ALL SOULS UNITARIAN CHURCH BOARD MEETING

November 20, 2007

Minutes

 

Board Officers

 

 

 

 

 

 

Murphy, John

President

Present

 

Bartley, Brian

Treasurer

Absent

Sibert, Tom

V President

Present

 

Middleton, Mike

Secretary

Present

Board Members

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dunkin, Ray

Exp 2008

Present

 

Griffith, Debi

Exp 2009

Present

Hansen, Carol

Exp 2008

Present

 

Most, Richard

Exp 2009

Present

Merriman, Sharon

Exp 2008

Absent

 

Basile, Frank

Exp 2010

Present

Spencer, Gary

Exp 2008

Present

 

Burns, Linda

Exp 2010

Present

Basson, Rodney

Exp 2009

Present

 

Fox, Lucia

Exp 2010

Present

Brunner, Bob

Exp 2009

Absent

 

Wendt, Caroline

Exp 2010

Present

Others Present

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clear, Bruce

Minister

 

 

Woods, Kathryn

Office Adm.

 

Clear, Nancy

RE

 

 

Killingbeck, Don

Budget

 

 

John Murphy called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.

 

Minutes

            Minutes of the October 10 Board meeting were approved.   

 

Miscellaneous Business

            A motion was made to appoint Mike Middleton as Interim Treasurer and Brian Bartley as Interim Secretary.  The motion was seconded and passed.

 

            Kathryn reported that our insurance company would cover our paintings and the premium would be $1,200 less, due in part to discounts we are eligible for.  Jim Weir was notified that the painting in the office is loose.

 

            Nancy presented the Religious Education report.

 

            Due to increased costs over time Kathryn asked the Bridge Club for an increase in rental rate from $100 to $125 per week.  They offered $110.  After discussion the board accepted $110 as fair with the intention that we will review the rate in a year. 

           

Sabbatical Support Resolution

            Tom discussed the sabbatical grant and attending resolution.  If we get the grant, it would provide $30,000 toward Minister’s expenses and $15,000 for substitute costs.  The resolution obligates the congregation to participate in renewal activities (to be determined) while the Minister is likewise seeking renewal.  A motion was made to recommend the congregation approve the resolution.  The motion was seconded and passed. 

Capital Campaign Cash Flow

            Mike presented the Capital Campaign cash flow.  Cash flow is sufficient to service the mortgage till the end of June and pay down the outstanding balance to $408,000.  This assumes 95% pledge fulfillment.  At that time I would recommend the endowment take over payment of the mortgage if another plan has not been put in place.  The Board would like to review the cash flow status in three to six months.

 

Treasurer’s Report

            Mike and Kathryn presented the operating budget Income and Expense Statement.  As of the end of October we have a -$16,604 cash flow.  On the income side we expected $8,333 in “fund raising” and have none to date.  The Holiday card program is coming up and we expect about $4,000 from that.  Budget anomalies on the expense side include $4,149 in bank charges (including penalties) and $5,414 in increased electricity usage.  Payment for the Ministers Sabbatical Fund will add to the negative cash flow by $6,250. 

 

2008 Operating Budget

            Don presented the proposed 2008 budget.  John noted that the budget is to be voted up or down, as is, at the congregational meeting.  Don commended the pledge drive team for their work and timely results.  John Drake compiled the pledges and characterized them as individually about the same as last year with some fall off in the total pledged due to changes in membership.  Seasoned members typically pledge more then new members.  Don believes the budget he is presenting has cut expenses too much and includes about $12,000 of wishful thinking income.  Due to the possible discussion of salaries Bruce recommended we call an executive session.  John did so and the staff left.

            Don handed out a proposed notice that calls for $25,000 more in pledges.  Lucia recommended we us the notice as an information sheet.  Ray suggested the Board commit to pledging a large portion of the shortfall.  Deb suggested that people might be more generous when the Capital Campaign is over at the end of June.  The fact that All Souls typically pledges about 30% less then the average for a church our size in the Midwest was discussed.  Frank would like us to address the question “Why”. 

The Board would like Don’s notice, without the direct solicitation, put in the Order of Service for November 25 and December as well as the next Bulletin.  A motion was made to provisionally approve the budget pending a plan to improve it in the first quarter of 2008.  The motion was seconded and passed.   

The Board recognizes and commends Don for his tireless work on the Budget.

The meeting concluded with up beat comments from Tom putting the problem in perspective and the Board showing enthusiasm to meet the challenge.         

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM

Mike Middleton, Secretary to the Board