December 6, 2005
Board Members present:
Ric Sears, Chair
Joanne Masterson, Vice Chair
Raleigh Romine
Wendy Burns
Jim Potter
Hal Holtzclaw
Doug MacCleery
Jane Nelson
Katie Tyson
Nance Cedar
Board Member absent:
None
Others present:
Rev. Louis Schwebius
Ken Krogh
Donna Bledsoe
Al Erickson
Ron Brandt
Gioia Chilton
Lisa Napier
Susanne Cleary
The minutes of the November 1st BOT meeting were approved.
Susanne Cleary reported from the Green Sanctuary Committee regarding efforts to obtain grant money to assist in installing a “green roof” on the flat roofed sections of the Meeting House construction project. Carol Ann Barth of the Heal Earth Group has offered to prepare the proposal with remuneration for the work to be paid from the grant, assuming it is received.
Lisa Napier reported on the status of the search for the new MVUC Director of Religious Education. Things are well in hand. Some minor expenses will be paid from the modest budget that currently exists for this effort.
Wendy Burns brought the Board up to date on activities of MVUC/ Ft. Hunt Preschool (FHP) Relations Committee (also summarized in a 12/4/05 report to the BOT from the Committee). She reviewed a formal legal analysis done by the law firm Surovell, Markel, Isaacs & Levy. PLC of the issues and possible risks to MVUC associated with continued operation of FHP during construction activities. The legal report contained a number of recommendations to mitigate and address risks, including negotiating a lease agreement with FHP that contains particular stipulations. After discussion, the BOT unanimously adopted the following resolution:
A) The MVUC BOT will notify FHP of its intent to authorize continued operation of the preschool during construction of the meeting house, subject to the conditions specified in a new lease agreement to be negotiated with FHP to address the issues and recommendations contained in the memo dated December 3, 2005 to BOT Chairman Ric Sears from Surovell, Markel, Isaacs & Levy. PLC.
B) MVUC will contract with Mr. Scott Surovell to assist in drafting a new lease agreement and otherwise assist in carrying out the recommendations contained in the above referenced memo.
Ric Sears said that he would contact FHP leadership of the action of the Board. The BOT asked the MVUC/FHP Relations Committee to take responsibility for working with Scott Surovell in preparing and negotiating the lease agreement. Wendy agreed to provide the BOT the opportunity to review the draft lease agreement prior to sharing it with FHP. In addition, any recommendation of council that is not incorporated into the lease will specifically be brought to the attention of the BOT.
Al Erickson reviewed a revision to the gifts policy that had been approved at the 10/4/05 BOT meeting. Questions were raised about the make-up of the proposed Gift Acceptance Committee. It was felt that the committee could be cumbersome. Al was asked to take the issue up with the Finance Committee to determine whether that committee would be willing to accept the responsibility detailed for the proposed Gift Acceptance Committee.
Reports were received from the Minister, Business Administrator and Treasure. Rev. Lou noted, in particular, that requests for meeting and home visits had increased in recent days, consistent with the norm for this time of year. He has been called to jury duty from 12/12-16 which will complicate this busy time. Donna Bledsoe noted that the financial situation of MVUC is sound and normal for this point in the fiscal year.
Douglas MacCleery
Secretary