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RHS Minutes_082520_final Page 1 of 2
RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
August 25, 2020
, 2005
, 2005
, 2002
Attending: Colleen Lenahan, Doug Brownlow, Laura Clawson, Jessica Kelly, Rhea Kimble,
Lynne King, Mike Lennox, Betsy Prather, Staci VanderPol, and Elizabeth P. Stewart.
Guests: Amy Gorton, prospective Board member
Call to Order, Intro, Guest Speaker
President Colleen Lenahan called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. The meeting was held
remotely due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Elizabeth Stewart introduced Amy Gorton, a
prospective Board member, who talked a little about herself. Trustees introduced themselves
and shared how they are doing.
News, Updates, and Public Comments Information
(1) Elizabeth Stewart provided a museum update. The City of Renton is experiencing a
cybersecurity incident. Specific to the Museum and Museum staff it is impacting ability
to access email and folder drives. Per the Governor’s order of Aug. 20, the Museum will
be permitted to reopen. Plan will be to reopen after Labor Day:
o The plan for reopening will include socially distanced exhibits, limited capacity, PPE and
there will be a designated path through the Museum.
o If there is a positive COVID-19 test associated with the Museum then the Museum will
be required to shut down again.
o The Hometown Teams exhibit will be assembled for the reopening.
Review and Approval of Minutes Action Item
Board meeting minutes from the July 2020 meeting were distributed in advance of the meeting;
a spelling correction was made.
MOTION: Laura Clawson moved to approve June minutes as amended; Lynne
King seconded. Motion passed, none opposed, none abstaining.
Work session Action Item
(1) Q2 2020 financial report: Treasurer Jessica Kelly discussed the highlights of the report.
o Loans and extra fundraising replaced much of the income lost during five months
of closure.
o Process to apply for loan forgiveness for the Paycheck Protection Program loan
will begin in early fall.
o As planned, funds will be removed from the Renton Community Foundation to
help bridge the funding gap.
RHS Minutes_082520_final Page 2 of 2
RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
August 25, 2020
, 2005
, 2005
, 2002
o Liz Stewart opened a discussion on the timing of eventual rehiring of the Public
Engagement Coordinator position. The timing of when this pos ition should be
filled is difficult to answer because it is difficult to forecast the financial position
in the remainder of the year. Jessica Kelly and several Trustee members voiced
their support that given the Museum has funds on hand, it would be benef icial
to fill this position sooner rather than later in order to provide more assistance
to the Museum staff.
(2) Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion statement: Colleen Lenahan led a
discussion regarding the “Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion” statement.
o Elizabeth Stewart mentioned that she heard back from several Trustee members in
support of the statement.
o The discussion was held regarding whether goal dates should be added to the action
items. The group decided that given the uncertain nature of everything at this time
that the idea of adding goal dates will be considered next year.
MOTION: Colleen Lenahan moved to approve the “Diversity, equity,
accessibility, and inclusion” statement. Laura Clawson seconded the motion. All
approved, none opposed.
Mission Moment Information
Liz Stewart shared the results of recent research she had done on early municipal sports teams
in Renton, for Hometown Teams and Renton’s Sporting Triumphs. The first baseball diamond
was created on land near St. Anthony’s Church donated by Erasmus Smithers. Teams were
usually amateurs, with a few semi-professionals thrown in, and were paid by “purses” raised by
donors.
Colleen Lenahan briefly discussed some fundraising ideas and requested that trustees continue
to think of new ideas.
Adjournment _____
Jessica Kelly moved to adjourn the meeting, Elizabeth Stewart seconded the motion. Meeting
adjourned at 6:37 pm.
Elizabeth P. Stewart, substituting for
Doug Brownlow, Secretary
Renton Historical Society