Minutes and agenda archive

Historic Shepherdstown

Board Minutes

April 2, 2008

Members present included: M. Austin, L. Cox, P. Cox, E. Dunleavy, J. Griffith, B. Lowe,

E. Moore, J. Shank, V. Smith and A. Wayt.  Also present was C. Cook, Administrator.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 by President, E. Moore. 

The minutes of the March 5, 2008 HS Board meeting were approved on a motion by E. Dunleavy and a second by J. Griffith with the correction that E. Dunleavy voted no regarding the motion for B. Ayers to survey museum charges in the area.  Unanimously carried.

Treasurer’s Report – E. Dunleavy reported that there is a $12,000 decline in cash from last year.  Rents are down $3,700 from last year.  Total expenses are also down with our net income actually up by about $140.00.  Board must remember that the cushion we once had due to Legislative Digest money is not there anymore.

Motion by P. Cox, second by V. Smith to accept treasurer’s report as presented.  Unanimously carried.

Membership update – C. Cook reported that membership is $19,937 as compared to $16,487 last year at this time.  Only 4 new memberships to date.  It was recommended that potential members be brought to the Spring Social to encourage new membership.

Entrance fee museum – Discussion regarding charging an entrance fee to the museum was held with the following motion – E. Dunleavy moved that the Officers formulate and implement the admission policy for the museum, 2nd by A. Wayt.  Yeas – M. Austin, E. Dunleavy, B. Lowe, V. Smith, A. Wayt and R. Winkel.  Against – J. Griffith, L. Cox & J. Shank.  Motion passes.

Gift Store – E. Moore explained to the board that an unused glass display case had been moved downstairs with the thought of putting it near the front entrance to sell items.  If not in front, maybe by the back door.  J. Shank shared that he felt selling books was fine but the display case cheapened the look of the museum as we are not set up for “selling”.  If you look at almost every other museum, gift shops are in separate rooms not detracting from the message that the museums are trying to achieve.  Motion by L. Cox, second by J. Shank to table discussion of a museum store until next month.  Unanimously carried.

Upcoming events – The board was reminded that the Premier Opening Reception for the Museum would be April 12th.  A ribbon cutting by the Mayor would take place the next morning at 11 am for the official season opening of the Museum.  It would send a good message for all board members to be present.  The Annual Spring Reception will be held May 9th.  Docents are still needed for the season. 

Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm on a motion by L. Cox and a second by A. Wayt.  Unanimously carried.

Respectfully submitted

Cynthia S. Cook, Administrator