HomeMy WebLinkAbout071019JHCAgendaPacketCity of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Commission
Agenda
JACK HOUSE COMMITTEE
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
5:30 p.m. REGULAR MEETING Parks and Recreation
Conference Room
1341 Nipomo Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
CALL TO ORDER Chair Kathi Settle
ROLL CALL : Committee Members Chuck Crotser, Robert Gordon, Dorothy Sundbye, Keri
Schwab, Julie Moore, Vice Chair Toni Kincaid, and Chair Kathi Settle
PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the
agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name and address.
Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally referred
to staff and, if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
1.Review Minutes of the Jack House Committee Meeting of March 13, 2019 and Financial
Reports and Expenditures for January/May 2019
(SETTERLUND)
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
2.Bylaw Review and Standard language Amendment
(CROTSER/SETTERLUND)
Recommendation:
Approve revised bylaw language
3.Officer Elections
(SETTERLUND)
Recommendation:
Conduct election and appoint officers
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Jack House Committee Agenda for Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Page 2
4.Restoration Condition Survey
(SETTERLUND)
Recommendation:
Allocate funds for a Condition Survey
BUSINESS ITEMS
5.Christmas Tree Purchase
(SETTERLUND)
Recommendation:
Allow funds for purchase of the tree
COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
6.Agenda Forecast & Staff Updates
a.Building Upkeep and Shell Assessment (September)
ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the Jack House Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, July
10 , 201 9, at 5:30 p.m., in the Parks and Recreation Conference Room, 1341 Nipomo Street, San
Luis Obispo, California.
The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meet ings accessible to the
public. Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to
persons with disabilities. Any person with a disability who requires a modification or
accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should direct such request to the Parks and
Recreation Department at (805) 781-7300 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7107.
Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following web address:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/1/fol/68232/Row1.aspx
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Regular Meeting- Parks and Recreation Office
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
CALL TO ORDER: A Regular Meeting of the Jack House Committee was called to order on Wednesday,
March 13, 2019 at 5:32 p.m. in the Parks and Recreation Conference Meeting Room, located at 1341 Nipomo
Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Kathi Settle.
ROLL CALL: Committee Members Chuck Crotser, Bob Gordon, PRC Liaison Keri Schwab
TARDY:
ABSENT: Chair Kathi Settle, Vice Chair, Toni Kincaid, Dorothy Sundbye
STAFF: Dave Setterlund, Recreation Supervisor
Public Comment
1.History Center Painting (Scroggins)
No report given
Public Comment
No public comment
CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
2.Consideration of the Minutes
ACTION: APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE JACK HOUSE
COMMITTEE FOR MARCH 13, 2019.
MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SCHWAB, SECOND BY COMMITTEE MEMBER MOORE, AND
CARRIED 4:0:0 to approve the minutes of Regular Meeting of March 13, 2019 as presented.
AYES: CROTSER, SCHWAB, MOORE, GORDON
NOTES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: SETTLE, KINCAID, SUNDBYE
Consideration of Financial Reports and Expenditures
ACTION: APPROVAL OF THE FINANCIAL REPORTS AND EXPENDITURES FOR
JANUARY 2019, FISCAL YEAR 2018-19
MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SCHWAB, SECOND BY COMMITTEE MEMBER MOORE,
AND CARRIED 4:0:0 to approve the minutes as amended of Regular Meeting of March 13, 2018 as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Jack House Committee
DRAFT - MINUTES
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AYES: CROTSER, SCHWAB, MOORE, GORDON
NOTES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: SETTLE, KINCAID, SUNDBYE
Need to refine financial report
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND BUSINESS ITEMS
3. Staff report to provide an update of the Recommendation Jack House Project (Setterlund – 5 min)
The report was information only no need for Committee Motion. Currently the Parks and Recreation Department
is in the midst of updating the Park element and Master Plan. On June 5, there will be a workshop at the Ludwick
Community Center with the consultant. The June 5, workshop will seek feedback regarding the Jack House.
Staff Member Setterlund described next steps in the operation plan and how the plan ties in with the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan and Park Element.
Public Comment
NONE
Committee Comment
Member Schwab – discussed the importance and possibility of events at the downtown Jack House grounds
Member Crotser – discussed the trend in research and asked for larger print out of research material
Member Moore – Wants clarity on the Jack House role in process
4. ADA- Accessibility (Setterlund – 5 min)
Staff Member Setterlund reported how Parks and Recreation will make the home ADA compliant
Public Comment
Committee Comments
Member Moore – talked to her experience with ADA issues.
Member Crotser – Discussed potential of virtual and augmented reality.
5. Bylaw amendment
Public Comment
None
Committee Comments
Member Crotser – Asked to see standard term committee language
Member Moore – Would like to view bylaws and review at next meeting
(Continued)
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6. Seek quotes for restoration of select Jack house Items
MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SCWAB, SECOND BY COMMITTEE MEMBER MORE, CARRIED
4:0:0: to approve the August 2018 Financial Report as presented.
AYES: CROTSER, SCHWAB, MOORE, GORDON
NOTES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
7. Agenda Forecast & Staff Updates
Setterlund: Building upkeep and shell assessment start date has been pushed back – we will bring McGuire back
in soon to give updates
- Have talked to maintenance workers and explained what to clean up and what to not touch
Staff report:
- SHELL ASSESMENT
- PARK MAINTENANCE AND BUILDING MAINTENACE UPDATES TO HOME
- RUG CLEANING
- MOTHER’S DAY
- SCHOOL TOURS WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2019
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. to the next Jack House Committee Meeting on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 5:30
p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Conference Meeting Room located at 1341 Nipomo St, San Luis Obispo, CA
93401.
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MONTLY BUDGET UPDATE
Budget totals Actual
Fund 10500
Expense 5883.03
Balance (income minus expense)4616.97
Advertising Expenses Date of Expense Amount Total Fund
New Times Ad Refund (3 ads)1/31/2019 -1338 10500
New Times Web Ad 5/20/2019 446
New Times Web Ad 20-May 446
New Times Print Ad 5/24/2019 473
Tribune Ad 4/1/2019 489
Other Expenses
Cal Poly Jazz Band 6/1/2019 900
Got U' Covrd (plates, glasses, silver)6/12/2019 255.3
Fatte's Pizza - Volunteers 6/12/2019 24.38
von's - Supplies 6/12/2019 31.72
Modona Inn - Cake 5/1/2019 450
Total Previous Expenses 3705.63
Montly Expense Remaining
Total 5883.03 4616.97
Jack House Advertising Budget 105005883.034616.97FUND EXPENSE BALANCE (INCOME MINUS
EXPENSE)
ADVERT FUND BALANCE
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BY-LAWS
JACK HOUSE COMMITTEE
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ARTICLE 1. PURPOSE
The Jack House and Grounds were deeded to the City of San Luis Obispo on March 10, 1975. In
accepting the deed, the City agreed to appoint a committee of seven (7) members to advise the
Council on the House and Grounds. The Jack House Committee is charged with the
responsibility to advise the City Council on matters concerning: Facility use, fees and charges,
capital improvements, and any other items affecting the House and Grounds.
ARTICLE 2. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
The grant deed requires that persons with “special expertise” fill four (4) of the seven (7) seats on
the Jack House Committee as follows:
1. A representative of the San Luis Obispo County History Center.
2. One member of the faculty, current or retired, of California Polytechnic State University
College of Architecture and Environmental Design, preferably an architectural historian.
3. One member of the faculty, current or retired, of California Polytechnic State University
College of Agriculture, preferably a horticulturist.
4. A member of the San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Commission.
The City Council has resolved that due to these special conditions and requirements, members
with this special expertise may serve terms of undetermined length, the choice being left to
individual committee members.
The remaining three (3) committee members are required to be residents and registered voters of
the City of San Luis Obispo. They shall serve four-year terms, with a maximum of eight years.
The coordinator of the volunteer docent group shall serve as ex-officio (non-voting) Jack House
Committee member and shall not count toward a quorum.
ARTICLE 3. MEETINGS
A. The Committee shall hold a regular meeting each month but not less than ten (10) times a
year.
B. Meetings will be held at 5:30 P.M. the second Wednesday of each month.
C. The Committee meetings shall be open to the public and shall be held at the Parks and
Recreation Department Office, the Jack House or any other previously announced locations at
specific times as required by California law.
D. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Committee members currently serving.
E. All actions of the Committee shall be decided by a majority vote or consensus and shall be
directed through the Committee Chair.
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F. Minutes of each meeting shall be forwarded to the City Council and be available as a pub lic
record.
G. The Chairperson or any three members of the Committee may call a special meeting provided
a week’s prior notice is given in writing to each member.
H. All Committee meetings shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order.
I. Except for the ex-officio member (who serves as the coordinator of the volunteer docent
group), all Committee members shall vote.
J. Any Committee member with a declared conflict of interest shall not vote on or participate in
any discussion of any item or in any manner attempt to influence the decision on that item.
The member with such conflict shall remove himself/herself from the room until such
discussion has concluded.
ARTICLE 4. SUBCOMMITTEES
Subcommittees consisting of less than a quorum of the Committee shall be appointed, as needed,
by the Chairperson. Subcommittees shall convene for a specific purpose, study or project and
shall have a limited term, not-to-exceed 12 consecutive months. Study subcommittees may
include non-Committee members who shall have no voting power.
ARTICLE 5. OFFICERS
A. The officers shall be a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson who shall be elected at the
Committee meeting in April for two-year terms.
B. The Chairperson shall preside over all meetings of the Committee, assist in preparing all
meeting agendas and perform such duties as directed by the Committee.
C. The Vice-Chairperson shall serve in the absence or incapacity of the Chairperson.
ARTICLE 6. STAFF
The Director of Parks and Recreation or designate is the staff liaison to the Jack House
Committee. The Director may designate such other staff as is necessary to provide support to the
Committee.
The Director of Public Works should designate a Public Works staff representative for both the
house (building maintenance) and the garden (parks maintenance). The Committee shall receive
notification if there are any changes to staff representation.
The Committee shall support volunteer opportunities via a docent program for the historic Jack
House and gardens through the use of volunteers serving as tour guides of the historic home,
gardens, exhibitions and special tours. The ex-officio (non-voting) Jack House Committee
member shall serve as the coordinator of this volunteer group in accordance with best
management practices for volunteer guides of historic sites.
ARTICLE 7. AMENDMENTS
Prior to May 1, in each odd number year, these by-laws shall be reviewed by the Committee. By-
law amendments shall be submitted for City Council approval by an affirmative vote of the
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members present at a regular meeting of the Committee, provided such amendments shall have
been discussed by the Committee on the agenda of at least two meetings prior to the vote. The
members shall receive the proposed amendments in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the first
meeting.
APPROVED BY COMMITTEE ON APRIL 12, 2017
MOTION: (Kindaid/Crotser) Approve Jack House Committee bylaws as amended.
Approved: yes: 4 no: 0 absent: 1
____________________________________________
Melissa C. Mudgett, Parks and Recreation Manager
Staff Liaison to the Jack House Committee
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City of San Luis Obispo
Parks & Recreation Commission Bylaws
ARTICLE I. PURPOSE
The Parks & Recreation Commission is a body of citizens appointed to advise the City’s
Parks & Recreation Department and the City Council on the development and operation
of recreation programs and parks, and on the implementation of the Parks and Recreation
Element of the City’s General Plan. It also provides recommendations to the City
Council and San Luis Obispo Coastal Unified School District Board of Trustees
regarding those facilities which have been mutually designated as joint use facilities; and
for the operation of recreational facilities, priority for use of the facilities, and
development of new recreation facilities at Sinsheimer Park.
ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP
A. The Parks and Recreation Commission shall consist of seven members.
B. Members are appointed by the City Council for a term of four years. Members are
eligible for reappointment for an additional four-year-term. Members are subject to a
term limit of consecutive eight years.
ARTICLE III. MEETINGS
A. Regular meetings of the Parks & Recreation Commission shall be held on the first
Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., except during the annual tour of the City’s
parks and facilities.
B. Meetings will be held in the City Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street. In the event
that the Parks & Recreation Commission chooses to hold all or any portion of a
regular meeting other than at City Hall, then the place of such meeting shall be
posted at least 72 hours in advance at the Parks & Recreation Department office,
1341 Nipomo and on the bulletin board located at the entrance to the City Council
Chambers prior to the established meeting time.
ARTICLE IV. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
A. In April of each year, the Parks & Recreation Commission shall select a Chair and
Vice Chair from among its members to serve a one-year term.
B. Commissioners shall serve as Chair or Vice Chair at the discretion of the
Commission.
C. The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Parks & Recreation Commission. The
Vice Chair will act as the Chair in the absence of the Chair or in case of the inability
of the Chair to act.
D. In the event that the Chair and Vice Chair are unavailable to attend to their duties, the
assembled members shall determine a Temporary Chair.
E. No person shall serve as Chair or Vice Chair for more than three consecutive terms.
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ARTICLE V. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS
All meetings will be conducted in accordance with City practices, customs, and policies.
Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be utilized as a guide in the conduct of
meetings.
ARTICLE VI. QUORUM
Four members of the Parks & Recreation Commission shall constitute a quorum for the
purposes of conducting business.
ARTICLE VII. VOTING
A. Except as otherwise provided in the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code and state law,
no resolution, motion or other action shall be passed or become effective without
receiving the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the members present.
B. Failure to receive such an affirmative vote shall result in failure or denial, as
appropriate, of the motion, resolution or other action.
C. Except as allowed under the Political Reform Act of 1974, as amended, any member
abstaining due to a declared conflict of interest shall not participate in the discussion
of the items or otherwise influence or attempt to influence in any manner the decision
on the item.
D. All members, when present, must vote except when abstaining due to a declared
conflict of interest.
E. Failure or refusal to vote when present – except for a declared conflict of interest –
shall be counted as an affirmative vote.
ARTICLE VIII. PUBLIC RECORDS
Records of all public hearings shall be made available to the public in the offices of the
Parks & Recreation Department.
ARTICLE IX. ATTENDANCE
Any member of the Parks & Recreation Commission who fails, for any reason, to attend
three (3) consecutive regular meetings or a total of six (6) regular meetings within any 12
month period shall be automatically considered for replacement by the City Council. The
Chairperson of the Parks & Recreation Commission shall inform the Council of such a
situation, explaining any special circumstances.
ARTICLE X. COMMITTEES
A. A member of the Parks & Recreation Commission shall represent the Commission
and sit as a voting member on the following City advisory bodies: Jack House
Committee and Tree Committee.
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B. Additional committee assignments shall be made as deemed necessary by the Chair.
C. Committee assignments will be made in April of each year.
ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENTS
A. These bylaws may be recommended for amendment by the majority vote of the
Commission members present at a regular meeting, provided that a quorum is
present. Members shall receive the proposed amendments at least seven (7) days
prior to the meeting in which the amendment is proposed.
B. Prior to May 1 in each odd-numbered year, these bylaws shall be reviewed by the
Commission. Any proposed changes shall be submitted to the City Council for
approval. If no changes are proposed, a report of the review shall be submitted.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, the undersigned, being the staff liaison to the Parks & Recreation
Commission; do certify that the Bylaws set forth above constitute the bylaws of the said
Commission were reviewed and approved without amendments on April 1, 2015.
________________________________
Director of Parks and Recreation
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Condition
Survey for
La Purisima
State Park
Survey of 300 pieces of
archaeological metal
By: Kimberly Timbs, owner of Patina
Conservation Studios
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. METHODOLOGY
3. GLOSSARY
4. CONCLUSION
5. SUGGESTED STORAGE METHODS
6. RECORDS (Item numbers starting with)
a. 147
b. 155
c. 512‐513s
d. LPM
7. APPENDIX – STORAGE METHODS
8. BIBLIOGRAPHY
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INTRODUCTION
La Purisima Mission is a Historic State Park of California located on the Central Coast of
California. Catholic Spanish Missionaries established the mission in 1787. The mission existed as
a spiritual and commercial enterprise acting as a ranch. Cattle and sheep were raised on the
land by the local Spaniards and the Chumash people. The mission has gone through many
periods of human occupation spread out over acres of land. There have been periods of
excavation at the site since the 1930s WPA movement. The collections reviewed in this report
are a mixture of items from different excavations, different locations, and different time
periods.
This survey was undertaken to determine the condition of metal artifacts in the
collections in preparation for possible future conservation treatment. The goal was to establish
the current condition of items and determine which needed conservation attention and which
could be safely stored without treatment.
METHODOLOGY
It is always challenging to survey a large collection of items. You find as you go along,
you start asking questions about which items are more significant or unique; which items
should be saved or rescued. However, for the purpose of a condition survey, one must try to
stay objective and focus only on the condition of each item. This was the primary focus of this
survey.
The condition of each item was appraised by gathering information about the current
state of the object: types of corrosion present, is it safe to handle. The items were also scored
from good to fair to poor. If something is in good condition, usually it can go right back into
storage. There may be a few instances in this report where something is in good condition but
treatment is recommended. Usually the suggested treatment is minimally invasive or time
consuming and not of the highest priority. Fair condition meant that the object is not in horrible
condition but it could use some conservation attention or special low oxygen packaging. If an
item is marked as poor then the object is in very bad condition and needs conservation
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treatment as soon as possible. All of the above information was then converted into a score
from one to four: one being the best condition and not needing conservation treatment, four
being the worst and in need of immediate attention.
In a few cases there were signs of past treatments. Some iron objects had been coated
in linseed oil and seemed to have fared much better than most of the other iron objects in the
collection. However, the linseed oil treatment has left the items sticky and darkened. In some
cases, there were objects that had been scratched in different places assumedly to determine
the type of metal. In scratching the items, they exposed fresh metal on the item and it does not
appear that any kind of a corrosion buffer was used to protect the exposed areas.
Some items are tagged as safe or unsafe to handle. This decision was based off of how
much original metal was still present, how fragile the item seemed, or how much loss of
material occurred through handling them. However, a general recommendation when people
are handling the collection is to always wear nitrile or latex gloves. The oils on our hands can be
left behind on the objects and lead to corrosion.
Treatment recommendations were listed in most instances. The categories were dry
cleaning, wet cleaning, remove corrosion, apply a corrosion inhibitor and or buffer and
repackage. It is my understanding that the collection is due for repackaging as a whole so in the
cases where repackaging is marked, it usually means the item could use a custom made support
or needs a bigger plastic baggie so it is not damaged when being removed from the bag. Dry
cleaning refers to the use of mechanical cleaning without the use of acids or other chemicals.
Wet cleaning indicates a need for cleaning using water or other chemicals. In most cases
in this survey, the use of wet cleaning is to indicate the present of dirt or dust on the surface of
an item and should be removed. Dirt is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water, which is the last
thing you want on a metal object. There were a few cases where an object was in very good
condition but it was marked as a 2 with wet cleaning to indicate that there is some dirt that
should be removed. The removal of corrosion can also be considered wet or dry cleaning
depending on which method is deemed most appropriate. However, if corrosion removal is
indicated, it means that there is active corrosion present that needs to be stopped if possible.
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Finally, a corrosion inhibitor or buffer is something that is commonly used to protect an object
that has just undergone the removal of corrosion or debris on the surface. It is meant to protect
any freshly exposed patina or surface. Some museums are moving away from corrosion
inhibitors and instead opting for better packaging and humidity control.
Although these treatment recommendations have been made, it is recommended that
the final decision should be left to the conservator in charge of treatment.
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GLOSSARY
Abrasion – Wearing away of the surface from scraping, rubbing, grinding or friction
Accretion – Deposit of extraneous material on the surface, such as dirt or paint
Active Corrosion – Unwanted post‐excavation corrosion that causes damage to metal objects
Bubbling (weeping) –A symptom of active corrosion where the item was excavated from an
area with a high chloride or salt content. The iron reacts with the chloride creating an
acidic liquid that creates hollow red bubbles on the surface.1
Chloride – “A negatively charged particle (Cl‐) which is responsible for accelerating corrosion of
a number of metals, notably iron.2”
Corrosion Crust – A hard crust like layer created through the corrosion process and retains
some shape of the original object but it can be difficult to know how much original
metal remains.3
Cracking ‐ Elongated areas where the corrosion layer and the original surface have been
broken apart due to acidic corrosion products
Deterioration – A general term for a weakened state caused by age, use, or environmental
conditions
Discoloration – General change in the color of an area from the prevailing tone
Embrittlement – Decline in pliability and suppleness to the degree that damage may be
imminent
Flaking – Areas where pieces of the surface seem to be broken down into little plates of
material that can fall away from the object
Loss – General term for an area missing material
Metal Intact‐ General assumption from weight and appearance that much of the original metal
still exists
Original Surface – “The layer of corrosion products on objects which represents the original
boundary of the object. It normally underlies other corrosion products until revealed by
conservation treatment.”4
1 Selwyn (2004)
2 Rimmer (2013)
3 Cronyn (1990)
4 Rimmer (2013)
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Pitting – Corrosion that causes small acidic pits on the surface of the object, usually caused by
the presence of chloride ions5
Surface corrosion – Corrosion that exists on the surface only and has not spread into the
deeper structures of the metal
Surface Rust – Generally an orange discoloration on the surface layer of an object caused by
higher moisture levels (RH > 65%), salts, dust, or other indoor impurities.
Tyvek – Lightweight polyethylene fabric that allows water vapor to pass through but not water
itself
CONCLUSION
The condition of the collection was an interesting puzzle. Some objects seemed to fare
better in storage than others. Since the collection is archaeological, it would be interesting to
look at the soil profile from the different excavation sites and if there is a correlation to object
condition. There seems to be quite a bit of chloride ion contamination which would make sense
since La Purisima is so close to the ocean and is located in a humid climate.
The copper items in the collection are in much better condition than the iron objects.
There were some copper items that had active corrosion but usually the corrosion was minimal.
The iron objects were in a much poorer state. However, that could be due to the site location
and lack of controlled humidity storage in the past rather than poor storage. There were many
iron items marked as a condition of four. In some cases, the objects are really beyond the
reach of conservation. A good indication of this is how many object fragments are floating
freely in the plastic storage baggie.
It seems that the significance or rarity of an object will be a deciding factor in which
items to set aside for conservation. Amongst the iron nails, barrel rings and other items, there
was usually one or two objects that were in better condition than the rest. Overall, most of the
iron in the object is in good to fair condition. Storage management and future conservation
treatment should go a long way to preserve the collection.
5 Selwyn (2004)
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RECORDS
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STORAGE METHODS
Microclimate storage for metal objects seems to be the way museum storage is
trending. A microclimate is created by the use of polyethylene or polypropylene boxes fitted
with a silicone seal. The sealed environment allows the creation of a lower relative humidity
(RH) which works well to control or halt active corrosion. The ideal RH for corroded metal is
35% or lower.
Within the box, smaller items should be placed in polypropylene zippered baggies
cushioned by a piece of archival foam. If an item is too big to be placed inside a zippered bag, it
should be placed on a mount inside the box. Recommended mount making materials are
ethafoam, plastazote, and acid free corrugated cardboard. Items should not be stacked or rest
on top of each other in the box. Also, do not stack the silicone boxes on top of each other. Any
kind of bend in the lid can cause the air exchange rate to double between the inside of the box
and the outside environment. RH indicator cards should be placed inside each container where
they are easily visible.
The final piece of the puzzle is choosing the right silica gel for your desired RH. There are
a few different types of silica gel and they are more or less effective at different RH values.
Standard silica gel and Rhapid silica gels are good options for low RH ranges like what is needed
for metal storage6. There are color‐changing silica gels that turn from blue to pink when the RH
goes above what is desired however they function best at an RH of 40‐60%. They can still prove
useful in metal storage. A little color‐changing silica can be mixed in with the other types of gel
to help indicate when the silica is no longer effective and needs to be reconditioned.
In this case, the gel would need to be desiccated. Silica gel can be reconditioned in a few
different ways. You can use an oven, a microwave or in some cases you can ship it back to the
manufacturer. The microwave method is described in the English Heritage publication included
in the bibliography. However, most of the other publications referenced advised against
microwaving the gel because the results could be too variable.
Some gel can be ordered at the desired RH but should you need to desiccate it, here are
some simple guidelines. The silica gel should be placed into an oven safe container in a flat layer
of no more than ½ inches. You then place it in an oven preheated to 150F and bake it for four
hours. It is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if they have other
instructions. Often times you can get an information sheet on the product that will tell you how
much a given amount of gel should weigh at a certain RH.
6 Weintrab (2002)
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In addition to choosing the right type of silica gel, it is also important to use the right
amount for the volume of your container measured in cubic inches. To calculate the cubic
inches of a container, you multiply (length x height x width) but check the manufacturers
guidelines to see if they have their own way of doing it.
Once you have figured out how much you need for a certain size container, you need to
decide on how you want to place the silica gel in the box. Some manufacturers sell silica gel in
sachets or boxes which are convenient but can be expensive. Sachet bags can be sewn out of
Tyvek (that has been washed in an archival quality detergent) and cotton thread. This could be
a good project for a group of volunteers. To do this, you create a baggie by sewing the Tyvek
shut on three sides and leave the fourth side to add the silica gel. Tyvek is a great choice
because it is very smooth and less likely to get snagged on rough surfaces. Another benefit of
Tyvek is that it allows water vapor to pass through but not liquid water. To close the fourth
side of the fourth side of the sachet, it can either be sewn shut or a good quality Velcro can be
used.
Filling bags and sachets with silica gel requires some extra precautions. When filling the
bags, you need to have an appropriate face mask on and nitrile gloves. The filling should either
be done outside or in a fume hood since silica particles can damage the lungs. The silica should
never come into contact with the object. Silica gel should be spread in a relatively thin layer
within the baggie. The more surface area that is exposed to the air, the better the gel can
absorb moisture.
There is another type of container available to use to hold silica gel; they are called tiles.
Tiles are small thin polyethylene or polypropylene boxes. The silica gel is secured inside and the
container has small perforated holes to allow moisture absorption.
Composite objects should not be stored at 35% RH or lower like their metal
counterparts. If the item is a mix of metal and wood, bone, ivory or other organic materials,
both materials in the object will have to be considered with regard to RH. An RH under 40%
would be too dry for the other pieces of material and would cause damage. In the case of an ax
with a wood handle, it could be possible to modify a box or bag to fit over the metal portion of
the object and include a small baggie or tile of silica gel. This may be a way to satisfy both
materials. Also it is possible that small items could be stored on trays within a box where the
trays were resting on each other rather than on the objects. This could be a way to maximize
storage inside the boxes.
Attached are two Conserv‐O‐Grams that spell out different parts of the metal storage
equation.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Selwyn, L. Metals and Corrosion: A Handbook for the
Conservation Professional. 2004
2. Cronyn, J.M. The Elements of Archaeological Conservation. 1990
3. Rimmer, M., Thickett, D., Watkinson, D., and Ganiaris, H. 2013.
Guidelines for the Storage and Display of Archaeological
Metalwork. Swindon. English Heritage.
4. National Park Service September 1999 “Using Silica Gel in
Microenvironments”. Conserve O Gram Number 1/8.
5. National Park Service September 2011 “Creating a
Microclimate Box for Metal Storage”. Conserve O Gram Number
4/16.
6. Weintraub, S. “Demystifying Silica Gel” Objects Specialty Group
Postprints (vol. 9), Washington, D.C: American Institute for
Conservation. 2002.
PACKET PAGE 27
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Accession #: 513-15-3
Condition Survey
Client: La Purisima Mission SHP
Date: September – October 2018 Conservator: Kimberly Timbs
Accession #: 513-15-3 Material: copper
Dimensions (cm): 9.3 H 1.1 W 11.8 L
Type of item: picture frame with copper #of parts 1
Condition: fair Condition rating: 3
Condition notes: Flaking Accretions Corrosion Crust Dirty x Safe to handle
x Surface corrosion x Metal intact
Corrosion Types present:
Cracking Bubbles Flash rust Pitting
Conservation needs:
x Dry Clean
x Wet Clean
x Remove Corrosion
x Corrosion Inhibitor/Buffer
Repackage
Condition Notes: There is copper corrosion in
areas along the frame inlay. There is bright blue corrosion in
certain areas. The metal is a thin sheet with some black and
green areas. Wet clean only where possible. Take care not to
damage the picture.
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Accession #: 513-27-11
Condition Survey
Client: La Purisima Mission SHP
Date: September – October 2018 Conservator: Kimberly Timbs
Accession #: 513-27-11 Material: iron
Dimensions (cm): 9.6 H 0.4-1.8 W 20.8 L
Type of item: Spur frame and rowel #of parts 2
Condition: good Condition rating: 1
Condition notes: Flaking Accretions Corrosion Crust x Dirty x Safe to handle
x Surface corrosion x Metal intact
Corrosion Types present:
Cracking Bubbles x Flash rust Pitting
Conservation needs:
x Dry Clean
x Wet Clean
x Remove Corrosion
x Corrosion Inhibitor/Buffer
Repackage
Condition Notes: Rowel
dimensions: 14 cm L, 6.4 cm H, 0.8 cm W. There are some areas with dust and dirt that could
be removed but overall it is in stable condition.
PACKET PAGE 30
Accession #: 513-27-14
Condition Survey
Client: La Purisima Mission SHP
Date: September – October 2018 Conservator: Kimberly Timbs
Accession #: 513-27-14 Material: iron
Dimensions (cm): 11 H 0.6 W 12.5 L
Type of item: Rowel - 6 pointed #of parts 1
Condition: good Condition rating: 1
Condition notes: Flaking x Accretions Corrosion Crust Dirty x Safe to handle
x Surface corrosion x Metal intact
Corrosion Types present:
Cracking Bubbles x Flash rust Pitting
Conservation needs:
x Dry Clean
Wet Clean
x Remove Corrosion
x Corrosion Inhibitor/Buffer
Repackage
Condition Notes: There are a few small
spots of corrosion on the back.
PACKET PAGE 31
Accession #: 513-27-17
Condition Survey
Client: La Purisima Mission SHP
Date: September – October 2018 Conservator: Kimberly Timbs
Accession #: 513-27-17 Material: iron
Dimensions (cm): ϭϬ͘ϴ ϭ͘ϵ W ϭϯ͘ϵϳ L
Type of item: Spur fragment #of parts 3
Condition: fair Condition rating: 3
Condition notes: x Flaking x Accretions Corrosion Crust x Dirty Safe to handle
Surface corrosion x Metal intact
Corrosion Types present:
x Cracking Bubbles x Flash rust Pitting
Conservation needs:
x Dry Clean
x Wet Clean
x Remove Corrosion
x Corrosion Inhibitor/Buffer
Repackage
Condition Notes: There is quite a bit
of excavation dirt in spots. The dirt
should be removed and the rust
should be removed as well.
PACKET PAGE 32
Accession #: 513-62-6138
Condition Survey
Client: La Purisima Mission SHP
Date: September – October 2018 Conservator: Kimberly Timbs
Accession #: 513-62-6138 Material: copper
Dimensions (cm): 1.8 H 0.5 W 3.5 L
Type of item: Crucifix from rosary #of parts 1
Condition: fair Condition rating: 2
Condition notes: Flaking Accretions Corrosion Crust Dirty x Safe to handle
x Surface corrosion x Metal intact
Corrosion Types present:
Cracking Bubbles Flash rust Pitting
Conservation needs:
x Dry Clean
x Wet Clean
x Remove Corrosion
x Corrosion Inhibitor/Buffer
Repackage
Condition Notes: There is bright blue
corrosion in spots around the figurine on the
front and back. There is some sort of
leather/fiber attached to the back area in a
depression.
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