HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-09 Minutes
To illuminate Clarington and its heritage through lasting and meaningful experiences with
artifacts, exhibitions and programmes that inspires future generations and enlivens our
community
INFORMAL BOARD MEETING
NOTES / DISCUSSION
April 9, 2015 – 7 p.m.
Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre
62 Temperance Street Bowmanville, Ontario
Present:
B. Seto (7:20) O. Casimiro M. Morawetz M. Adams (ED)
Regrets:
G. Humes M. Carlton . Laing J. Cashin-Oster
S
Mayor A. Foster J. Neal C. Morgan J. Witheridge
Guest:
Brian Colville
Bonnie called the group to order at 7:20 p.m. welcoming those in attendance from
the board and guest Brian Colville, of the Kirby United Church.
Informal discussion followed regarding the recent work and short term objectives
of the Jury Lands Foundation (Camp 30/Boys Training School site) including an
offer by Michael to provide an opportunity within the Sarah Jane Williams
Heritage Centre exhibition space for a permanent display inviting members of the
public to record/document their stories and comments on the future uses of the site.
Brian Colville then provided an in-depth history of the Kirby United Church dating
back to 1882 which led to an understanding of the relationship with the museum &
the community as it evolved over time, including the present circumstances by
which the building is maintained and funds are raised. Volunteers hold Saturday
books sales and an annual Christmas bazaar providing for the majority of the funds
needed to maintain the basics for the building. In 2007 an engineering study was
done and showed that the building was sturdy in spite of some damage from
Hurricane Hazel in 1954 causing a crack in one wall. Brian said they estimate that
over 1200 hours of volunteer time have gone into the site since the Oshawa
Presbytery made a motion to close it in 1974 and entrust its maintenance and future
to the trustees on the board at the time.
Further discussion reviewed taxes, maintenance challenges and costs, heating
expenses, and possible future roles realizing any future depends on finding
sustainable and viable solutions. The museum is fortunate to have in its collection
several of the pews and the pulpit. Brian was thanked for taking the time to
provide this background and present ideas on future relationships that the
volunteers hope are possible.
Michael agreed to follow up and to prepare a document to confirm the mutual
understanding established that the relationship has evolved and the museum has the
opportunity to begin a new chapter, while officially closing the last relationship
with handling of funds raised and expenses through the museum books as per the
Board discussions Oct 2014. This will be concluded with a distribution of surplus
funds from book sales in 2014 to assist with the church costs in 2015, subject to
Board approval. The last bills paid through the museum were as planned Dec.
2014, and outstanding bills for Jan, Feb and March are not the responsibility of the
museum.
Bonnie thanked everyone for their attendance and interest in the discussions, and
the meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
Submitted by Marilyn Morawetz