April 4, 2006
Board Members present:
Wendy Burns
Nance Cedar
Hal Holtzclaw
Joanne Masterson, Vice Chair
Jim Potter
Jane Nelson
Raleigh Romine
Ric Sears, Chair
Board Members Absent
Doug MacCleery
Katie Tyson
Others Present
Al Erickson, Treasurer
Rev. Lou Schwebius
Barbara Stoddard, DRE
Curtis Hunter
Lisa Napier
Georgia Pourchot
Carolyn Slenska
The minutes of the March 7th meeting were reviewed and accepted.
Wendy Burns presented a draft charter of the MVUC Nominating Committee developed from the current operating procedures of the Committee and including additions concerning relations with the Minister and requirements for nominations to the BoT. Georgia Pourchot, speaking on behalf of the current Nominating Committee, presented objections to the proposed charter, stating that the Committee is uniquely chartered in the Bylaws and does not need a separate charter from the BoT. The position of the Nominating Committee is that the Bylaws specify the Committee should operate independently of any outside influences and that a change in this, specifically a charter from the BoT, would require a vote by the Congregation as an amendment to the Bylaws. After spirited discussion, the BoT decided to take no action at this time.
Lisa Napier presented the final report of the DRE Search Committee recommending Meagan Henry. The BoT discussed salary and fringe benefits and unanimously voted to extend an offer to Ms. Henry. The BoT also expressed thanks to Lisa and the Search Committee for an excellent job. After leaving the meeing, Lisa communicated the offer to Ms. Henry and reported to the BoT via cellphone her preliminary acceptance of the offer.
The BoT received a draft report from the Safety Committee chaired by Laura Walker. A range of issues ranging from fire extinguisher placement to first aid kits were reported. The BoT will provide feedback to Laura as well as finalizing the Safety Committee charter.
The charter of the Publicity Committee as drafted by Ron Brandt was approved.
The charter of the Program Council was presented by Jane Nelson and approved. During the discussion it was noted that the Sunday coffee coordinator position is unfilled. There may be no coffee in the Commons on Sundays unless a volunteer steps forward.
Bill Alsmeyer-Johnson requested a vote at the Annual Meeting to ratify a Social justice task force structure, with 4 proposed task forces. The vote is requested to gain official congregational approval for this approach. The congregation gave a vote of affirmation to develop it at the 2005 Annual Meeting. The BOT agreed to put it on the agenda and asked for a request in writing.
Lynn Alsmeyer-Johnson presented information for a future Call to Action on Reproductive Rights.
The board received reports from Rev. Louis Schwebius, Donna Bledsoe and Barbara Stoddard. Rev. Schwebius noted that his apartment is being converted to condos and he will be occupied with finding a new place. Due to this he will be unable to attend GA this year.
The BoT received the current status of the Pledge Campaign. The pledge total to date is $291,272 corresponding to 71% of the goal. Follow-up letters have been sent to members who have not returned their pledge cards.
Ric Sears reported that the lease for Fort Hunt Preschool has been finalized and sent to the school. The BoT approved the charter of the Fort Hunt Preschool as presented by Wendy Burns.
The BoT received nominations for Recognition Sunday Awards.
The BoT appointed interim offices for the transition to the new BoT: Joanne Masterson as Chair, Jim Potter as Vice-Chair, and Raleigh Romine as Secretary.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45PM.