Board of Trustees Meeting

Mount Vernon Unitarian Church

February 1, 2005

Board Members present:

Karen Tyson, Chair

Joanne Masterson, Vice-Chair

Ric Sears

Jane Nelson

Jack Hinman

Hal Holtzclaw

Board Members absent:

Doug MacCleery

Nance Cedar

Eben Kuhns

Others present:

Rev. Lou Schwebius

Donna Bledsoe

Joan Wamsley

Barbara Stoddard

Russ Stumpe

The Board approved the appointment of Betsy Stephens as Caring Associates Chair to replace Jo Jackley.

The Board discussed wedding policy during construction. It was determined weddings could be booked through July, 2006 - possibly later pending start of construction. Hollin Hall will be available for small affairs. Further discussion to take place with Betsy Clagett.

The Board reviewed the Letter of Agreement between MVUC and Fort Hunt Preschool as forwarded by Jeanne Simuro, FHP President. Due to errors in the Letter of Agreement, the Board passed a motion to inform FHP that construction plans are being reworked, and that the current agreement will be honored for the next 45 days. A committee was established to review the agreement and interface with FHP - members: Karen Tyson, Doug MacCleery, Joanne Masterson, and Hal Holtzclaw, Concerns were expressed about renting the preschool space while construction is taking place during the 2006/2007 school year.

The Board approved the Susan B. Anthony Fund recommendations as presented by Joan Wamsley. Money will be allocated to update lighting fixtures outside of Hollin Hall, replace broken round tables, purchase half-wide tables, contribute to the ordination of Steve Phinney, and install a window in the doors to the nursery. Other requests may also be considered.

The Board reviewed the canvass goal and initiatives as recommended by the finance committee. A resolution was passed to approve the goal of $400,000 which will allow continuation of current programming, appropriate salary increases for staff, and part-time hourly groundskeeping staff. If the goal is exceeded, considerations would be given for a part-time youth/young adult advisor, full-time groundskeeper, or social justice coordinator.

The Board passed a resolution to approve the finance committee’s recommendation to move $100,000 from the capital campaign to debt reduction, contingent on the approval by the congregation of the building program on 2-6-05.

The Board passed a resolution to allocate $1500 to the ordination of Steve Phinney from the general operating budget as recommended by the finance committee.

The Board discussed a memorandum from the RE Council. The search committee for a full-time DRE still needs a chair and has a vacancy. A formal response will be written after Ric Sears speaks with Linda Walton (RE committee chair).

The Board received and discussed reports from the Minister, Director of Religious Education, and the Business Administrator (see attached reports).

Rev. Schwebius reported that $8159 from the adult collection and $110.09 from the children’s collection were forwarded to the UUSC for tsunami relief. MVUC membership of 378 was reported to the UUA.

Barbara Stoddard discussed plans for a middle school group - grades 6, 7, and 8. Coming of Age would be a 9th grade evening class. Also planning a new pre-school program and young adult program.

Respectfully submitted,

Jane Nelson (taking minutes for Doug MacCleery - secretary)

Note:

Between meetings, the Board approved a letter to be sent to the Fort Hunt Preschool communicating the Board's concern about the preschool letter of agreement and suggesting that the preschool consider a temporary relocation. The Board also approved a request from the Green Sanctuary Committee to hold an environmental fair on April 24, with the understanding that the event would be finished before set-up time for the annual meeting on the same date.

(Attachments to these minutes are available in the MVUC Office)