Marcus Historical Society Meeting

July 24, 2007

The Marcus Historical Society met Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at the Reed Center with president June Dias presiding.

An addition to the minutes published in the Marcus News was made.  The motion for a standing rule to have the secretary send condolences in the event of the death of a Society member of family member of a Society member was omitted.  This motion was made by Bonnie Husman and seconded by Mary Peterson.  Motion carried.

The treasurer reported balances of $622.59 in checking and $3,680.00 in savings.  Shelving was purchased from the Orange City Ben Franklin store.

The fund raising committee reported that playing cards have been ordered and are being printed.  Three hundred calendars are to be ordered and both items should be available for sale at the Marcus Fair.

A fund raising mass mailing is ready to be sent with the names Mary Peterson, Bonnie Husman, and June Dias on it.  Faith Specht said that her name may be added.  Please submit addresses you may have to June Dias ASAP.

The newsletter committee report was given by June Dias.  The title of the publication will be Marcus Historical Society Past Times.  The newsletter will be sent to paid members, to plaque donors, and to those who have given in-kind donations.

The website continues to be accessed.  Genealogy questions have been coming in by this means and there has also been someone looking for the setting for a book. 

The building committee reports that the building signs have been installed.  The roof must be completed before basement cleaning is begun.  After discussion, it was decided to get bids on removing basement carpet and paneling.  Display cases were obtained free of charge from the Cherokee Fair.  A time will be set to clean them.

The auditing committee approved the books.

Nominating committee is meeting tonight.

Our 501(c)3 will be noted on the website and will be mailed if requested.

The billing from Holton Signs is $668.75 but the Society will be able to deduct the tax portion from the invoice.

A Gateway computer was secured from IPI Surplus.  The only cost involved was a payment of $32 to have an operating system installed.  (Windows 2000)  Mike and June Dias have donated a new 20 inch monitor and a mouse.

Brochures have been received from the Iowa Museum Association.  Hopefully the Marcus Historical Society will be included in next year's IMA publication.

Bob Boothby and Mike Barry are to be contacted to look at the electric setup in the building.

A written substantiation has been mailed to Steve Kunzweiler at Farmers State Bank for the donation of a copier valued at $1000.  An accounting has been made to the Reed's for their donation of $10,000.  This money has gone toward the purchase of the building, signage for same, and for the installation of the furnace and air conditioner.  A written substantiation needs to be made to Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Dorr for the donation of the AC/furnace unit from the former Clarence Hohbach farmhouse.

The president would like to attend the SMUG (small museum) meeting to be held at Sanborn on August 6.  Faith Specht moved, seconded by Bonnie Husman to pay the $10 registration fee.  Motion carried.  Jerry Pallesen moved, seconded by Jerry Meylor to pay mileage at 50 cents per mile.  Motion carried.

The Society will try to be open for "Lights on for Museums" night October 25, 2007.

There is computer software which is specific to museum use.  It is called PastPerfect and costs $795.  June will check with those attending the August 6 meeting at Sanborn to see what other small museums use.  Discussion was tabled.

Farmers State Agency has written a new liability & property policy through Jester Company.  This includes general liability (up to $1,000,000), property coverage (up to $180,000 with $500 deductible), data processing coverage, crime (theft) coverage and terrorism coverage.  The premium would total $728 per year.  Options which would decrease the premium were offered.  A motion was made by Jerry Pallesen, seconded by Don Specht to accept the policy as written.  Motion carried.

There are some "Mandatory Recommendations" from the current liability insurance carrier.  They include "The black mold substance needs to be removed from this building." "Replace gutters on the building to help elevate [sic] the moisture issue in the basement." "Exits should be marked with illuminated signs prior to opening."  A letter from the Society President was mailed 7/02/07 outlining Society plans to comply.

The fair booth schedule was circulated.  Members are asked to sign up for a 2 hour shift.  A special meeting will be held July 31 to finalize the schedule and booth.  A suggestion was made to open the Reed Center Saturday from 5 to 6 to try to accommodate class reunions.

Meeting adjourned.  Next meeting August 28.

Members present: Fran Zembsch, Jim Wiese, Jerry Pallesen, Bonnie Husman, Edith Bilsland, Faith and Don Specht, Sherree Ogren, June Dias, Mary Peterson, and Caryn Barry.  Notes taken by Caryn Barry.

Respectfully submitted,