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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-05-08 Special Meeting ".. ~P/) 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. ..'~ ~ 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. , 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 l 1 I, I MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, MAY 8, 1989 (CONTINUED) ,., 491 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? ~ 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, ~.~~~ Clerk to the Board n ~ ~