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Board Minutes 2015-11-17final Page 1 of 2
RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
November 17, 2015
, 2005
, 2005
, 2002
Attending: Stefanie McIrvin, Laura Clawson, Betsy Prather, Alice Stenstrom, Elizabeth P.
Stewart, Kim Sweet, and Lisa Wivag.
Absent: Vicki Jo Utterstrom and Vinod Waghamare.
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by President Stefanie McIrvin. The meeting was
held at the Renton History Museum, 235 Mill Ave S, Renton.
Artifact of the Month Information
Betsy Prather brought in a carved wooden spoon that her grandmother brought with her when
she left southwestern Russia to emigrate to Lincoln, NE to keep her sons from being drafted
into the Russian Army. Betsy’s family are Volga Germans and the spoon is characteristic of their
craftsmanship. The spoon is one of the few remaining possessions from her grandmother.
Oral Communications / Public Comments Information
Liz Stewart asked trustees to complete a survey about their communication habits, to help the
next Board Secretary. She will share the results at the December meeting.
Board Communication Information
Kim Sweet reported that Renton School District seventh graders enjoyed their visit to the
Museum in late October and early November, and she shared thank you notes written by
students. She commended Museum volunteers and staff for making it a great exp erience.
Board Correspondence
Liz shared a flyer about proposed relaxation of code restrictions on the property at Dan
McGovern house at 212 Third Street South (formerly Vino’s), for trustees’ information.
Consent Agenda (Vice President) Action Item
MOTION: A quorum being present, Laura Clawson moved to approve the consent
agenda; Kim Sweet seconded. Motion passed, none opposed, none abstaining.
Old Business Action Items
(1) Board recruitment update: Liz staffed an open house for prospective trustees on Thurs.,
Nov. 12. Four potential Board members attended, along with Community Services
Administrator Terry Higashiyama and Councilmember-elect Ryan McIrvin in Stefanie’s place.
Antoin Johnson came with a completed application; Liz will circulate it via email and check with
him about availability for an interview. Antoin lives in Renton and works for Pokemon, and he’s
enthusiastic about joining the Museum Board.
Stefanie asked about a Council liaison to the Board; Liz will check with current Council
President Ed Prince to see whether he wants to ask someone, or whether it should wait for the
Board Minutes 2015-11-17final Page 2 of 2
RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
November 17, 2015
, 2005
, 2005
, 2002
new President. Councilmember Ruth Pérez is currently receiving our minutes, but
Councilmember-elect Carol Ann Witschi had applied to join the Board before she began her
campaign for the Council.
Discussion / Action Items Discussion
(1) 1st Budget presentation for 2016: Treasurer Laura Clawson reviewed the proposed 2016
Renton Historical Society budget for trustees. The budget includes an extra $10,000 in case it’s
needed for the lobby renovation project; if it is not needed we can always take a smaller
operating draw. It’s a little difficult to predict memorial and donation income for 2016, given
the extraordinary number of memorials given in 2014 and 2015, including donations earmarked
for the lobby project in memory of Terri and Bill Briere. Trustees discussed other sources of
income, including tours. Laura drew their attention to notes that explained any seeming
deviation from the norm.
(2) Strategic Plan in 2016: Stefanie reviewed possible initiatives for 2016. She recommended
that the Board consider conducting a Board retreat in late February, after which an ad hoc
committee could be formed for to work on a revised strategic plan. Laura filled trustees in on
past retreats, and past revisions of the strategic plan; the first one took 18 months, but since
this is a revision, the Board should be able to complete by the end of December 2016.
Trustees agreed that an ad hoc committee should be formed immediately to plan the Board
retreat, to develop a theme, activities, and agenda, and select a venue and possibly a facilitator;
Liz reminded them there is $300 in the budget for the retreat. Betsy volunteered to chair the
committee, and Alice Stenstrom and Lisa Wivag volunteered as well.
(3) Board Secretary: Stefanie announced that Museum Director Liz Stewart will no longer have
time to serve as Board Secretary after December, although she will continue to attend meetings
and provide support for Board activities. Stefanie asked trustees to think about volunteering or
the position will rotate; Liz will circulate a job description.
Adjournment Action Item
Kim Sweet moved to adjourn; Laura Clawson / Lisa Wivag seconded. The motion passed and
the meeting adjourned at 6:48 pm.
Elizabeth P. Stewart, Secretary
Board of Trustees,
Renton Historical Society