Marcus Historical Society Meeting

June 26, 2007

The Marcus Historical Society met Tuesday, June 26 at the Reed Center.

The minutes of the May meeting were approved as published in the Marcus News.  The treasurer reported balances of $3,683.99 in savings and $3,232.03 in checking.  There were several small checks written and one sizable expenditure of $1,814 to the Marcus Lumber for removing, moving and installing the donated furnace and air conditioner in the Reed Center.  Lifetime membership from Ken and Carole McQueen of Omaha and James and Marian McGhee of Buena Park, California.

June Dias reported on behalf of the public relations committee.  She said that she has been interviewed by Nancy Hohbach of the Chronicle about the Society.  The fund raising committee report included garage sale proceeds of approximately $800 and the sale of 8 $100 plates for the perpetual plaque.  The calendar materials will be sent in as soon as the picture of the depot is received.  Five sponsorships are still needed to complete the playing card project.

Jim Wiese contributed a photo scrapbook to the historians.

No word has been received as yet about the INS grant.  If the grant is awarded to the Society, WesTel Systems will contribute matching funds.

Webmaster June Dias says that the Society's website has been viewed 246 times during the proceeding month.

The building committee has accepted Mike Olson's bid for a new steel roof.  Gutters will be done by Guarantee of Cherokee after the roof is completed.

Jim Wiese presented two possible designs for a Marcus Historical Society sign.  These were drawn up by Holton Custom Signs of Cherokee.  Those in attendance favored a sign on the building rather than on posts out front.  Details will be worked out.

At a previous meeting the purchase of a bulk mailing permit was approved.  Further research has shown that this might not be a cost effective move at this time.  Jerry Meylor moved, seconded by Bonnie Husman to hold off on the purchase.  Motion carried.

Utilities for the past 2 months stand at $42.66.  The president asked for approval of a Standing Rule for the treasurer to pay utility bills as they come in.  Faith Specht so moved, seconded by Mary Peterson.  Motion carried.

The current liability insurance policy needs partial payment until Farmers State Agency completes the writing of a liability and property policy through the Jester Co.  (Membership in the Iowa Museum Association qualifies the Society for this insurance.)  A motion was made by Mary Peterson and seconded by Edith Bilsland to pay $275 at this time.  Motion carried.  An insurance company representative recently inspected the site and made the recommendation that the Society consider installing a security system rather than trying to insure the building contents.

The Iowa Museum Association is encouraging members to participate in an Iowa Magazine special "museum tour focus" ad section in the Sept/Oct issue and also to plan a special activity for the weekend of September 15 & 16.  The consensus of those present was to wait until next year.

In keeping with the Society's mission, a newsletter needs to be begun.  The newsletter committee will include Faith Specht, Sherree Ogren, and June Dias.

Board elections will be coming in September.  An auditing committee needs to be in place before then.  Bonnie Husman and Mary Peterson volunteered to serve.  Also needed is a nominating committee .  Two seats on the board will be open.  Jim Wiese and Jerry Meylor will serve and will search for at least two people who are willing to be on the ballot.  This should be done by the July meeting.  As per the Constitution and Bylaws, the Board will select its own officers after the two open positions have been filled.

A discussion was held concerning the need for someone to thoroughly clean and powerwash the basement.  This would include removing musty paneling and carpeting and cleaning the ductwork.  It was decided that estimates could be requested but the actual work needs to wait until the building has gutters and downspouts.

The next meeting will be held Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 7:00pm at the Reed Center.

Respectfully submitted,