City Council Study Session Summary 2007 09 11

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City Council Study Session Summary September 11, 2007 Page 3 of 5 Mayor Sisk commended the Historical Commission on the work that they have done. He went on to say that preserving what is in Louisville now is more cost effective then waiting to maintain something later. The Mayor inquired if all the 20 hours of the Coordinator was for the Museum or was part of that time used for the Historical Preservation Commission. Bacon said that it was but that now it is not part of the 20 hours. City Manager Malcolm Fleming complimented the Commission on the work they have done and on the development of the Strategic Plan. He inquired about the use of volunteers to extend the hours. Bacon replied that they do use volunteers for cataloging and to take visitors to the different buildings, but went on to suggest that a full-time staff person is needed when the Museum is open to answer questions, make quick decisions on artifacts that may be brought to the Museum, and that training volunteers would require most of the Coordinator's 20 hours. Fleming inquired about roughly how much of the budget is supplemented by the City vs. revenue generated funds. Bacon replied that $48,000 to $50,000 is supplied by the City and $20,000 came from the Commissions fundraising activities which were used for landscaping, maintenance, projects and supplies. Fleming also inquired about collaborating with the library on any overlapping areas. Bacon indicated that there wasn't much overlapping as the cataloging for the Museum was different then cataloging for the Library. Hauswald said that the expansion of the educational program may be an area that that collaboration could take place. Council member Muckle asked if the artifacts were safe based on the maintenance issues presented. Bacon said that she was working on getting items out of the basement due to the dampness; however, with no sprinkler system Museum items were at risk. Muckle also wanted to know if the Commission had any plans for the Blacksmith Shops. Don indicated that the Blacksmith Shop was beyond repair but there were plans to use the area for additional storage and restrooms that would blend in with the architecture of the rest of the museum buildings. Muckle also asked how other cities handle the funding of their historical museums The Mayor inquired about applying for grants. The Mayor also mentioned that the presentation by Bill Cohens was excellent. Fleming reflected on the conflict that he observed between the previous city he was at and the Historical Society. He suggested that this may be an excellent opportunity for the City to review the organizational structures. Hauswald encouraged all present to purchase tickets for the Holiday Homes Tour.