed. Hills proposed having a senior category. Motion was approved as presented with hand vote showed nine (9) yes and three (3) against. The change will be revisited in one year.

DIRECTOR’S EVALUATION

Niebaum reviewed the process used for the director’s evaluation. Out of fifteen board members, fourteen responded to the short evaluation. Niebaum read the averages. He also read the averages for the extended evaluation completed by administrative committee members. Copies of the evaluation results are on file in the museum office.

ELECTION OF 2005 OFFICERS

Humphrey and Von Achen will continue as at-large administrative members unless they are elected to an office. Niebaum read a list of people who have agreed to serve as officers and at-large members. Godwin moved that these names be placed in nomination. Humphrey seconded the motion. Motion was approved by hand vote. There was a call for other nominees. None were received. Humphrey moved the nominations close and these nominees be accepted by unanimous vote. Godwin seconded the motion. Motion was approved by hand vote.

Officers for 2005 are Chair, John Simmons; Vice-Chair, Pennie Von Achen; Secretary, Napoleon Crews; Treasurer, Bob Piller; at large-members, Charles Derby, Clenece Hills and Phil Humphrey. Derby will also serve as an assistant to Piller.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Phipps reported that the chamber mixer was well attended with 85-100 people and comments for the mixer were good. She is in the process of reviewing applicants for the curator’s position. So far 37 applicants have been received. She and Charlie Thomas, President of Clinton Historical Society hosted a gathering of Douglas County historical agencies last Friday. Plans are to have more of these meetings. The 2005 calendar is set. An application for an IMLS grant is in the process.

OTHER ITEMS

Niebaum distributed the 2004 report of the Douglas County Historical Society from the Chair. He noted five challenges for the Historical Society for 2005. They are a) continue to grow membership, especially corporate membership; b) continue to solicit financial contributions; c) identify and describe member benefits; d) create a signature annual event for fund raising; and e) grow in relationships with other historical society groups in Douglas County.

The next Board meeting is December 21. The next Administrative Committee meeting is December 14 with new and retiring officers.

Meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.

Patty Johnston

Douglas County Historical Society Secretary