1989-05-08 Special Meeting
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, MAY 8, 1989
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Special
Session on Monday, May 8', 1989, at 11:42 o'clock A.M. in the
General Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24
North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Commissioners present were: Jonathan Barfield, Sr.; W.
Albert Corbett, Jr.; E. L. Mathews, Jr.; Vice-Chairman, Nolan
O'Neal; Chairman, Fred Retchin; County Manager, G. Felix Cooper;
County Attorney, Robert W. Pope; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F.
Harrell.
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Chairman Retchin called the Special Session to order stating
the Museum Board of Trustees would like to discuss action taken
by the Board of Commissioners for closing the Museum during
construction of the expansion.
DISCUSSION OF MUSEUM EXPANSION
Mr. Bill Smith, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the New
Hanover County Museum, expressed appreciation to the
Commissioners for allowing the Museum Board to further discuss
the decision of moving the Museum staff to temporary quarters
during expansion and renovation of the present facility. He
stated the original plan recommended that the Museum continue to
function in the present building while the expansion was being
constructed with a closing of six to eight weeks for moving
artifacts and equipment from the present building to the new
building. The following advantages and disadvantages were
presented with cost figures:
Advantages of Moving to Temporary Quarters:
1. Save on costs of building construction.
2. Safety of staff and public.
3. Construction will be completed sooner enabling the staff
to move into a completed building and install exhibits
unencumbered by construction. (Note: The museum will
not be open to the public any sooner than the June 1991
projected date.)
4. Staff can focus on developing exhibits and programs for
the new museum rather than dividing time between
operating the museum in the armory and planning for the
future.
5. The museum operation in the armory will be disrupted
during construction; moving out in advance would
eliminate this inconvenience.
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Disadvantages of Moving to Temporary Quarters:
1. Reduction or elimination of services to the public.
2. Loss of identity in the community.
3. Potential loss of Institute of Museum Services grant.
4. Adjust education programs to become mobile to maintain
some level of public service. This will increase travel
costs.
5. Eliminate sources of income for the Museum Foundation;
gift shop and donations box which generate revenue
estimated at $7,500 for an 18-month period.
6. Additional costs of moving to temporary quarters. ,:.
7. Moving artifacts twice subjects the collection to
increased risk of damage.
COSTS
Rental Space based on $5 per square foot
9,500 sq. ft.
$32,980
Prep Cost - Phones and alarm
$ 3,980
Packing Materials for Collections
$ 2,500
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, MAY 8, 1989 (CONTINUED)
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Labor Cost to move collections shop,
offices, and exhibit cases twice
$ 8,000
Providing Mobile Education Programs
for the schools
$ 9,500
Printing (Letterheads & Brochures)
$
600
Dismantling & Reinstalling Exhibits
$ 1,600
Comparisons of Moving Versus Remaining in the Museum During
Construction:
1. Closing the Museum to the Public and moving to
free quarters:
Potential Cost: $26,180 to $100,180
including the loss of the IMS Grant.
2. Closing the Museum to the Public and paying rent
for temporary quarters:
Potential Cost: $97,430 to $171,430
including the loss of the IMS Grant.
3. Open Classroom and Public Exhibit Area and moving
to free quarters:
Potential Cost: $26,085 to $70,085
4. Open Classroom and Public Exhibit Area and paying
for temporary quarters:
Potential Cost: $116,085 to $160,000
Mr. Smith stated closing the Museum will greatly reduce the
chance of receiving the Institute of Museums Services grant which
is approximately $45,000 this year and presently funds 1 1/2
staff positions. He requested the Commissioners to reconsider
closing the Museum until further study can be made on the pros
and cons.
Commissioner Barfield stressed the importance of safety for
the Museum staff and general public stating this was the primary
reason that the Commissioners voted to close the Museum during
construction.
Motion:
After discussion of safety, the probable loss of the MIS
grant, and costs involved with a temporary move, Commissioner
Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Mathews to wait until
bids are received scheduling a meeting of all parties, including
the architect, at which time a decision will be made on whether
the Museum should be closed during construction of the expansion.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
INTRODUCTION OF ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY
MUSEUM
Museum Director, Janet Seapker, introduced the new Assistant
Museum Director, Jan Luth, from Charleston, West Virginia.
Chairman Retchin, on behalf of the Board, welcomed her
wishing her well in her new position.
AUTHORIZATION TO SEEK QUALIFICATION PROPOSALS FROM ARCHITECTS FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER
Commissioner Barfield stated the Parks & Recreation Advisory
Board has asked if they should be seeking proposals from
architects for design and cost estimates for construction of a
Senior Citizens Building?
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4~s OF SPECIAL MEETING, MAY 8, 1989 (CONTINUED)
Consensus:
After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners
to direct the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board to seek
qualification proposals from architects for construction of a
Senior Citizens Building and prepare a time schedule to be
presented to the Commissioners at a later date.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice-Chairman O'Neal MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett
to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Retchin adjourned the Special Meeting at 12: 26n
o'clock P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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Clerk to the Board
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