MINUTES OF
THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS,
Present: Charles Thomas (new), Glee Smith, William Winkler (recording), Bill Myers, P. Von Achen, J. Martin, President Sibley, Phyllis Tiffany, Leslie Miller, Linda Hyler, Matt Richards, James Dunn, Randy Van Schmus
Absent: P. Humphrey, B. Waggoner , Bob Piller
Staff present: Rebecca Phipps, Helen Krische, Kerry Lippencott\
The meeting was called to order by President Sibley at the
Museum,
As the meeting began, John Coffman, CMR Construction, assisted
by Bo Hamby, reported on the state of plans for repair of the Watkins Museum of
History slate roof. He recapped the
CMR initially proposed to have 1/3 of the slate pieces
replaced, being nailed with copper nails to wood framing, and with a waterproof
underlayment, not available in the nineteenth
century. Allied sent the Douglas County
Historical Society a check for approximately $70,000 on
In September 2006, Craig LeGere, a
member of the National Slate Association, determined that the slate damage was
consistent with damage by hail, and 70% of the broken slate pieces counted, had
splits. Close up examination showed that
12.8% were damaged and needed replacement.
Coffman hired Haag Engineering of
Coffman delivered 120 samples of our slate roof to Haag, at his expense of about $2000. Haag’s testing on April 20 with new red slate did indeed indicate damage from hail, not old age. This was the first time the engineers had ever made this test. It was found that, however, it may not be possible to mix old and new slate to make a viable roof, even though color and texture are perfect; new slate will not lie perfectly flat against old. In that case an entirely new slate roof will be needed.
A
The Middle Granville quarry will require months to produce the needed slate. Coffman will visit the quarry to monitor progress. It may be autumn before roof repairs are begun.
The March minutes were approved by Hyler, seconded by Myers, with Tiffany’s correction that Barbara Ballard is not a current member of the Society. So voted.
Treasurer’s Report
Myers handed out written reports for February and March, and
discussed verbally. We are in the black with one-half of the
Staff Reports
Written monthly summaries by Phipps, Krische,
and Lippencott were provided. There was discussion about the Director’s
suggestion that our building be put on
Two upcoming public programs were announced. There are fliers and newspaper announcements. It is expected that we can participate in the May 10 24 Hours in the Life of Lawrence. Hyler is working on more effective school notification of Museum programs. There is a good prospect for a fiberglass museum sign when we have the money.
The draft of Museum Policies was approved unanimously by the Board. It appears that the dinner dance on August 11 will be preceded by a catered dinner on the third floor of the Museum. Can’t dance up there. We plan to start a program of breakfast and/or lunch speakers in September. The new brochures on the Civil War on the American Frontier are due early in May. The Annual Report is being printed for us by Allen Press. More volunteer help is needed greeting visitors at the door on parts of Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Old Business
Hyler, Miller, and Krische are working on the August 5K run and walk formerly
administered by Marcia Riley. At each
meeting Hyler will pass around a help sign up
sheet. Maybe Board members could sign up
for seven jobs. Permission to run the
race through
We need an inventory policy for Miss Lizzie’s Gift Shop. Policy on key use will be considered in May. The Museum media policies were approved as Tiffany moved acceptance, Martin seconded, so voted.
New Business
Myers suggested that current policies be collected into binders for new Board members. A new date for our postponed January retreat is pending. Dunn will be attending the Preservation Alliance and State Historical Society meetings.
Meeting adjourned at
NOTE next Board meeting,