MOUNT VERNON UNITARIAN CHURCH

Board of Trustees Meeting

Dec. 4, 2001, 7:30 p.m.

Members Present                                          Also Present

Ron Brandt, Chair                                           Tony Barkume

Linda Davidson, Secretary                              Rev. Walter Braman

Al Erickson, Vice-Chair                                 Anne Bredeck

Nancy Fox                                                       Wendy Burns

Hayley Holser-Green                                      Janice Fitzpatrick

Linda Jemison                                                 Michael Hentges

Betsy Stephens                                                Bea Holmes

Russ Stumpe                                                    Larry Jackley

                                                                        Al Macomber

Members Absent                                           Bill Means

Carl Lohmann                                                  Dr. Forrest Tobey

Jim McGovern                                    Joan Wamsley

Maria Meuse

Call to Order:  7:30 p.m. by Ron Brandt

Opening Words:  Hayley Holser-Green

Sprint Cell Tower:  Wendy Burns, Al Erickson, and Larry Jackley presented the final proposal to lease property at MVUC for the erection of a cell phone antenna.  They explained how insurance and other concerns had been addressed in the latest round of negotiations, and answered questions about the contract.

The following motion was passed with one dissenting vote:

1. that MVUC accept the contract to lease property for the erection of a Sprint cell phone antenna and related equipment.

Northern Virginia Jobs with Justice:  Bea Holmes presented information about this organization, which won Virginia’s first Living Wage Ordinance in the city of Alexandria.  The group is currently assisting workers laid off as a result of the Sept. 11 attack, and Alexandria childcare providers.  Tony Barkume listed potential unforeseen consequences of the living wage, providing an alternative viewpoint. 

By consensus, the Board decided:  to ask the Our Larger World coordinator (Peg Bartel) to work with the OLW teams to develop a plan for presenting information to the congregation about Northern Virginia Jobs with Justice, and providing members with opportunities for participation.

The following motions were passed unanimously:

1. that the Board name a Director of Religious Education Selection Committee, with the expectation that this person would take office in August 2002.  (A Board Nominating Committee will nominate three to five members of the Selection Committee for appointment by the chair no later than January 1, 2002.)
2. that the Board approve the proposed Alcohol Policy.  (The new policy lists conditions under which alcohol may be served at church social occasions, eliminating the need for specific Board approval.)

The Board received the following reports:  Minister’s Report, Treasurer’s Report, Religious Education Report (from the Interim RE Administrator), Religious Education Council Report, Music Director’s Report, Finance Committee Report, and the Personnel Committee Report.  (The Treasurer’s Report is posted in the Commons.  All other reports can be found in the church office.)

Future Planning

Tues., Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m. – Board of Trustees, in the Commons

The meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.