City of Jacksonville Heritage Cultural Center Board met July 11.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The meeting (held in the Jacksonville Municipal Building Mayor’s Conference Room) was called to order at 5:15 p.m. by David Blanchette, Chairman. Those present included David Blanchette, Michael Burke, John Clancy, Patsy Erickson, Diane Hollendonner, Laura Marks, James Pisell, Samantha Sauer, Steve Varble, and Judy Tighe (Ex-Officio). Absent were Kyla Hurt, Trevor Lawson, Lynne Phillips, Charles Rice, and Brittany Henry (Ex-Officio).
New board member Michael Burke, history teacher at Jacksonville High School, was introduced. Cindy Boehlke, children’s librarian at the Jacksonville Public Library, has also agreed to join the board and is waiting for her nomination to be approved by the city council.
Minutes of the June 13, 2019 meeting were approved as distributed.
Treasurer James Pisell reported a balance of $42,350.74 in the small business checking account. It was voted to approve expenses of $50 given to Illinois College in memory of board member John Power and $302.60 to GoDaddy to purchase a 10-year lease for the domain name jacksonvilleareamuseum.org.
David Blanchette announced that local philanthropist Scotty DeWolf viewed the installation of one of the temporary history displays and offered to contribute 5% from future monthly rentals of his B & B properties (approximately $300 monthly) to the museum. Discussion followed on a possible date for a formal check presentation, which may need to be coordinated with other local groups. Final details will be communicated at a later time.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Administrative: David Blanchette, James Pisell, and Samantha Sauer recently toured the Old Post Office building to check on construction progress. The bathrooms are almost completed. The board reviewed estimates from J.B. Large & Sons for painting and patching in the front lobby, and security systems from George Alarm Company. An alarm system can’t be installed until the painting is completed, and it might be September before painting can begin. James Pisell will get an additional estimate for painting, and discussion will continue at the August meeting. It was noted that prevailing wage estimates will have to be used to conform to potential grant applications. Once specific projects/costs are voted upon, grant applications will be made to assist with the work.
Samantha Sauer passed out “Meet the Board” surveys for board members to fill out and attach photographs to use in promoting the museum on social media.
Steve Varble presented a marketing services proposal which included “killing” the current Facebook page and relaunching it under the new name “Jacksonville Area Museum” with a fresh new look. He showed examples of branding/color scheme/themes for basic website pages, including areas for contact information, directions, schedules, special exhibits, and membership/volunteer information. He emphasized keeping the pages current and attractive to younger users, easily accessible on smartphones, and promoting activities that would interest people who weren’t historians (since they would come anyway) but who were looking for a fun experience. More ideas with cost estimates will be presented at the August meeting.
There were no new reports on grant applications or museum memberships.
Collections: David Blanchette will examine a WWI cot that has been offered as a donation.
Exhibits: There are still two small and two large temporary display cases that need to be filled and placed on display. It is still too early to develop any community interest surveys to place with the temporary exhibits, but the idea will be pursued once the museum is closer to opening.
The display area in the main entrance to Jacksonville High School has several possibilities for placing larger items. David Blanchette and Michael Burke will work on having something ready by the time school opens in the fall. It was suggested that the JHS history classes be responsible for developing new exhibits each year, while learning research and presentation techniques.
Promotion: No new speaking opportunities have been scheduled.
Steve Varble and Laura Marks will put together a promotional lead-up for the DeWolf check presentation.
John Clancy asked if there were any developments on establishing a relationship with MacMurray College, but due to administration changes those plans have been put on hold.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: None. There were no public comments.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, August 1, 5:15 p.m., in the Mayor’s Conference Room at the Jacksonville Municipal Building.
With no further business or announcements to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
https://www.jacksonvilleil.gov/city_government/boards_commissions_and_committees/docs/Boards%20Commissions%20Committees/HCC_Minutes/2019/HCC%20Minutes%207.11.19.pdf
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