HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - June 5, 2002 SMLODI CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WITH THE LODI HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HILL HOUSE, 826 S. CHURCH STREET, LODI
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2002
A. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
The Special Joint City Council meeting with the Lodi Historical Society of June 5, 2002 was called
to order by Mayor Pennino at 5:45 p.m.
Present: Council Members — Hitchcock, Howard, Land, and Mayor Pennino
Absent: Council Members — Nakanishi
Present: Lodi Historical Society Members — Lynn Benbrook, Beverly Hoag, Vesta Mason,
Leonard Messer, Gladys Mettler, and Bing Taylor
Also Present: City Manager Flynn, Deputy City Manager Keeter, Management Analyst Hamilton,
Library Services Director Martinez, Deputy City Attorney Schwabauer, and City
Clerk Blackston
B. TOPIC(S)
Mayor Pennino commented that this was the first ever joint meeting between the City Council and
the Lodi Historical Society.
Beverly Hoag, President of the Lodi Historical Society, reported that the Hill House Museum has
inadequate space to accommodate the many donated items that it has received. She suggested
that the City have a museum and recommended the locations of Maple Square on Sacramento
Street, the old fire house on Main Street, or space at Hutchins Street Square.
Mayor Pennino asked the Society members if they had considered the Shanghai building as a
location for the museum, when it was available.
Ms. Hoag replied that the Shanghai building did not appear to be a suitable site, due to the
extensive renovations that would need to be done. She also mentioned that homes to the south
and east of the Hill House Museum were recently sold, and consequently the Society lost the
opportunity for expansion.
Ms. Hoag addressed the issue of possible staffing for a City museum and suggested that
volunteers be used if possible. She stated that the Hill House Museum is only open on Sundays
and visitors have expressed disappointment about its limited hours. Special tours are given by
appointment only. Admission is free, though donations are accepted.
Council Member Land mentioned that the City has artifacts, i.e. bricks, from the old prison. He
suggested that the Society contact restaurants and business owners, particularly in the downtown
area, for interest in leasing or renting antique items for display. He also recommended that
students in history classes at local high schools, San Joaquin Delta Community College, and
California State University Stanislaus be made aware of the need for Hill House Museum docents.
Bing Taylor, 2nd Vice President, explained that a certain amount of income is received from the Hill
House Trust, which was left to the Lodi Historical Society. Trustees include Ralph Lea, Nancy
Schmer, Susanne Benbrook, Bing Taylor, Janice Roth, Ward Stenson, and Carol Marvel.
Annually the Board of Directors for the Historical Society are chosen by a ballot election. The
Society is a non-profit foundation.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock suggested that the Society consider opening the Hill House to
meetings of senior organizations so that more people become aware of the museum. She also
commented that Groveland has its own museum, with an all volunteer staff, and recommended
that they be contacted for ideas.
Council Member Howard agreed with Mr. Land's comments regarding restaurants and businesses
in the downtown area displaying items from the museum, and suggested that the Society mail
copies of the Lodi Historian publication to these businesses as a marketing tool. She asked
whether space might be available in the Armory or Grape Pavilion areas.
Continued June 5, 2002
City Manager Flynn replied that space may become available as new facilities in these areas
come on line, particularly in buildings with basements.
Council Member Howard mentioned that Loel Center and other organizations may be willing to
share storage space.
Mayor Pennino also suggested that the Society check with storage facilities to see if they might be
willing to donate space. He noted that the proposed new library may be a good location for
rotating displays. He stated that a policy needs to be considered regarding how the City and the
Historical Society can work together.
Lynn Benbrook asked whether space would become available once the new Police building is
constructed.
Mr. Flynn responded that there are plans to move the departments of Public Works and
Community Development into the old public safety building; however, there might be storage
space available in the basement of the building.
Council Member Howard emphasized the need for the Society to do more marketing, and
mentioned that presenting information to the Council during televised meetings would be one
opportunity. In addition, she suggested linking with other historical societies and taking advantage
of resources that they may have available.
In reply to inquiries regarding the old Lincoln Elementary School building, Mayor Pennino reported
that Lodi Unified School District has plans to do renovations.
Library Services Director Martinez stated that cooperation between the Library and the Historical
Society would be a logical and beneficial partnership.
David Michael Myers of Reel Home Productions reported that he is in pre -production on a video of
the history of Lodi. Mr. Myers stated that he would be willing to donate his time toward producing
a promotional video for the Historical Society.
C. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
None.
D. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at
6:25 p.m.
ATTEST:
Susan J. Blackston
City Clerk
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