Larry Puzen called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm at the PACE room. Those attending were Larry Puzen, Tammy Brzeczkowski, Roger Brzeczkowski, Jim Zajac, Chris Jaworski, Larry Szymanski, Sharon Bauer, Claudia Ryczkowski, Marian Schroeder, Rock Mannigel, Pam Mannigel, John Mihalko, Mike Blohowiak and Norine Heuser.
Secretary’s Report – Mike made a motion to accept the minutes. Tammy seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – Larry Szymanski reported the check book balance is $12,365.87. Rock motioned to accept the minutes. Norine seconded. Motion carried.
Communication – Larry Szymanski reported the taxes were filed on January 15th and approved on the 16th. The annual report was sent and approved on January 20th. The mini grant application is due on June 5th. On February 2nd, the agendas and minutes from 2014-2016 were copied on a flash drive and placed in the safe deposit box at Huntington Bank. He received a free pass to Hazelwood House if anyone wants it.
Frosty Christmas / Scout Tour – Pam said we had no visitors this year so we probably will not be open next year. They had 14 scouts and some parents who came and loved it. Some did not know there was a museum in Pulaski.
Membership Drive – Norine handed out a report showing our 36 new members. She removed 13 who have not paid since 2013. Our new total is 341. Two members, Jim Wielgus and Margaret Witthuhn passed away this week. A discussion followed about what our “sustaining” membership means and if we should have a “lifetime” membership. She will check into other organizations to see how they work their membership drives and contact Amy Norlin in Madison for ideas as well.
Brick Sales – Pam has several forms out to people but will wait until spring to follow up on them.
Strategic Planning – Tammy & Roger reported the library received $300,000.00 from Brown County but the village needs to match that. There will be a meeting on Tuesday, March 21st at Glenbrook District Office to get public input regarding the Franciscan Printery building. The committee is trying to generate interest and possibly find a developer.
Board Member Comments – Roger passed around an old souvenir program and 1938 alumni book that Bob Novitski donated to us. He also gave us a music stand from the Nu-Tymes band. Roger is working on a display of photos and names of deceased musicians from our area. He’s hoping to have it ready for Casimir Pulaski Week.
Norine asked if Larry and she should keep track of the copies taken at their homes for the various reports they do. She wondered if that would benefit us when it comes to donations given. Rather than keep track, it was decided they should use the copier at the museum or buy the supplies and be reimbursed. A discussion was had to see if it would be beneficial to document our volunteer hours. Claudia will keep track of these and have the information ready for our annual dinner each year.
Norine handed out the new list of our current officers and board members.
Rock said the insulation project is on hold. The Pulaski United Foundation offered to donate money but are waiting to see if we will be moving. He pointed out if we move, we would not be able to afford taxes and rent and it’s very doubtful the village would help us out. Mike said we really need to protect what people gave us. Claudia said if there’s anything upstairs that needs to come down because of the conditions up there, if someone wants to go through the items with her, she will move them down. She also suggested checking into the cost of adding on to the front of the building. Tammy made a motion to go ahead with the insulation with the money offered by the
Casimir Pulaski Day – Pam said the museum will be open on Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. All 4th grades from the Pulaski school district will be touring the museum …almost 300 students! Two students will be recording Rock’s presentation. Doug Prentice asked to help out. Since Glenbrook and ABVM students need to walk, he will have them go to his office so they see his statue of Casimir Pulaski and ask them questions
Casimir Pulaski Week – Tammy handed out a brochure explaining all of the events for that week. Many businesses have joined the group and a full week is planned.
Website – Tammy said the new site is up and running. She handed out a report showing its usage. In one month, we have had 777 page views. Many people are finding us through links on other websites. We gained a volunteer and a new member from the site.
Newsletter – Norine suggested listing the names of all of our members. She will send Chris and Tammy our updated list.
Operating Budget – Larry Szymanski handed out a very detailed report showing a two-year history of our income and expenses along with a projected amount needed to continue our operations.
World War I – Larry Puzen suggested we invite other legions to visit our display. We will be opened one day in May (to be determined) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of America’s involvement.
Board Member Comments – Marian suggested we invite our village board to tour our museum before one of their meetings. Many are not aware our museum exists. Roger suggested we tell people celebrating their class reunions to include a museum tour in their plans.
Tammy made a motion and Jim seconded for Rock to proceed with the money from the Pulaski United Foundation to insulate the upstairs. Rock said he will approach them and see what they are willing to give us now that we will not be moving anytime in the near future. He will report back to us. Motion carried.
John suggested informing people at our annual dinner meeting that we are in need of monetary help.
Marian found envelopes from people who originally gave money to help start the museum. They were told their names would be displayed which never happened. Claudia will get the list together and we will decide on how to display them at a later date.
Pam said we need to think about how we will fund our 3 student scholarships totaling $750.00.
Larry Puzen suggested we give $50.00 to the Promote Pulaski group to help with the Casimir Pulaski Week celebration as we did last year.
Roger made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jim seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 pm. Our next meeting will be March 27, 2017. Minutes taken by Norine Heuser recording secretary.
