08-17-05 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Susan R. Visser, Executive Director of the South Bend Regional Museum of Art made the presentation. She provided a summary of activities on their operations and gave several handouts to the Committee which she highlighted. The handouts included tickets to the last"Meet Me on the Island" for August 26, 2005; postcard on"Off the Wall" event for September 29th; SBRMA Fall Class Schedule 2005; Flora handout from March 5th-May 8th; one-page summary of "Beyond Tomorrow"from Jason Lahr, Curator of Exhibitions; 3-page copy of website on Art for Teens Only Fall Classes; and 3-page copy of website on SBRMA E-Newsletter(copies attached). Ms. Visser noted that in late 2004 and early 2005 they had many rough spots and faced deficit situations, resulting in the closing of the Museum Shop. She noted that they have had discussions with Peggy Soderberg at the Studebaker Museum about the possibility of partnering in this area. She noted that she has a vibrant staff of 9 full-time employees, 11 part-time employees, and over 200 volunteers including 50 touring guards. Council Member Kelly thanked Ms. Visser for her many services to the community. Studebaker Museum General Fund# 101-0409 2006 Expenses $206,179 2006 Grants/subsidies$ 189,000 John Farrell, the treasurer of the Studebaker Museum made the presentation. He noted that Becky Bonham is in the State of Washington at an International Studebaker Drivers Meeting. He stated that these are exciting times with October 28-30, 2005 being the Grand Opening for the museum. The museum receives $172,000 per year from the city plus $17,000 for next year to assist in the unknown utility costs and new expenses. In response to a question from Council Member Kelly, Mr. Farrell stated that $750,000 in contributions were received in 2000; and $200,000 in pledges were made from 2000-2004. They are challenging all members to give $68 each as part of a 5-year giving plan and they would get a coin. He noted that this would result in$340 each x 10,000 members. They are also selling bricks. In 2007,the International Studebaker Drivers meeting will be held in South Bend and should have about 5,000 attending. They anticipate a need of $1 million for endowment purposes.. They are working well with the Center for History. In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello, Mr. Farrell stated that science/dinosaur tours are not expected in the future, however they are trying to develop other educational alternatives. Mayor Luecke stated that in their 5-year business plan it was noted that additional monies may be needed in 2006. Dr. Varner requested copies of their Form 990's and annual report since they have provided this information in the past and since they are a 501C3 operation. He noted that the $750,000 pledge of the Drivers Club was never fulfilled, noting that the $750,000 came from MACOG. He wished them the best but voiced concern over false expectations. He noted that a request is before the Board of Public Works for$419,000. August 17,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 2-