MINUTES OF THE MAY 23, 2006, MEETING OF THE BOARD
Douglas County Historical Society
The meeting was called to order by President Sibley at 5 PM. Board members
present were: Phipps, Dailey, Pillar, Myers, Humphrey, Smith, Martin, Hyler,
Van Achen, Simmons, and Winkler. Absent: Waggoner, King, and Zoeller.
There were corrections to the previous Minutes as read, and corrected copies will be sent.
The Treasurer handed out his written report and discussed it.
The meeting with County Manager Craig Weinaug went well. He requested that some of our files be modified. The Museum plans to ask the County for an additional $30,000.
We hope to involve the City more directly with the Museum. Preparation first. Pillar plans to get advice from Commissioner Sue Hack. Dolph Simmons, Jr., will do an LJ World column when the time is right. Martin is handling this.
Douglas County Bank was given a Letter of Instruction on our Richards Unitrust. Meeting between Myers and Springer. We plan to budget for use of 6 percent of the total value of the Trust each year. The Bank will actively manage the Trust with a goal of at least 6 Percent growth.
There was considerable discussion of Van Achen's suggestion that the Historical Society hire a part-time fund raiser. Ultimately the Board asked Director Phipps to prepare a memo on this, a sample labor contract. One day per week was the thinking.
Director Phipps, in her report, raised the need to decide on our documents retention policy, previously given to the Board. The Board voted to accept the policy as printed. Our letter to People's Bank concerning the possible financial Grant, with an exchange of Board members between the two bodies, was received by the Bank. Decision due by June 15. This would supply $10,000 for each of 3 years for exhibits, etc. Volunteers from the Bank would help us, for example professional help with human relations. If the Society is chosen, need to determine we don't have an interlocking deal.
The Director gave us a report on Codes of Ethics for Museums, from the AAM.
Simmons gave us a letter concerning possible conflicts of interest in de-accessioning items.
Our big new exhibit on the Third Floor, Lawrence's Bismarck Grove at the turn of the 20th Century together with the traveling exhibit on harness racing in America, was noted and examined. It is on the Museum web site too.
The Board requested that Rebecca get with a local sign company, such as Star Signs, etc., on installing a new, correct sign on the existing sign posts. It is important that the company agreeing to supply the sign, know the zoning rules for signs downtown.
OLD BUSINESS Need to fill vacancies on the Board discussed.
NEW BUSINESS We need volunteers to discuss items related to the Historical Society on the Monday KLWN community program. Sibley will supply dates.
Sibley and Van Achen will work on the box lunch arrangements for the Civil War Days event on August 19.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:35 PM. NEXT BOARD MEETING TUE. JUNE 27,
AT 5 PM.
Respectfully submitted, William Winkler, Secretary