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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Museum Of Science And History Advisory Committee - 09/03/2009 it - ECEIVED SEP 2 5 2009 CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE MINUTES Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History Advisory Committee Meeting September 3, 2009 The Museum Advisory Committee met in the Museum's DeDietrich Conference Room at Noon on Thursday, September 3, 2009. Members Present: Jonda Halcomb, Robert Hatherill, Kathy Juneau, Tom Kimes, Shannon Madden, Jim Moloney, Nelida Ortiz, Luci Sosa, and Linda Tomo. Upon motion by Kathy Juneau and seconded by Tom Kimes, the minutes of the August 6, 2009 meeting were approved as presented. Upon motion by Jonda Halcomb and seconded by Rob Hatherill, the Committee unanimously excused the absences of Jim Moloney and Linda Tomo. Business: a. Committee members reviewed the applications forwarded by the City Secretary of those who might be appointed to serve on City Committees. There were no apllicants who focused their attention specifically on the Museum Advisory Committee. The Committee asked that Rick Stryker forward the digital version of the full applications to all members of the Committee. Members were asked to make forward their preference of the top two names to Rick by next Thursday, September 10. b. Adjunct Curator José Medina reported on the research he is conducting in pursuit of his Ph.D. on Native American cultural traditions in northern Mexico and south Texas. He also reported on his collaboration with Museum education staff to schedule presentations by Native Americans at the Museum. c. Upon motion by Kathy Juneau and seconded by Tom Kimes the committee unanimously approval the deaccession of 8 severely damaged wet specimens and a severely damaged book. d. Committee members discussed a"snapshot" of the Museum for fiscal year ending July 31, 2009 prepared by Rick Stryker. The"snapshot" included: I. A chart showing the responsibilities and support of the various components of the Museum including the City, Friends of the Museum, Museum Auxiliary, and the Museum Foundation. 2. Detailed accounting of expenditures for Museum activities, the audience impact (attendance, etc.) represented by current service levels, and the revenue derived from the various audiences served. 3. How the General Fund budget was spent (personnel—58%, City internal allocations— 20%, electricity— 17%, and operating budget—5%), personnel included in the various departments/divisions, and space allocations of the Museum. 4. A summary of the collection holdings of the Museum. 5. A staff organization chart was provided so that Committee members could relate this SCANNED 111011 V information to those individuals employed by the Museum. At the previous meeting in August the Committee discussed the fact that budget reductions are likely in store for the Museum next fiscal year and the need for the Museum to develop strategies to plan for these reductions. The City Council asked that City departments adopt a zero based budget approach. Although the Museum is not included in the pilot program for implementing that approach this year,that approach is as good as any to prepare for budget reductions. Key to zero based budgeting is the close involvement of constituencies in the development of the budget. The Museum Advisory Committee represents Museum constituencies and Rick is preparing the Committee to be more actively involved in budget development. In October there will be a review of the various charges and fees adopted by the Advisory Committee. Revenue derived from these charges and fees is used(in part) to measure the service levels provided to the community is one of the important foundations for the Museum budget. e. Staff reports o The plan for Columbus Day programming reviewed by the Committee. The Museum will be open on Monday, October 12'h. o Staff reported on the daily experience enhancement programming offered during the summer which is a key strategy to promote audience growth. o The first lecture of the year offered by the Friends on September 10 will be about the 1919 hurricane. The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.