MOUNT VERNON UNITARIAN CHURCH

Board of Trustees Meeting

July 3, 2001, 7:30 p.m.

 

Members Present

Ron Brandt, Chair

Linda Davidson, Secretary

Nancy Fox

Hayley Holser-Green

Linda Jemison

Carl Lohmann

Jim McGovern

Maria Meuse

Betsy Stephens

Russ Stumpe

 

Members Absent

Carrie Alexander, Vice-Chair

Al Erickson

 

 

Also Present

Rev. Walter Braman

Dr. Forrest Tobey

Joan Wamsley, Treasurer

 

 

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

 

Opening Words:  Carl Lohmann

 

Action Items

The following motions were passed unanimously:

 

  1. That the Board elect John Henrehan and Deborah Matthews as members of the Endowment Committee.
  2. That the Board appoint Al Erickson, Wendy Burns, and Larry Jackley to represent MVUC in negotiations with Sprint regarding the possibility of erecting an antenna on MVUC property, with the expectation that the congregation will decide.  If Sprint sets a deadline, the committee should inform the Board.  The committee is authorized to request legal advice on the proposed contract at MVUC expense.
  3. That Thomas Hirschfeld’s name be moved from the Inactive to the Active membership roll, and that Marjorie Ullman’s name be moved from the Active to the Inactive roll.

(Office staff can simply report to the Board those Membership changes that don’t require Board action.)

 

Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Financial Statement:  accepted

 

Annual Canvass:  Ron Brandt reported that Betsy Roderick sent letters on June 26 to about 30 pledging units who have not yet pledged.

 

Goals for the Year:  The Board reviewed goals that were agreed upon at the annual retreat, and discussed progress thus far.  The following actions were informally agreed upon to help improve communication between the Board and the congregation:

  1. Prior to Board meetings, Ron Brandt will post the Agenda in the Commons.
  2. Carrie Alexander will hang a poster celebrating the payment of our full dues to the national, regional, and local Unitarian Universalist Association.
  3. Maria Meuse will post thank-yous in the Commons, to recognize individual efforts.
  4. From time to time, Board members will make statements to the congregation, briefly explaining a particular issue or action, and will be available after the service for congregational input.

 

Policy Committee Report:  accepted.  Committee members are:  Linda Davidson, chair; Ron Brandt; Maria Meuse; and Jim Southerland.  June Stumpe and Carrie Alexander are resource persons.

 

Long Range Planning:  Linda Jemison reported on the progress of the three groups involved:  the Finances for the Future Task Force, the Facilities for the Future Task Force, and the Steering Committee.  She will report back to the Board with a clarification of the LRP timetable.

 

Instrumentalities:  Betsy Stephens, chair; Nancy Fox; and Russ Stumpe will work on clarifying the status of instrumentalities and church-affiliated organizations.

 

Discussion with the Rev. Walter Braman, Interim Minister:  Rev. Braman answered questions from Board members regarding the upcoming search process and his role at MVUC.

 

Music Director Controversy:  Carrie Alexander had planned to review the findings of the subcommittee on which she served last year, and to provide an opportunity for her, Forrest Tobey, and current board members who were on the board last year to answer any questions.  Carrie was unable to attend the Board meeting, and will present her information at the August meeting.  Board members did hear comments from Forrest Tobey and the above-mentioned Board members.

 

Planning for the Future

Tues., July 31, 7:30 p.m. – Executive Committee (Carrie Alexander presiding)

Tues., August 7, 7:30 p.m. – Regular Board meeting (Carrie Alexander presiding)

Tues., August 28, 7:30 p.m. – Executive Committee

Tues., September 4, 7:30 p.m. – Regular Board meeting

Friday, September 7, 6:00 p.m. – MVUC Ingathering Picnic

 

Information Sharing

Maria Meuse will notify the new Endowment Committee appointees.

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.