Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Museum Of Science And History Advisory Committee - 04/06/2000 • 160 MINUTES � 2azszsz�zg Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History ry^� - w Advisory Committee Meeting ni April6,2000 (o i , � The Museum Advisory Committee met in the Museum at Noon on Thursday, March 2000 a zt Members Present: Henry Brennecke, Art Howerton, Kathy Heymann,Gwen Hen ,'k. Carpenter, Pat Bacak-Clements, and Mary Longoria.. �c�?' i.t o�,a Upon motion by Mary Longoria and seconded by C.W. Carpenter the minutes of the March 2, 2000 meeting were unanimously approved. Upon motion by Art Howerton and seconded by C.W. Carpenter the absence of pat Bacak- Clements was excused for good cause. Business: a. Don Zuris, representing the collections staff of the Museum, was present to recommend the deaccession of a large number of minerals and a variety of historical artifacts. This action is requested as an ongoing effort to rid the collection of objects and artifacts that in most cases were not of the quality, rarity,or good condition required under the Collection Policy. Upon motion by Art Howerton and seconded by Mary Longoria the Committee unanimously approved the deaccession. Attendance continues below previous levels. For the period November though March (after the Columbus Fleet closed)total attendance was down 28% compared to the previous year and paid attendance was down 46%. Because of the increase in admission fees, revenue was down only 18%. The trend for attendance and revenue is generally upward. Attendance by school students-the main unpaid category- remained above previous year levels largely due to the Children of Children exhibit which attracted just under 2,000 middle and high school age students. c. Along with other City departments, the Museum budget will be significantly reduced next year. Service levels will be reduced as well,making budget reductions publicly noticeable. Some of the anticipated changes include closing at 5 p.m. rather than 6 p.m. in the summer time, closing entirely on Mondays, and closing the traveling exhibit gallery. Service will return to a level provided 15 year ago. General Fund supported staffing levels will be at a 15 year low and core support for the Museum is below what it was 15 years ago when adjusted for inflation. The essential functions and staffing of the Museum needed to maintain standards for accreditation remain intact, but at a minimal leveL d. Art Howerton moved and C.W. Carpenter seconded the motion asking the City Secretary to withhold release to the public of the home phone numbers and addresses of members of the Museum Advisory Committee. The motion passed on a vote of 6 for and 1 against. e. The contractor, B.E. Beecroft, has been asked to proceed on Discovery Hall construction. f. Members of City boards,commissions, and committees will be honored at a reception hosted by the Mayor and Council on May 8. SCANNED (11e Advisory Committee Meeting April 6, 2000 Page 2 g. Other matters not on the agenda: Hank Brennecke asked that the Advisory Committee consider recommending positive action on the part of the City toward keeping the Columbus ships. It was agreed that such a recommendation would be placed on the agenda of the next meeting for action by the Advisory Committee. There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.