April 4, 2005
Board Members present:
Karen Tyson, Chair
Joanne Masterson, Vice-chair
Ric Sears
Jack Hinman
Hal Holtzclaw
Nance Cedar
Eben Kuhns
Jane Nelson
Board Member absent:
Doug MacCleery
Others present:
Rev. Lou Schwebius
Barbara Stoddard
Donna Bledsoe
Joan Wamsley
Al Erickson
Linda Jemison
Bill Alsmeyer-Johnson
Sally Joy Remington
Wendy Burns
Linda Davidson
Gioia Chilton
Opening
words were read by Joanne Masterson.
The Board heard a brief presentation from OLW representatives Bill
Alsmeyer-Johnson and Sally Joy Remington. The board endorsed a
proposed resolution to be voted on at the annual meeting 4-24-05 stating: “The
congregation resolves to affirm the development of an integrated Social Justice
program as outlined and formatted in THE PROPHETIC IMPERATIVE by Rev. Richard
Gilbert, using the democratic process, task force strategic planning, and
congregational evaluation.” Further information will be sent out with the ‘call
to meeting’ packet.
The Board heard a statement from Linda Jemison recounting her
dealings with the Fort Hunt Preschool (FHP) during her tenure as board chair in
2003-2004. At the time, Linda told FHP leaders that they should develop a
contingency plan for a worst-case scenario that necessitated vacating the
Carriage House on an indefinite and long-term basis. She indicated that no one
at FHP can say that they are surprised or haven't had ample time to prepare for
our construction.
In
preparation for the annual meeting on April 24, 2005, the Board endorsed
the slate of nominees presented by the nominating committee.Thank you nominating
committee!
The Board endorsed a resolution on the Plan for Vital Congregations
submitted by Ron Brandt which will be voted on at the annual meeting.
The resolution states: “We, the congregation of MVUC, support the growth of
Unitarian Universalism in the Baltimore Washington region. We commit to working
cooperatively with other UU congregations as outlined in the Plan for Vital
Congregations prepared by the regional UU Growth Planning Committee.” A $2000
budget for a publicity campaign for MVUC has been included as part of this
proposal.
The budget for FY ending June 30, 2006, as proposed by the Finance
Committee, was presented by Al Erickson. The budget was approved by the
Board and will be presented at the annual meeting on 4-24-2005. Currently, 228
pledges have been received totalling $339,655.00. A special thanks to Eben
Kuhns for canvassing youth members of MVUC. It was also noted that it costs the
church approximately $80.00 per member for denominational responsibilities. The
current official membership count is 378.
The Board unanimously approved a Letter of Agreement between MVUC and FHP
for the 2005/2006 school year. The agreement provides sufficient flexibility
that MVUC can pursue its building program. An amendment offered by Jack Hinman
was discussed and passed by a majority of the Board. In the paragraph under
Future Construction Work on MVUC Property the amended sentence reads: "Because
the safety of the FHP children is of paramount importance to MVUC and the
specific details of the construction are unclear at this time, MVUC and FHP
agree to work cooperatively and constructively to evaluate and seek ways to
effectively address safety issues that are likely to arise, with a view towards
FHP's possible continued operation at MVUC during construction." [FHP signed and
returned the Letter of Agreement on April 25.]
Appointments: The
Board appointed Robin Roberts as Construction Task Force Chair. He and
the board will ensure that all appropriate groups are represented on the task
force. The Board also approved the appointment of Lisa Gillispie as
Partner Church Committee Chair, taking the place of Janice Fitzpatrick. The
Board also passed a motion that the returning members of the BOT will constitute
the Board Officer Nominating Committee (Ric Sears, Nance Cedar, Joanne
Masterson, Hal Holtzclaw, Doug MacCleery, and Jane Nelson).
The Board approved a request from Rev. Lou Schwebius to fund the
DRE Professional Expense Allocation at the same level as in previous years.
This fiscal year $1500.00 will be allocated; and DRE Professional Expense
Allocation will be continued as a budget item.
The Board discussed a proposal for Program Council reorganization. It
has been proposed that the Endowment and Rental Committees report to the Finance
Committee, which then reports to the Board. The Administrative Team would be
renamed the Communication Team and would include the Book Nook, the Windmill,
the Stirrings, and the web site. Further discussion will need to take place as
the Endowment Committee is elected by the congregation, whereas the Finance
Committee is appointed by the Board. Charters and by-laws will need to be
reviewed.
The Board received and discussed reports from the Minister, Director of
Religious Education, Director of Music, and the Business Administrator (see
attached reports).
Rev. Schwebius reported that he, Barbara Stoddard, and Steve
and Cynthia Phinney would be representing MVUC at the JPD Annual
Conference held this year in King of Prussia, PA. He has been contacted by
Friends of Guest House - a program for female ex-offenders in the Del Ray area
of Alexandria. The May, 2005 special collection may be used to benefit this
group. Exciting news - Rev. Sinkford has confirmed that he will visit
MVUC during our 50th year celebrations. Rev. Sinkford will be present Sat.
3-18-06 for a potluck dinner/reception, and will be leading the service with
Rev. Lou on Sun. 3-19-06. More exciting news - An unrestricted gift of $20,000
has been received from the estate of Helen Coulter. Rev. Schwebius also
notes he has been nominated to be Vice President of the Chesapeake UU Ministers’
Association. He has accepted the nomination and will officially assume this
position in September 2005."Rev.
Barbara Stoddard emphasized the need for more communication between the
RE Council and the Youth with a recommendation for an additional youth
representative on the Council. Also, she has been selected to be on the faculty
for a workshop developing training for interim DREs.
The Board approved the recommendation of Donna Bledsoe and the
finance committee to allocate $50,000 from the building fund to debt reduction.
Interim officers for the May 2005 BOT meeting will be:
Chair - Joanne Masterson
Vice Chair - Jane Nelson
Secretary - Doug MacCleery
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Nelson (taking minutes for Doug MacCleery - Secretary)