Mount Vernon Unitarian Church

Board of Trustees Meeting

November 5, 2002, 7:30 p.m.

Jim McGovern was elected Secretary.  He replaces Linda Davidson, who recently resigned from the Board for personal reasons.

Tony Barkume, Betsy Clagett, and Dotty Ann McClelland explained and elaborated upon their proposed new set of rental policies and rates.  Weddings, in particular, contribute significantly to MVUC’s annual budget.  The net income from weddings in 2001-2002 was $40,000.  Ron suggested that our rental policy state that regularly scheduled meetings may occasionally be cancelled or relocated if MVUC needs the space for a church function.  Anne said that this statement would be added.  The Board approved the new rental policies and rates.

The Board approved a change in paid staff holidays to include Columbus Day and Presidents’ Day.  Presidents’ Day will be substituted for Good Friday, up to now a paid staff holiday, while Columbus Day is a new addition.    This was a recommendation from the Personnel Committee.

The Board deferred action on a proposed plan for accepting donations for the purchase and planting of new trees on church property.  The plan will be discussed at the Board’s December meeting, when Al Macomber is expected to be present to explain the plan.

The Board approved a proposal of the Outreach Committee to print 2000 copies of a new brochure on MVUC.  Daria and Jim explained the background of the brochure’s creation.

Linda reported that weddings at MVUC has been the major topic discussed at recent Program Council meetings.  She said that Betsy Clagett and Program Council members are considering sponsoring an information session covering all aspects of weddings at MVUC.

Al and Ron reported that we will probably not know until after the first of the year whether or not Sprint will be authorized by Fairfax County to erect a cell phone tower on MVUC property.

Ron reported that a contract has been let to the Beery Rio architectural firm to provide drawings for the proposed remodeling of the meetinghouse.  Ron also reported that Larry Wheeler, a UUA fundraising consultant, will be conducting an Assessment Workshop at MVUC on Saturday, February 8, 2003.  The purpose is to do an initial assessment of the congregation’s potential for the upcoming capital campaign.  (Interested members are welcome to attend the workshop, but they should inform Ron of their intention to do so.)

Future Planning:

November 26, 2002, 10:00 a.m. + Executive Committee

December 3, 2002, 7:30 p.m. + Board meeting + Annual canvass plans (All

 interested persons are welcome to attend.)

February 8, 2003 + Capital campaign workshop

Jim McGovern, Secretary