Mount Vernon Unitarian Church

Board of Trustees Meeting

January 6, 2004

Daria Bergen-Hill

Jack Hinman

Linda Jemison, Chair

Will Jernigan

Doug MacCleery

Jim McGovern

Ric Sears

Betsy Stephens

Karen Tyson

Nance Cedar

Hope Andonovska

Bill Clontz

Linda Davidson

Al Erickson

Ken Krogh

Rev. Lou Schwebius

Carolyn Slenska

Russ Stumpe

Joan Wamsley

Mark Zimmerman

Bill Clontz, on behalf of the Facilities for the Future Task Force, recommended hiring the architectural firm of Cole & Denny to review and evaluate our current conceptual design and cost materials for future capital expansion projects. Cole & Denny is a local firm and has experience with church building projects. The review and evaluation will cost $1500. The Board approved Bill’s recommendation.

The Board appointed Linda Walton as RE Program Council Coordinator.

The Board adopted the Finance Committee’s adjusted mid-year budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004.

Linda Davidson presented the schedule for the 2004-2005 Canvass.

Larry Wheeler, who was hired as a fundraising consultant at a special Board meeting on Dec. 9, has recommended that we emphasize face-to-face canvassing more than we have in recent years.

The Board appointed the Canvass Leadership Team.

Russ Stumpe reported on the maintenance and capital improvements projects currently underway in Hollin Hall. He recommended awarding a contract to the Kraft Company to execute the HVAC renovation. The Board approved this recommendation and authorized up to $95,000 to complete the project. On December 22 and 23, by email tally, the Board approved another contract for the Hollin Hall plumbing and handicapped renovation.

Karen Tyson reported that the negotiations for a Line of Credit are in the final stages. The two strongest candidates are Burke& Herbert and Virginia Commerce. Karen recommended and the Board authorized negotiating a Line of Credit of $400,000 at an interest rate not to exceed prime plus one, and maximum up-front costs of $2500. The Board reiterated that expenditures beyond $300,000 will not be made without the approval of MVUC members.

Carolyn Slenska proposed two new initiatives. One would involve upgrading our sound system by replacing the current amplifier and speakers for an estimated cost of $2350. The second initiative would involve the purchase of a new stage, choral risers, and a baffle to enhance sound throughout the chapel. This would be an integrated system and could be either fixed or collapsible. The Aesthetics and Music Committees will consult the Rental Committee regarding the impact of a stationary system on rental activities. The cost of collapsible system is estimated to be $30,000. A stationary system would be considerably less expensive. New chairs for a 50 member choir would be included.

Reports were presented by the Minister, Music Director, Director of Religious Education, and Treasurer.

Ric Sears reported on the December 18 meeting of the Program Council.

The Board authorized the expenditure of $1200 to repair our organ and $1000 for canvass materials.

Following an extended discussion, the Board set a goal of $360,000 for the 2004-2005 Canvass. This level of pledge income would permit us to hire a Business Administrator, to enhance our worship space, and to explore the possibility of offering more music programs for our children.

Jim McGovern, Secretary