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Minutes of Monthly RHS Board Meeting Meeting date: February 28, 2023 Page 1
RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
February 28, 2023
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 2023 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
Attending
Board Members: President Dan Clawson; Treasurer Don Hunsaker III; Secretary Robert Wilson.
Absent: none. A quorum of Board Members was present. Museum Staff: Director Elizabeth
Stewart. Guests: None
Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement
President Dan Clawson called the Zoom meeting to order at approximately 5:35PM.
News, updates, correspondence, and public comments
Update on Operations and Facility – Museum Director Elizabeth Stewart shared the challenges
of being understaffed; of recruiting; the changes being made to the membership software Salsa
Labs and the implications; progress on next newsletter; the formal cancellation of the Art of the
Aloha Exhibit; and the acquisition of the “Custer Coat.” She answered Board questions about
grants and overhead costs.
Review and approval of minutes Action Item
• Board Meeting January 31, 2023. Don Hunsaker III moved to approve, seconded by Dan
Clawson; passed unanimously.
Work sessions
• Financial Report – Treasurer Don Hunsaker III gave a very detailed look at
the RHS financial situation. Among the highlights: although there is a
$181,000 carry over from last year, however, the Board will need to raise
$40,000 this year to make budget; RHS lost $4650 in deposit money by
canceling Aloha exhibit; and the importance of maintaining 3% rule – not
taking more than that amount yearly from the endowment fund. He also
discussed the archiving of the previous treasurers’ files and the increase in
insurance. Don also very strongly recommended that HVAC service be
completed on the Museum annex. He said that we need to be thoughtful
before requesting a structural analysis from an structural engineer. Don
proposed that the Executive Committee visit the Annex to better assess and
prioritize maintenance needs.
• President’s Report – President Clawson advocated for the board “to step up”
fundraising. He is in discussion with a DJ for a possible upcoming “boot
scootin’ boogie.” He also suggested changes to the museum website to
make it easier for members to renew online. Dan talked about possibility of
Minutes of Monthly RHS Board Meeting Meeting date: February 28, 2023 Page 2
board members wearing a museum cap and tee-shirt to be worn in public as
a conversation starter. He also led a discussion on the possible archival of
paper documents and the legal responsibility to maintain easily accessible
records, and the importance of maintenance of the Annex.
Mission & Nonprofit Moment
Mission Moment – Director Elizabeth Stewart expressed hopes that the Board and the
Museum could work together to better align goals and work.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:05 pm. The March Board meeting was set
for Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. as a hybrid meeting via Zoom or in person at
Renton Museum.
Minutes submitted by Robert Wilson, Secretary