Des Moines Historical Society

8/22/09 Minutes

8/22/09 Minutes

DES MOINES HISTORICAL SOCIETY of DES MOINES, IOWA
MINUTES
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2009 at THE NORTHSIDE LIBRARY

The meeting was called to order by the chair Pat Meiners at 3:00 p.m. at the Northside Library. Attendees were: Brian Browning, Karen Hanley, Natasha Moore, Jacob Shoemaker, Earl Short, John Wenck, Ted Lussem, Nicole Weber, David Coates, Nancy Suby-Bohn, John Morrissey, Rick Meiners and Pat Meiners. The members were welcomed and each briefly introduced themselves. The minutes from the last meeting were read and approved. The President gave a short report.

The bylaws were moved with the changes from the July 27, 2009 meeting. One addition regarding Charter Membership was moved, second and approved. The minutes as amended were moved, second and approved. Everyone was very glad the bylaws were finished and that we could now move on to the large work ahead of us.

A Nominating Committee was discussed. Brian Browning agreed to Chair the Nominating Committee. Those currently expressing an interest in running for offices are: Pat Meiners, President; Treasurer, Ted Lussem; and John Wenck, Rick Meiners, Nancy Suby-Bohn, Jacob Shoemaker and Natasha Moore as Board Members. Candidates are still needed for the offices of Vice President and Secretary, and Board Member.

Volunteers are needed to help with the September 27 meeting at the Des Moines Birthplace Memorial Cabin. David Coates has agreed to Chair the Promotions and Publicity Committee. If anyone has experience writing press releases we would appreciate the help.

Several subjects were again brought up. At this time the hotel proposed at the site of the Shamrock Hotel has been delayed after the City Manager asked for an archaeological site ‘dig.’ There is still no definite answer about the historic Des Moines wooden and brick sewers preservation and having a display of how they are made. Keep in mind the naming of the SE Connector Bridge going up near the DM Birthplace cabin. We will begin preparing a timeline of future activities for the DMHS with goals and projects in the near future. We have learned the the North of Grand neighborhood did not receive a grant for the ‘birthday party’ they wished to hold for the homes in their neighborhood that are over 100 years old. Some suggestions were given for other grants they might be eligible for, and they should contact the Iowa Arts Council. Brian Browning said Terrace Hill is working on the area of the former pool designed by Tinsley and McBroom.

Pat said she had been contacted by Janet Klockenga of the Des Moines Register who wanted to have a meeting regarding the DMHS to prepare an article. David Coates said he was interested in attending if it could be a luncheon downtown. Pat will contact Janet and David to set up a date and let others know so they may also attend. Natasha brought up the Historic Preservation meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 17 in Muscatine. Several are interested in attending.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted


Richard Meiners, Secretary
Des Moines Historical Society

[These minutes are brief due to a problem with the tape recording. If you have any changes to them please bring them to the next meeting on September 27, 2009.]