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RHS Minutes_092920_approved Page 1 of 2
RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
September 29, 2020
, 2005
, 2005
, 2002
Attending: Colleen Lenahan, Doug Brownlow, Laura Clawson, Amy E. Gorton, Jessica Kelly,
Rhea Kimble, Lynne King, Mike Lennox, Betsy Prather, and Staci VanderPol.
Absent: Elizabeth P. Stewart
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. Trustees welcomed new Board member Amy
Gorton.
News, Updates, and Public Comments Information
(1) Reopening update: Tabled due to Liz’s absence.
(2) Fundraising ideas: (This topic was moved up from the Work Session for maximum
participation.) Trustees developed a working document of fundraising ideas, including
pros and cons and resources needed. (See attached.)
Review and Approval of Minutes Action Item
Board meeting minutes from the August 2020 meeting were distributed in advance of the
meeting.
MOTION: Jessica Kelly moved to approve August minutes as submitted; Mike
Lennox seconded. Motion passed, none opposed, none abstaining.
Work session Action Item
(1) Diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion: Tabled due to Liz’s absence.
(2) Work session items for next Board meeting:
Jessica reminded the Board of Trustees that we plan to withdraw the last of our
funds from Renton Regional Community Foundation in 2021 and close our
account as a fundholder there, partly because of the inability to collect good
donor information.
Jessica called for the Finance Committee to meet about the 2021 budget. Draft
budget is normally completed in time for review at the November Board
meeting, and is voted on at the December meeting.
Jessica suggested that the Board review the strategic plan. We haven’t talked
about it in a while. Should we move deadlines to December 2021? Priorities have
changed in light of the pandemic, anti-racism, and the economic recession.
o Lynne King and Staci VanderPol suggested everyone review the strategic plan
before the next meeting.
o Rhea Kimble encouraged everyone to look at the plan in light of the “new
normal” in pandemic and post-pandemic.
o Mike Lennox: The museum needs to dramatically increase our online
presence. As a teacher he would use programming from the Museum to
RHS Minutes_092920_approved Page 2 of 2
RENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
September 29, 2020
, 2005
, 2005
, 2002
teach Washington state history if it was available. Staci agreed; we need to
make programming available for teachers and parents.
o Discussion of other online functionality: Amy Gorton: streamline online
donations on our web site and online memberships.
Is a virtual retreat needed? Staci explained that an online retreat would be a
condensed 2-hour meeting instead of an all-day meeting normally. More
preparation goes into the meeting beforehand, with a targeted specific agenda
or problem to tackle.
o Rhea: Is this something we could do during a normal meeting to save
everyone’s time?
o Amy: A virtual retreat might not be needed. Let’s review the strategic
plan, then decide from there. We could most definitely tackle items
during regular meetings.
Mission Moment Information
Tabled due to Liz’s absence.
Wrap-up and Adjournment _____
Three agenda items for October meeting:
Finance Committee needs to meet;
Review strategic Plan;
Follow-up on fundraising ideas.
Staci VanderPol moved to adjourn the meeting, Laura Clawson seconded the motion. Meeting
adjourned at 6:28 pm.
Amy E. Gorton, substituting for
Doug Brownlow, Secretary
Renton Historical Society