Grignon Mansion Board

GRIGNON MANSION BOARD MEETING MINUTES Monday, September 15, 2025 The meeting was called to order by Chair, Gavin Schmitt, at 4:32 p.m. in the Municipal Services Building, Hydro View Room. Roll Call Present – Gavin Schmitt, Christina Crook, Lyle Hansen, Brian Schuh, Bruce Werschem Absent – Patty Brogan, Brian Buechel, John Moore Others in Attendance – Allison Engels Review/Approve Minutes from August 18, 2025 Meeting Motion to approve Minutes, Werschem moves, Schuh seconds, Minutes approved. Report from the City (Engels) Discussion regarding archaeological dig. Confirmed that the items currently held at UW- Oshkosh are not much, there would be no display, just storage of items at UW-Oshkosh. Board discussed bringing item to the Mansion to be stored, Engels indicated, most if not all items, could be stored on the third (3rd) floor of the Mansion. Hansen indicated items should be secured when stored. Engels confirmed the security of the Mansion. Discussion of a possible future display located at the Mansion. Board discussed current display located in the basement, i.e. fundraising wall. Werschem indicated he was aware that some past items may have been made into location specific jewelry that was sold through the gift shop. Schuh made the Motion for UW-Oshkosh to return box(s) of items to be returned. Hansen second, Motion carried. Engels discusses the Community Foundation grant and that the last check had been received in the amount of $10,000. Check was given to the Friends. Discussion of the history of the received funds and any additional fundraising opportunists for the Mansion through the Community Foundation. Engels indicated she will reach out to find out what, if any, other fundraising opportunities may be available. Discussion of financial information from the Friends being made available to the Board. Discussion regarding Board Bylaws regarding updates, clarification of Bylaws to determine what the current role and expectations of the Board. Engels indicated the Bylaws for the Friends are being reviewed to determine gray areas between expectations of the Friends vs. the city. Schuh discusses the displacement of the main signage at the Grignon. It was discussed to request that the city streets department may be able to address this issue. Schuh discussed his donation of a microphone/speaker to the Mansion for events, etc. Engels confirmed and agreed to the donation. Report from Friends No up-to-date financial report available from the Friends. Engels confirmed that the city requests a yearly contribution from the Friends which for 2026, the contribution is $5,000. The bank account associated for the Friends group is at approximately at $90,000 which is a good balance. Report from the Chair Schmitt referred to his emailed report. He again thanked all volunteers and indicated he believed the volunteer turnout was good. He suggested a mailing list for volunteers to be used moving forward. He confirmed he is having many conversations with the city and others about the Mansion, events, etc. Broad discussion about possible future events, Engels through the City’s resources is having an event at the Mansion. Continued discussion about additional events at the Mansion including speakers, activities, etc. One activity discussed would involve the blacksmith to be highlighted for an event. Funds need to be raised for the Mansion and it may not be necessary to have the Mansion as the focus but rather as the background and the grounds to be utilized. Other Business Schuh has met with the group leading the Fox Locks and what working with them could do to have an area around the Mansion open for historical and community events including displays, etc. Discussion about a second or additional buildings on the grounds of the Mansion. Additional buildings would be an asset but the Board acknowledges that it could most likely be joint effort with the Civic Engagement class with the high school and/or other community groups. Set Next Meeting Date and Location Monday, October 27, 2025 beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Hydro View Room. Adjournment Motion by Werschem, seconded by Schuh. Motion unanimously approved, with meeting adjourned at 5:33 p.m.