March 1, 2005
Board Members present:
Karen Tyson, Chair
Joanne Masterson, Vice-Chair
Ric Sears
Jane Nelson
Doug MacCleery
Hal Holtzclaw
Nance Cedar
Eben Kuhns
Board Member absent:
Jack Hinman.
Others present:
Rev. Lou Schwebius
Donna Bledsoe
Wendy Burns
Gioia Chilton
Deb Mathews
Robin Roberts
Linda Davidson
Russ Stumpe
Randy Merryfield
Ron Brandt
The Board took up the difficult issue of whether Fort Hunt Preschool (FHP) could remain on-site during construction of the Meeting House addition next year while still assuring safety for preschool students. Wendy Burns presented a statement of support for FHP and concern that the 43-year tenure of the FHP will be jeopardized if the preschool is required to vacate the Carriage House during construction (see attached). Wendy also expressed concern over what she felt to be a lack of openness and transparency by the BOT in handling the issue. Linda Davidson expressed similar concerns. She stated that FHP has been an important asset to MVUC over the decades – carrying out valuable maintenance and providing financial resources. Linda also stated that FHP was an important potential source of new members for MVUC, but that potential was being jeopardized by the fact that FHP was not being made to feel welcome.
Gioia Chilton said that FHP would likely cease to exist if it was required to move off-site for one or two years. She said that FHP was prepared to take a variety of measures to address safety concerns during construction. These measures are described in a February 22, 2005 letter to Karen Tyson (attached). Joanne Masterson and Nance Cedar expressed appreciation to Gioia for the thorough and constructive response of FHP. Doug MacCleery stated that: 1) it was important to separate the question of a temporary move of FHP off-site during construction from the larger question of whether FHP would be able to continue its long-term relationship with FHP, and 2) the only issue currently before the Board was the short-term safety issue. Ric Sears expressed his appreciation to Gioia for the constructive information she provided. He noted that he was surprised by the statement that FHP would not likely survive a year-long relocation and said that he had not been aware that a year-long relocation might possibly have that effect. Ric stated that it was not the Board's intent to kill the preschool.
Russ Stumpe stated that he believed that adequate provisions could be made to assure the safety of students of FHP during construction. A BOT subcommittee is committed to working closely with FHP to constructively work through this difficult issue.
Ron Brandt reviewed the results and recommendations of a Baltimore/Washington UU growth initiative. Ron described in detail some of the things that the UU Growth Planning Commission recommended be done both area wise, through promotion of UUs in the Metro Area and what individual UU congregations could do. He also provided a proposed motion to be considered by the congregation during the upcoming Annual Meeting (see attached). The BOT decided to take up later the question of whether to recommend that motion at the Annual Meeting.
The Board considered plans for Recognition Sunday (June 12).
Ric Sears provided the report of the Program Council. The PC has recommended that MVUC dedicate three parking places for visitors during Sunday services. After discussion, the BOT adopted the following resolution: “Three parking places should be designated as visitor parking and $100 be allocated to procurement of parking signs and paint for labeling the spaces.”
The Board appointed Kristin Calhoun as Chair of the DRE Search Committee.
The Board received and discussed reports from the Minister, Director of Religious Education, Business Administrator, and Treasurer (see attached reports).
Rev. Lou Schwebius noted, in particular, that he was engaged in conversations that may lead to having Rev. Bill Sinkford, UUA President, speak at MVUC’s 50th year celebration. Rev. Lou also asked for assistance in filling two open positions on the Committee on Ministry. He said that a number of actions were being to follow up on the social action workshop recently put on by Rev. Richard Gilbert. Rev. Lou also noted that General Assembly registration is now open on line and urged all that could to attend.
Donna Bledsoe noted that $100,000 in the Building Fund had been used to pay down MVUC’s line of credit debt. She also mentioned that the lawn service contract will be renewed. She suggested that MVUC needs to develop a comprehensive policy governing MVUC rentals.
Doug MacCleery
Note: Between meetings the BOT agreed to proceed with the architectural contract with Cole and Denny to complete the necessary design development drawings and estimates for the Meeting House.