Board of Directors Minutes

Lawrence Sesquicentennial Commission

April 6, 2005

Board Room, Lawrence Public Library

Present:            Clenece Hills, Bruce Roberts, Bill Paddock, Bill Crowe, Judy Billings, David Carttar

Guests:             Mary Burchill, Chuck Warner, Fred DeVictor

Clenece Hills called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.

The minutes of the December 8, 2004 Board Meeting were approved as submitted.

Bill Crowe presented the Treasurer’s report and it was accepted as submitted.

Bruce provided a fund raising report, indicating that to date Friends of the Point have raised $186,469 for Sesquicentennial Point. Recent gifts of $25,000 from the Capitol Federal Foundation and from Tensie Oldfather of $10,000 have boosted the campaign from the $149,564 that Clenece reported to the City Commission at its meeting on March 29, 2005. We officially entered the public phase of the campaign on April 1 and are optimistic that Clenece will make a final report to the City Commission in September of achieving our goal of $300,000. We are sending letters to people we believe may be interested in sponsoring footstones, or making general gifts, and we are meeting with local media representatives to increase public awareness of the project.

Clenece expressed the Board’s appreciation to Chuck Warner for his leadership and assistance with the first two phases of the campaign.

The Board discussed other approaches to assuring an effective campaign, acknowledging that it could be beneficial to invest commission funds for the fund raising effort. Clenece noted that meetings have been arranged with media, chamber, and other advertising contacts to explore costs and options. Chuck suggested that we revise the campaign literature to accept smaller contributions from a broader base of donors. Clenece agreed that she and Bruce would prepare a proposal and forward it to the Board for consideration.

Clenece also asked for the Board’s support in approaching the City to request that a standing committee be created. The purpose of such a committee would be to organize an annual celebration of Lawrence’s Birthday on or about September 18^th. The Board expressed support for this concept and encouraged Clenece to pursue it.

Clenece has also informed the Lawrence Art Guild of her suggestion to, to have an “Art in the Air” festival at the Point, as part of a birthday celebration this September.

The Board also discussed having other events at The Point to establish it as a community gathering place. Fred DeVictor reported that a meeting will occur on April 19, 2005 with the Corps of Engineer, city officials and Commission members to discuss having the annual fireworks display near the point.

Fred DeVictor reported that once sufficient funds are raised. it would take about one year to complete The Point.

Bill Paddock provided his final report on Sesquicentennial Commission Grants. All but one grantee report has been submitted. Bill provided the original supporting documents for the grant applications to Bill Crowe to place in the University Archives, and he submitted the grantee reports to Bruce Roberts, to hold until all final reports are filed.

Judy reported that there are about 17 banners remaining at the Lawrence Visitor and Information Center.

Bill Paddock reported that the annual report to the Secretary of State is due six months following the end of our fiscal year (April 30).

There was no other business.

Future meeting dates will occur on the call of the President.

Meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.

Minutes taken by Bruce Roberts, Secretary