Minutes 05/13/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1999 work. He noted that his budget request included an increase of $17,500 to develop a model to assist teachers in addressing the new Standards of Learning, and then proposed a less expensive alternative that would call for an increase of only $5,000, in combination with $7,000 from other funds of the museum. Mayor Crabtree asked what the additional $5,000 would produce, and Mr. Pike explained that the funds would be used to have a study done on what works with teachers and children in terms of programs and environment that will contribute to achievements of the Standards of Learning. He stated that work would be done with an outside educational expert to develop these new programs and a concept for a new Discovery Room in the new facility, but that the work done would provide benefit even before the new museum building is constructed. Council Member Haskell asked if the new Discovery Room was already a part of the new facility design. Mr. Pike replied that this had not been included yet, but would be, and Mayor Crabtree added that this new element would be an important attraction for the facility. Council Member Haskell then asked Mr. Pike about his progress in fund raising efforts for the new museum facility. Mr. Pike stated that the process had gone well thus far, but that the political struggle for these funds would continue to be very tough, and even more so for additional operating funds. He noted that discussions with Mr. Henry Shirley of the Virginia Bureau of Capital Outlay Management had gone well, and provided some of the details of these discussions on the physical elements of the proposed new facility, including a budget calling for a cost-per square-foot of approximately $208. Mr. Pike then elaborated on some of the design elements planned for the building, stating that he and other members of his staff and Board had visited numerous other museums, and the knowledge gained would result in a new VMNH that would be well designed. He then stated that he and his Board were ready, willing and able to fight for funding for the project. Council Member Haskell noted that funding efforts the previous year had failed due to the fact that the plans for the new facility had not been far enough along, and asked if Mr. Pike and his Board would be ready this coming year. Mr. Pike answered with an emphatic yes. Vice Mayor Teague asked about the projected cost of the facility and was told about $8 million. Discussion then moved back to the requested funds from the City for operations for FY 1999-2000, in the amount of $67,737. Council Member Roop asked if a new employee would be added