Minutes of the Centerville City Council work session held Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in the Whitaker Home Museum, 198 North Main, Centerville, Utah.

MEMBERS PRESENT
  Mayor:                            Ronald G. Russell
 
Council Members:       Justin Y. Allen (arrived at 6:25 p.m.)
                                         Ken Averett
                                         Paul A. Cutler (arrived at 6:45 p.m.)
                                         Sherri Lyn Lindstrom
                                         Lawrence Wright

STAFF OR OTHER CITY
 OFFICIALS PRESENT
                                        Steve Thacker, City Manager
                                        Melissa Hogan, Museum Director
                                        Rebecca Barton, Former Museum Board member
                                        Richard Henrickson, Museum Board
                                        Paul Smith, Museum Board
                                        Karrie Carlson, Recording Secretary

VISITORS                     Boy Scout Troop 105 and 207 
                                       Lisa Buckmiller, docent
                                      Jason Channel, Historic Sites Committee Chair    

WHITAKER MUSEUM DISCUSSION

Mayor Russell conducted the meeting and had the City Council and Museum Board members introduce themselves. He explained that this discussion will be a continuation of a previous discussion that was held several months ago regarding what the function of the Whitaker Museum should be now and in the future. Paul Smith, Museum Board member, gave a history of the Whitaker home and its subsequent owners and structural additions to the home. He explained a feasibility study has been conducted regarding the proposal to restore the Whitaker home back to an earlier period. If this restoration project were to be done, several interior walls would be removed so that no display space would be lost. Mr. Smith indicated that he knows of a potential donor who has expressed his desire to fund the restoration and the costs involved with moving an original pioneer cabin onto the Museum property.

Rebecca Barton, former Museum Board member, explained that prior to the resignation of some Museum Board members, there was an alternate viewpoint that was in favor of keeping the Whitaker home intact and representing the different time periods in history the current building depicts with its various additions. Jason Channel, Historic Sites Chairman, added that the Historic Sites Committee has offered to reallocate a $3,500 matching grant the Historic Sites Committee has received to help fund a new roof for the Whitaker Museum.

The group discussed other possible structures/out buildings that could be added on the property behind the Whitaker Home—as part of a “historic park.” Steve Thacker, City Manager, expressed concern about the additional volunteers that would be needed to host a new expanded facility. The Museum Board indicated they have a commitment from the Sons of the Utah Pioneers (SUP) to provide volunteer help. Members of the Museum Board and Historic Sites Committee noted that members of their boards have spent countless hours in service to the City and would continue to help with care and maintenance of the Whitaker Museum or expansion of the facility. The Council took this information under advisement and will continue the discussion at a future date.

At 6:45 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.

Marilyn Holje, City Recorder    Date Approved

      
Karrie Carlson, Recording Secretary