MVUC 2004 Annual Meeting
Sunday, April 25, 2004
Introductions
The Annual Meeting was convened at 6:35 on April 25, 2004, with a song, opening words by Rev. Louis Schwebius, a review of the agenda and introductory statement by Linda Jemison, Chair of the MVUC Board of Trustees. Linda indicated that a quorum was present and appointed Jim Southerland as Parliamentarian and Bill Means as Timekeeper.
Elections
Bruce Tinker, Chair of the Nominating Committee, introduced the slate of nominees for 2004-2005. These included nominees for new members of the Board of Trustees (Hal Holtzclaw, Jane Nelson, Joanne Masterson, and Lucy Hentges); of the Nominating Committee (Bonnie Brandt, George Churchill, Tamara De La Camp, Bill Means, and Anne Ulm); of the Program Council (Linda Walton – RE and Becky Brandt – Property Teams); and for delegates to the General Assembly (Liz Campbell, Nance Cedar, and Suzanne Cleary). The Congregation approved all nominations.
Report of the FFTF and Related Resolutions
Bill Clontz summarized the plans developed by the Facilities for the Future Task Force (FFTF) for remodeling and expansion of the MVUC Meeting House, Commons and Offices. It was an effort that had spanned seven years and six Boards of Trustees. Bill stated that the objective of the FFTF was to add much needed space, while at the same time minimizing the footprint of the renovated building on the Hill and making it look as if it were part of the original building design. He said that the proposal would increase classroom space, administrative space, storage, parking and the area of the Commons. The estimated cost of $2.1 million has some slack built into it for contingencies. Bill noted that the high side, the worst-case cost might be as high as $2.4M, but that is not expected. However, this estimate does not include a basement, which cannot be added later. The cost is within recommended guidelines for a church of our size, but is at the high end of what is considered affordable.
After Bill’s overview, the Congregation was presented with three resolutions prepared by the FFTF and approved by the BoT. These resolutions would:
Adopt the facilities plan developed by the FFTF and approved by the Board of Trustees,
Authorize contracting with a professional UUA fundraising consultant to conduct a financial confirmation study to determine MVUC’s readiness to conduct a capital campaign, and
Direct the FFTF to report to the Congregation on the results of the financial confirmation study and its recommendations for action based on that study. The capital campaign will only go forward only if the congregation approves it at a special meeting scheduled for Sunday, June 13, 2004.
These resolutions were moved, seconded and discussion was heard. Linda Jemison said that John Henrehan had requested an opportunity to speak against these resolutions. After John spoke, others would then have an opportunity to speak for or against the resolutions with a three-minute time limit per speaker.
John Henrehan made the following points:
The additions and improvements would be nice to have, but aren’t necessary.
We do have enough space. We have managed reasonably well, even though Hollin Hall has not been available to us over the last year. A renovated Hollin Hall will soon be available for use, further relieving our space problem.
MVUC has chronically under funded its existing facilities, as evidenced by the need to borrow $300K to do much needed maintenance. We don’t need to take on an additional maintenance burden.
Spending $2 million to add more space is a mis-placed priority. We should be improving funding for the ministry, social action, an endowment fund, a program to increase membership in view of our current aging membership, and other programs more important to our Church’s calling than a larger building.
After John made his presentation, over 20 members of the congregation spoke. Most spoke in favor of moving forward. Some expressed sympathy with points made by John Henrehan, yet still supported moving forward.
Ken Krogh said that there were significant problems with the design, which needed further study and refinement. Ken offered an amendment to the three resolutions on the floor that would have required further study of the design and eliminated the requirement to convene a special meeting of the congregation on June 13. The proposed amendment was moved and seconded, but did not pass.
After the time for discussion of the resolutions had elapsed, the congregation passed them overwhelmingly, with only five "No" votes.
Annual Canvass
Linda Davidson, Annual Canvass Chair, summarized the results of the canvass. She reported that it had been an excellent canvass which at the time of the Annual Meeting had raised $365,914 or 97.6% of our goal.
Action on the Proposed Budget
The congregation affirmed by voice vote the direction in the proposed budget of $491,150 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005. Al Macomber offered a resolution that the budget contain the addition of a grounds keeper with a budget amount of $0, so that funding can be provided in next year. This resolution was passed.
Social Action Staff Proposal
Peter Bloom and Sally Joy Remington articulated their proposal, also raised at last year’s annual meeting, for hiring a staff social justice program coordinator.
Other Business
Karen Tyson recognized the retiring members of the Board of Trustees (Linda Jemison, Jim McGovern Will Jernigan and Betsy Stephens) for their excellent service during a challenging and eventful period in the Church’s history.
Janice Fitzpatrick was thanked for all of her wonderful service and devotion to MVUC over many years.
Linda Davidson strongly suggested that the Church look into providing health insurance for the families of its employees.