March 29, 2005

The meeting of the Douglas County Historical Society Board was called to order at 5:05 P.M. at the Watkins Community Museum of History. Chairperson John Simmons presided. Attending were Napoleon Crews, Dennis Dailey, Bennett Griffin, Martha Harris, Phil Humphrey, Jim Martin, Bill Myers, Bob Piller, Clenece Hills, Lynn Zollner, Barbara Waggoner, Pennie von Achen, and Steve Sublett. Museum Director Rebecca Phipps, Archivist Helen Krische, and Curator Kerry Lippincott were also present.

The minutes of the February 22, 2005 Board meeting were approved as printed.

INTRODUCTION OF NEW BOARD MEMBER

Hills: Introduced Linda Hyler, whom she has known a very long time. Hyler is highly qualified and very involved in the community. She is originally from Fort Scott.

PRESENTATION OF PAUL BAHNMAIER (LECOMPTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY)

Paul Bahnmaier introduced John Peterson. They were here to discuss Camp Sackett and welcome any support to preserve the campsite. They are seeking a resolution similar to that appearing on page 5 of the Bald Eagle news letter, which was provided to the board. John Peterson: Northeast Douglas County is under assault historically by the Hamm rock quarry. The Bald Eagle news letter was provided to explain why Camp Sackett is so important. Camp Sackett was really Kansas’ Valley Forge. Lecompton intends to make saving Camp Sackett a major project. The quarry idea should concern DCHS because it is happening in your county. LHS would like DCHS to approve a resolution of support. Humphrey: How has county commissioners responded to the quarry problem? Paul Bahnmaier: The county commissioners have not stated whether they are in favor or not. Humphrey: Perhaps we could file a complaint since the threat to the historical sight might jeopardize the national historic designation that the county seeks. Hills: Have you talked with Hamm? Paul Bahnmaier: Yes, and he is not concerned about the damage to Camp Sackett. We have hired an attorney. Dailey: He is reluctant to take any supportive action at this point, without the advice of an attorney. Waggoner: Lecompton can get a good deal of popular support if we broaden the approach. Humphrey: Made the following motion: The Board of the DCHS supports the resolution passed by the LHS and expresses its concern, and opposition to the rock quarry proposed to be located near, by and on the California-Oregon Trail and the Pre-Civil War Camp Sackett. The motion was seconded. Voting was performed by raising hands to indicate a yes vote. The motion passed with Sublett and Myers abstaining. Paul Bahnmaier: Would like us to do a press release in support of the LHS’s efforts. The board agreed. Simmons and Bahnmaier are to be identified as contacts in the release. Hills: We need to arrange a meeting with Hamm.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Piller: We are falling behind on budgeted income for corporate memberships. We need to pursue the corporate memberships. It is difficult to make an assessment on where we are with the budget at this time in the year. However, there appears to be a net gain from operations. Waggoner: We need a more visible way of getting donations from daily visitors to the museum. Humphrey: We need a suggested donations amount. Piller: We need to handle gift shop accounting separately and establish a separate bank account. Our accountant approves the separate account idea. Motion made to approve the separate account. After discussion, a separate motion was made to table the motion to approve the separate account. Pillar seconded the tabling motion. The motion passed by voice vote.

PROPOSAL FOR DCHS ADMINISTRATOR AND FUNDRAISING POSITION

Humphrey: Non-profit board training: it is the DCHS Board’s responsibility to raise money (see fundraising responsibility sheet). Phipps is not a DCHS Board staff member, she is the Executive Director of the museum and our structure is confused in that regard. Fundraising is a board responsibility, and the board needs a staff member to assist with fundraising. It is essential that we hire a director of development that will be a staff person of the DCHS. Griffin: We need to be on the same page as a board and promote team building. Humphrey: we need to clarify what we are doing and why. Dailey: we need to move ahead to the point where we act as a board and involve ourselves in the policy making aspect of our function. Martin: previous minutes approve the hiring of the development director and allocate 25,000, but we do not yet have the money. Phipps: county would not come through with any money for the development officer.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Phipps: Deferred until next month

DISCUSSION OF BOARD RETREAT (26 FEBRUARY)

Deferred until next month

DISCUSSION OF OPENING EVENTS FOR ROOSTER CROWING AUSPICE:

ART OF THE ZODIAC CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF THE ROOSTER

EXHIBIT ON 11 MARCH

Deferred until next month

OTHER BUSINESS

Deferred until next month

The next Board of Director’s meeting is Tuesday, April 26, 2005 from 5 – 7 P.M.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Napoleon Crews

Secretary