12 August 2014

The Cornwallis Military Museum
Tuesday August 12, 2014 @ 10.00hrs
Cornwallis Museum 

Attendees: 

Gordon Magee             President
Ken Ilnitski                  
Vice President
Beverley Mosher        
Treasurer
Lorraine Herlt              
Acting Secretary
Doug Moore
Alex Morrison
Shawn Oliver
Marilyn Oliver
Florence Courtney
Wally Herlt
Bob Klassen
Dorothy Stewart
Winna Smith

Regrets:

George Dowler

Approval of the Agenda- Alex Morrison requested that: ‘The future of Cornwallis Community Centre’ to be added to the Agenda. Doug Moore moved to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Ken Ilnitski – all were in favour. MOTION CARRIED

Approval of Minutes –Additions or Omission in July 8, 2014 minutes: Ken Ilnitski noted that he was not listed under ‘Regrets’. Dorothy Stewart was not listed under ‘Attendees’. Doug Moore moved to accept the minutes of July 8th, 2014 seconded by Marilyn Oliver - all were in favour. MOTION CARRIED

Presentation: Alex Morrison presented a $2,000 grant cheque to the Cornwallis Museum on behalf of the Annapolis County. The president, Gordon Magee, accepted the cheque with thanks from all Museum members. The funds will be used to upgrade the lighting in the museum.

President’s Report – Gordon Magee reviewed the report he presented to the HMCS Acadia Alumni Annual General Meeting. He described the future, growth and progress of the museum and the need to be prepared if the cadets moved. He noted that the presence of Commander Coates at the Battle of the Atlantic was appreciated and that the Summer Student was a sea cadet and this link with the museum should be fostered.

Vice President/HMCS Acadia’s Report: Ken Ilnitski was concerned with the communications related to the cancellation of a cadet visit but was reassured that the problem was a lack of communication in the museum and the problem has been solved.

  • A new director and secretary were elected at the HMCS Acadia Alumni AGM. He noted that the problems facing the museum were also of concern to the HMCS Alumni.
  • The quest for Charitable Status is ongoing and there is a need for Public Awareness and support for the role of the Naval Association and cadets.
  • Recent Grant requests were disappointing due to company qualifying policies. The 2016, 75th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Programme was discussed.
  • Ray Boudreau will be doing an inventory in the Gift Shop on Friday.
  • Ken also noted that the need for Strategic planning in order to anticipate and plan for future events. Gerry Curry will discuss “museum affiliation” to ensure the future and viability of the HMCS Acadia and Cornwallis Military Museums.
  • Doug Moore noted that there are only four members from HMCS Acadia or the Naval Association who were members of the museum. Ken Ilnitski agreed that it was a concern. 

Treasurer’s Report: Beverley Mosher reported

  • June 28-Aug7 2014 Gift shop proceeds total $4314.55.
  • Since the first of July the museum has received 2 government cheques totalling $6825 for the student and EI employee.
  • Insurance check of $5189.85 for roof repair was deposited.
  • Bank Balance is $11.500
  • There are some large gift shop expenses and payroll expenses outstanding. Bev advised continued restraint with purchases. Ken Ilnitski suggested using a Tax Free Savings Account for the GIC – Bev will consult the banking institution. Bev Mosher moved to accept the Treasurer’s report – seconded by Gordon Magee – all were in favour. MOTION CARRIED 

Correspondence: Corey Forman forwarded an email from Kevin Barrett, the Coordinator, Heritage Property Program and the Strategic Development Initiative Program at Government of Nova Scotia Halifax, Canada Area Government Administration

Mr Barrett will be visiting the museum Wednesday at 11am. Gordon Magee invited the any members interested to be present for the meeting.

Business Arising from the Minutes

  1. Propeller: The propeller is listing to one side and needs to undergo stabilization. Wally Herlt will consult Annapolis Maintenance for the options available to stabilize the propeller. Wally Herlt noted that the value of the propeller if it is bronze was approx. $16,000. There was some discussion about disposal of the propeller which was deferred until the stability report is submitted.
  2. Roof: Gordon Magee received the Insurance Cheque for the repair of the roof. After the deductible of $500 the museum received $5,100. Repairs are ongoing with Annapolis Maintenance.
  3. Aircraft on property update: Gordon Magee is still unable to get in touch with Peter Koffman. There have been no response frequent emails and phone calls. Gordon proposes to drive to his place of business.
  4. Grants: Lorraine Herlt noted that New Horizons Senior for Seniors grant application had been received and after some minor adjustments was registered.
  5. Building Insurance: Present Insurance Coverage is effect until November meanwhile Gordon will research other options.
  6. Cornwallis Reunion: Lorraine Herlt noted that there will be a meeting with ABCC on Thursday 14th August to discuss the museum activities during the reunion. She will be providing ABCC with the means to create a Power Point Presentation. The plans to hold a Casino Afternoon has been cancelled and an Open House with tea provided will be held. . ABCC will be providing space for the museum to set up a display and promote membership, the quilt and calendar.
  7. Alarm Panel: The existing alarm panel has been having issues. An estimate of $2000 was submitted for replacement of the panel. There discussion about what kind of monitoring was required the topic was tabled until Gordon Magee completes additional research.
  8. Nova Scotia Power: Gordon Magee submitted the paperwork to Nova Scotia Power for Charitable status for the Museum.
  9. Museum Breakfast: Bev Mosher stated that she has not had time to assemble the committee however she and George Dowler discussed options for a Sunday brunch during the high season. The committee will meet in the fall to prepare for next season.

Maintenance Report: Wally Herlt reported:

An inspection of existing lighting in the museum was conducted by 
Efficiency Nova Scotia. The outcome of this inspection was an offer to replace all light bulbs and upgrade some of the fixtures. The total cost of the upgrade will be $2,650.16 with the 25 percent of the cost to be covered by the museum which would be: $662.54. (54 lamps and 2 fluorescent fixtures installed). Ken Ilnitski noted that upgrades to the Clementsport Legion lighting was completely covered by Efficiency Nova Scotia. Wally will approach Efficiency NS to request stronger overhead bulbs and question the cost. Gordon Magee noted that the grant from Annapolis County was to offset the cost of lighting upgrades and suggested that the quote from Efficiency Nova Scotia was reasonable. MOTION Wally Herlt moved that after verification of the cost and the stronger lighting, the contract with Efficiency Nova Scotia for $662.54 be accepted. – Seconded by Beverley Mosher – all were in favour. MOTION CARRIED

Public relations/Social: No report
Membership: Doug Moore noted that at present there are 71 life members and 53 annual members for a total of 124 members.
Curator: Lorraine Herlt reported:

  • New signs were installed in the display venues.
  • Interactive display was popular with the cadets.
  • Jessica has completed scanning the Photographic budget albums, Jessica is a reliable and dedicated worker, her one month review required by UI was positive.
  • The one month review for Robert Ashe required by Student Employment was less positive. It was noted that Robert was neat, well groomed, polite and a good tour guide however his housekeeping, recording and financial entries were lax and inconsistent and after one month he still requires constant supervision. 

Gift Shop: Marilyn Oliver reported

She had to reorder some items and is now well stocked for the upcoming reunion.

Volunteer Coordinator: No report
Webpage: No report.
Social: Beverley Mosher reported that we will host an Open House Sunday August 24 which is during the Cornwallis Reunion. Members will be notified by telephone for requests for specific donations and assistance.
By-laws: Doug Moore reported that the By Law committee reconvened to review changes required by RJSC to the by-laws approved at the AGM. Doug reported the area of change was in the timing of the AGM, notification of members for General Special Meetings, requirements for quorums, inspection of records and directors will serve without remuneration. The Bylaws were amended in accordance with the RJSC requests.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Pay Pal: Gordon Magee has reviewed the possibility of creating a Pay Pal account. It was noted that this would be helpful for receiving memberships and gift shop expense payments. He will research the specifics for registering and account in the Museum name.

2. Future of the Cornwallis Park Community Centre: Alex Morrison discussed the future of the community Centre and the need for a coordinator for the Bingo. He reminded everybody of the meeting scheduled for Wednesday 13 August, 2014. He also commented on how well the the new sign at the Annapolis Causeway was designed. Sean Oliver painted the sign.

3. MOTION Doug Moore moved that our former treasurer. Archie Hood, be awarded a Life Membership in the Museum. Seconded by Ken Ilnitski – all were in favour. MOTION APPROVED

4. Gordon Magee welcomed to Winna Smith to the meeting.

5. Rose garden. Dorothy Stewart noted that the rose garden needed pruning. Winna Smith explained that proper pruning in the spring would lead to healthy plants. Dorothy, Florence and Winna offered to prune the bushes. Gordon Magee will consult Phil Henshaw.

6. Prepaid Credit Card. It was reported that the Gift shop often required a credit card when placing an order. Gordon Magee suggested that a prepaid credit card would solve the problem. MOTION Bev Mosher moved that the treasurer apply for a prepaid credit card – seconded by Alex Morrison – all were in favour – MOTION CARRIED.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 9th September, 2014 at 10am in the Museum. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn made by Doug Moore. The meeting was adjourned at 12.20hrs.

Submitted by

Lorraine Herlt
Acting Secretary


This site was created by Corey Forman with assistance from Douglas Moore, CYS, RCN/CF RET’D.