Attendance: 83 resident members constitute a quorum. 123 voting slips were issued, 21 of which were proxies. In addition, there were 17 absentee ballots.
Walter Braman delivered opening words, and Ron Brandt led us in song.
By acclamation, the following slate of nominees was approved:
1. Board of Trustees Term expires:
Nance Cedar 2006
Doug MacCleery 2005
Ric Sears 2006
Karen Tyson 2006
Will Jernigan 2004
2. Nominating Committee for 2003-2004:
Brett Alexander
Scott Cameron
Esther Dickinson
Betsy Roderick
Bruce Tinker
3. Program Council (Our Larger World)
Bill Alsmeyer-Johnson
4. Delegates to the General Assembly 2003
Bill and Lynn Alsmeyer-Johnson
Jack Hinman
Steve Phinney
Joe Sanders
Outgoing leaders Peg Bartel, Ron Brandt, Al Erickson, and Russ Stumpe were acknowledged and thanked for their dedicated service. New and continuing members of the Board of Trustees and the Program Council were introduced.
Some discussion took place regarding a proposed bylaws change to Article 8. This proposed change was designed to confirm that the chair of the Board of Trustees appoints the chairs of committees constituted by the Board. Following this discussion, all proposed bylaws revisions passed by voice vote.
Bill Clontz reported on the recent activities of the Facilities for the Future Task Force and recommended adoption of the Board’s resolution requesting borrowing authority. Karen Tyson provided a brief explanation of the specifics of the resolution.
Bert Ely rose to express his support for this resolution "with grave reservations." He urged the congregation to reject any consideration of new facilities or expansion of existing facilities "until the congregation has demonstrated…that it is willing to properly maintain what it now has."
Jim McGovern commended Bert for his presentation and voiced support for Bert’s position. Jim urged members to ask the Board of Trustees to prioritize the capital expansion plans prepared by the Facilities for the Future Task Force. He also voiced skepticism about the wisdom of spending funds to hire a consultant to plan or run a future capital campaign.
Gary Fitzpatrick observed that MVUC’s old buildings are very labor intensive. Relatively few craftsmen have the know-how to perform needed repairs. He also urged the congregation not to tie the Board’s hands with regard to the decision about hiring a consultant.
Jay Holmes pointed out that borrowing is an attractive option in view of the current low interest rates.
John Henrehan observed that MVUC has saved a considerable amount of money due to the fact that four staff members who are eligible for health insurance are otherwise covered. He also voiced concern about the recent decline in the number of pledge units.
By voice vote the congregation then passed the Board of Trustees’ resolution authorizing the Facilities for the Future Task Force to proceed with urgently-needed repair and renovation of Hollin Hall and other historic structures (specified in a list presented separately) This resolution also authorizes the BOT to borrow up to $300,000 for this purpose, with repayment of the loan and debt service to be incorporated for the time being into the annual operating budget. The amount to be borrowed shall include incidental costs of these activities, including architectural and engineering fees and the possibility of employing a fund-raising consultant to advise on shaping the operating fund canvass in February 2004.
Al Erickson reported that the annual canvass had so far produced 231 pledges and $317,000.
The congregation by voice vote endorsed the proposed budget of $436,100 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004. This proposed budget includes $18,000 for a part-time church manager. Al Erickson acknowledged that this amount of money is insufficient, but he explained that the Board of Trustees felt that it was important to introduce the idea of a church manager to the congregation. Al outlined possible elements of a job description for the position. Some discussion about this position preceded the vote endorsing the proposed budget.
Pete Bloom, Peg Bartel, Bill-Alsmeyer-Johnson, and Sally-Joy Remington articulated their vision of hiring a staff social justice program coordinator. Some discussion followed.
Larry Jackley commended Ron Brandt for his tenure as Board chair.
The congregation joined in song, and the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:20.
Jim McGovern, Secretary