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[[underlined]] STATUS REPORTS [[/underlined]]

The Secretary introduced the following status reports and invited comments. In response to a question, Mr. Jameson briefed the Regents on recent activities related to the renovation of the Natural History Building. He noted that with appropriations in fiscal years 1989 and 1990 the Smithsonian has made substantial progress, including the relocation of the building's chiller plant from the East Court. Additional funding will be necessary in the coming year for the planning and design of the facility to be placed within the Court, which is critical to the success of the plans for the building's renovation. Replying to another question, Mr. Jameson pointed out that the cost of the negotiated settlement in the Davis Corporation suit (see below in the Litigation Report Summary) must be borne entirely by the Smithsonian, rather than the General Services Administration. He added that the staff is exploring ways of meeting the Institution's responsibilities for reimbursing the Judgment Fund.

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[[underlined]] MAJOR PERSONNEL RECRUITMENTS AND APPOINTMENTS [[/underlined]]

The Secretary has announced the appointment of Richard J. Wattenmaker as Director of the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art, effective September 17. Dr. Wattenmaker is a widely respected scholar and museum administrator. He has served as Director of the Flint Institute of Art (1980-88), the Chrysler Museum (1979-80), and the Rutgers University Art Gallery (1966-69). From 1972 until 1978 he was chief curator of the Art Gallery of Ontario.

The recruitment for a director of the Anacostia Museum is well under way and is expected to conclude with a recommendation to the Secretary by November 1. The search committee met in June to develop the qualifications for the position and to review the recruitment plan. The committee will meet in late September and mid-October to consider the candidates for the position. Anacostia staffers Sharon Reinckens and Jim Mayo continue to serve effectively as co-acting directors of the Museum.

Robert P. Dillman, Commanding Officer for the Navy's Facilities Engineering Division in Philadelphia, has been selected for the position of Director of the Office of Design and Construction as a result of a