ALL SOULS UNITARIAN CHURCH SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

August 9, 2006

Minutes

 

Board Officers

 

 

 

 

 

 

Johnson, Bruce

President

Absent

 

Wetzel, Ed

Treasurer

Absent

Rempel, John

V President

Present

 

Middleton, Mike

Secretary

Present

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board Members

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bartley, Brian

Exp 2007

Absent

 

Merriman, Sharon

Exp 2008

Present

Evans, Sarah

Exp 2007

Present

 

Spencer, Gary

Exp 2008

Absent

Stanis, Suzanne

Exp 2007

Present

 

Burnett, Frank

Exp 2009

Absent

Wiesinger, Eric

Exp 2007

Absent

 

Griffith, Debi

Exp 2009

Present

Dunkin, Ray

Exp 2008

Present

 

Murphy, John

Exp 2009

Present

Hansen, Carol

Exp 2008

Present

 

Rasmussen, Karen

Exp 2009

Present

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Others Present

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atwater, Rich

BRC Chair

 

 

Stanis, Bob

BRC

 

Armstrong, Scott

Builders Rep

 

 

Sibert, Tom

BRC

 

Other BRC people

joined later

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rich Atwater called the meeting to order at 6:09 pm.  Mike pointed out that it may be a conflict of interest for the BRP Chair to lead a Board meeting and questions about a quorum were raised.  Some members came in late and John R (backup leader) did not arrive till about 6:23 and 16 seconds (ok, I am guessing on the seconds). 

 

Section six on page 38 of the Operations Manual states “ A majority of the Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum”.  Since we have 16 voting members we need nine for a quorum.  Mike mistakenly said we needed 10 (what is wrong with that guy?).  Sorry, I was looking at an old roster that included some retired members.

 

Rich stated that the project was 3 to 4 weeks behind schedule and that the BRC was working to keep it on budget.  Rich stated that the schedule was tight to begin with then they ran into permit delays, bad weather, unforeseen conditions and delays getting things moved out.  A major unknown factor is whether the stairs will be in.  This means that the RE Wing may not be ready when the regular services start on September 10.  This will impact the RE activities and the NE Co-Op.  Milton will need a different housing arrangement for an additional month.  Scott said that tearing into the old construction is about done so the number of surprises will diminish.

 

Mike expressed concern about three big picture issues, mainly are we “on top” of the project enough, are we acting with enough concern to insure success and is any one person responsible for insuring timely payment?  These concerns are based on the expressed delays, the engineer missing a supporting wall, changes in key personnel and no church member ever present on site during work.  Key personnel changes include Chris McComas to Scott Armstrong, Rowe’s project director early on changed to Ross Peabody and we are counting on Bonnie to manage the payment process.  Don’t get me wrong; I believe we have competent people in place.  Since the board is ultimately responsible I believe we need to show more active concern when the process looks a little stressed.  Mike will spend at least an hour per week on site during construction as well as offer Bonnie support.           

 

Rich and the BRC are concerned that the expectations exceed what is budgeted.  Windows and Air conditioning in the RE were discussed.  The sound system was discussed.  Photoshop renderings of the visual impact of the new sound system were shown.  Feedback on the appearance was positive.

 

John R handed out an outline of delays and concerns.  He went over the list.  It was pointed out that the bathrooms, elevator and acoustics are big deals in the renovation and are being dealt with.  Ceiling and lighting in the classrooms could be updated without changing the framework.  Sharon expressed a desire to see tradeoffs with items specifically voted on by the board detailed out.  Other significant items not budgeted, that will not be done include the following.  The thinking is that some of these things may be done at a later date. 

New flooring in the existing lobby

Refinished south wall in sanctuary

Ceiling and lighting in Beattie room       

Completely refurbished all four RE bathrooms

Windows with matching treatments

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM

Mike Middleton, Secretary to the Board