MOUNT VERNON UNITARIAN CHURCH

Board of Trustees Meeting

January 8, 2002, 7:30 p.m.

Members Absent

Nancy Fox

Hayley Holser-Green

Maria Meuse

Call to Order:  7:35 p.m. by Ron Brandt

Opening Words:  Linda Davidson

Ft. Hunt Cooperative Preschool:  Nina Michael, President of the preschool, spoke to Board members about the relationship between the preschool and MVUC, and the desire of preschool families to continue that relationship.  FHCP is currently an instrumentality of the church.  A committee, chaired by Betsy Stevens, is investigating what the term “instrumentality” means, whether that term accurately defines the preschool’s current relationship to MVUC, and what legal implications are involved.  Meanwhile, FHCP needed a signature from a church authority on two state forms.

The following motions passed unanimously:

1. That Ron Brandt, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Mount Vernon Unitarian Church (MVUC) be authorized to sign the Virginia Department of Social Services Statement of Code Compliance and Statement of Intent forms relative to the Fort Hunt Cooperative Preschool (FHCP).  This action is a temporary measure to permit the FHCP to continue to operate while the future relationship of FHCP and MVUC is evaluated.
2. That the letter to Nina Michael originally drafted by Nancy Fox and dated January 2, 2002 be sent under Ron’s signature, as Nancy will be out of town for about two weeks.  The letter extends the date by which the annual use fee will be determined beyond the date of January 15, the date specified in the Letter of Agreement.  The present Agreement will be extended temporarily until review of the Agreement has been completed, probably within the next two months.

The Endowment Committee

The following motion passed unanimously:

The Endowment committee requested that 10% of any funds derived from the Sprint tower be designated for the Endowment Fund.  Al Erickson reported that it would probably be three to five weeks before a signed contract is returned to us, and that other hurdles – such as zoning – await.  When we get closer to the erection of the cell tower Ron will ask the Finance Committee for recommendations on allocation of tower income.

Selection Committee for the Director of Religious Education

The following motion passed unanimously:

That Linda Jemison, Mike Gillespie, Ric Sears, Kristin Mellinger, and Tom Hanley be appointed to serve as members of the DRE Selection Committee.  The Committee members will select their own chair, develop a job description and distribute it, and recommend a candidate for appointment by the Board in accord with a letter of agreement to be negotiated by the Personnel Committee.

Negotiating Committee for settled minister

The following motion passed unanimously:

The following reports were received:

Treasurer’s Report:  Joan Wamsley reported that, due to a December surge in pledge payments, income for the period from July – December 2001 was $9,178 greater than expenses.

The Board is gathering information about the circumstances and needs of John Stevens’ widow, Celeste, before determining what type of payment should be made.

Minister’s Report:  Walter Braman mentioned the importance of members filling out the survey recently distributed by the Search Committee.

Religious Education Report:  Janice Fitzpatrick reported that MVUC is hosting the monthly GWAREC (Greater Washington Area Religious Education Council) on Wednesday, Jan. 9.  She also mentioned that she and others are transforming the Blue Room in Hollin Hall into a more usable classroom.  In addition, Janice is cleaning out two rooms in the Carriage House so that they, too, are more usable.

Music Director’s Report:  Forrest Tobey reported that the Windmill Hill Chorale, a concert-oriented group, would not meet this winter or spring.  The need for the Chorale to rehearse on a separate night from the main church choir made it difficult for MVUC persons, who make up the bulk of the Chorale, to participate.  This spring, Forrest will work to develop a comprehensive children’s music program at MVUC.

Sprint Report:  Al Erickson reported that we are currently waiting for the signed contract to be returned to us.

Office Administrator Report:  Anne Bredeck reported that the present total membership is 391.

Property:  Russ Stumpe reported on the progress of masonry repairs.  The committee has enough money to complete about 70% of the capping of the stone walls.  They plan to ask for the remaining 30% from the Susan B. Anthony Fund.  Bill Means added that the new greenhouse oil tank will arrive soon, and will be placed next to the old one until needed.

Preliminary Review of the Interim Ministry

The following motion was passed unanimously:

That the Board hold an executive session to discuss what should be communicated to the Committee on Ministry regarding our evaluation of the first months of the interim ministry.  The Board met briefly in executive session, then with Walter Braman.  Ron will provide a report to Peter Pocock of the Committee on Ministry.

Future Planning:

Tues., Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. – Board of Trustees, in the Commons

The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.