HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Museum Of Science And History Advisory Committee - 06/03/2010 RECEIVED
JUL 302010
MINUTES
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and Histor CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
Advisory Committee Meeting
June 3, 2010
The Museum Advisory Committee met in the Museum's DeDietrich Conference Room at Noon
on Thursday, June 3, 2010. Members Present: Pablo Garza,Tom Kimes, Scott Sutherland,
Luci Sosa, and Linda Torno.
Upon motion by Linda Torno and seconded by Scott Sutherland the minutes of the May 6, 2010
regular meeting were approved as presented.
Upon motion by Pablo Garza and seconded by Linda Tomo the absence of Luci Sosa was
excused. Upon motion by Linda Tomo and seconded by Scott Sutherland the absence of Pablo
Garza was excused.
Business:
a. Rick Stryker reported that the FY 2011 budget submitted to the City Council reduces funding
for the Museum by$41,193 from$1,734,292 to$1,693,099. The budget includes the elimination
of one full time position(Museum Educator). Associated with this reduction will be the
reduction in public and school programming capacity of about 20%. The "general resources"
allocated to Museum support was reduced by$97,196 from$1,417,969 to$1,320,773. Projected
increases in earned revenue cushioned the reduction in expenditures somewhat. For the third
year in a row there will be no cost of living pay increase for civilian employees.
Rick reviewed a draft reorganization plan for Museum staff taking into account the elimination
of the Museum Educator position in January when Sandra Linderman retires and the likely action
to freeze the vacancy caused by Bonnie Laya's retirement in March 2011. The loss of two senior
positions and the vacancy associated with freezing the Maintenance Supervisor position when
David Rivera retired last fall makes it necessary reorganize staff structured and revise job
descriptions. By the end of FY 2011 there will be 16 full time Museum staff members, a
reduction of 16% from the beginning of FY 2010.
The proposed impact on public safety by FY 2011 budget reductions is again minimized. Over
the past 15 years public safety has increased as a percentage of the General Fund from about
35% to a proposed 55% in FY 2011. This has been done by shifting funding from other General
Fund departments including the Museum. As a result the Council is expected to consider further
reductions in expenditures as well as proposals developed by Crowe Horwath, a private
consultant, for consolidation and reorganization of General Fund departments. The Museum is
the subject of a proposal for privatization.
The fee changes adopted by the Advisory Committee and forwarded to the City Manager for his
consideration after the May meeting are not included in the proposed budget.
b. Collection Manager Ashley Henderson presented the proposed new exhibit concept to the
Advisory Committee for the Kenedy Gallery, Lifestyles and Life Ways: Corpus Christi in the
SCANNED
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1880's. It will tell this story focusing on the Dining Room, Parlor, and Bedroom. Included in
the exhibit will be an examination of childhood and child rearing and the development of Corpus
Christi during this period.
c. Ms. Henderson then outlined the progress of the La Belle Collection inventory and storage
project, funded by the Texas History Commission. Helping with this project is a temporary
employee, Eric Ray.
d. Museum Educator Sandra Linderman shared with Committee members the plan for daily
summer experience enhancement programming June 8th through mid August. The schedule for
June was made available for review and comment.
e. Staff Reports
• The Friends are sponsoring a Native American concert on June 19`h.
• There is a Statewide planning meeting June 9/10 in Gonzales for the 175 anniversary
celebration of Texas Independence in 2011 highlighting Centennial Museums including
the one in Corpus Christi. Rick Stryker representing the City in this endeavor.
• Rick Stryker will represent Corpus Christi, Nueces County, and the Texas Tropical Trail
Region at a scoping meeting studying the proposed designation of the Chisholm Trail as a
national heritage trail - June 9 in Austin
• The CVB has proposed the creation of a culture and heritage tourism portal and has
apparently changed their policy regarding marketing the Museum. The Museum was
included in a number of publications for which funding by the Museum was not
available.
• Rick Stryker, as Chairman of the Board for Texas Tropical Trails Regions, will attend a
Texas Heritage Trails statewide meeting in Amarillo—June 10/11
• The Museum will participate in Sail South Texas 2010 by offering discounted tours to the
sailors aboard the tall ships.
• There continues to be significant disruption for visitors due to Bond 2008 Project—
mechanical system revisions ongoing in the North Building.
f. Upon motion by Pablo Garza and seconded by Linda Torno the Committee unanimously voted
to cancel the July meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
2010 Meeting Schedule: Thursdays August 5 November 4
September 2 December 2
October 7