Trustees Present

Also Present

1

Oma Elliot, Vice-Chairman

Kenn Hurto (ex-officio)

2

Ron Brandt

Linda Olson Peebles (ex-officio)

3

Bill Clontz

Bonnie Brandt

4

Al Erickson

Forrest Tobey

5

Nancy Fox

Larry Jackley

6

Leila Goodman

Joan Wamsley, Treasurer

7

Ken Grabowski

8

Bob Kuhns

9

Carl Lohmann

10

Robby Tinker

Trustees Absent

Also Absent

1

Carrie Alexander

2

Scott Shepard, Chairman

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by the Vice-Chairman at 7:08 PM.

Opening Words

Opening words were read by Ron Brandt.

Acceptance of September 2000 Financial Statement

It was moved, seconded and passed that the financial statement be accepted.

Concerns

None

Agenda Adjustments

The Treasurers Report will be given during the agenda item on the 2000 Budget Adjustments (Old Business).

Special BOT Meeting

A special meeting of the BOT was scheduled for the following Tuesday night (October 10) to discuss Nancy Bowen’s report regarding her research and advice on issues related to the Music Director.

ACTION (Old Business)

2000 6-Month Canvass Update

Larry Jackley presented a report on the plans and status of the 6-month canvass. Larry is chair of the Canvass and an executive committee has been formed with the following members: Jan Vander Staay, Bev Southerland, Gary Fitzpatrick, and Betsy Roderick. There is a goal of $172,000 for the 6-months or an average per pledging unit of $512. Separate letters will go out to new members that do not already pledge. Another letter is going out to the RE ‘related’ families. The MRE and RE assistant will assist in the writing of the letter. At the request of Bob Kuhns, Larry Jackley agreed to have the Chairman of the RE Council review the letter before it is transmitted. Over 50 families in the RE program do not now pledge or contribute. All others get a standard letter. Pledge Sunday is planned for November 5. The canvass will shut down before December 3 and celebrate on that day with a large ‘pledge’ cake in the commons.

Personnel Handbook

Bonnie Brandt handed out a revised version of the draft Personnel Handbook. It reflected some new language taken from the Association of Unitarian Universalist Administrators Guidebook regarding Professional Guidelines and Code of Ethics. It was agreed that BOT members would transmit any comments to Ken Grabowski or Bob Kuhns. They would pull the comments together and prepare a recommendation for the November meeting.

By-Law Changes

Ron Brandt distributed a handout of a recommended process and provided a description. Based upon the process, an annual meeting was suggested for April 29 (fallback as April 22), 2001 for a vote on the Bylaw changes. Bob Kuhns suggested that 1) we think carefully about how we advertise the changes so they are not too restrictive for slight modifications at the Annual Meeting, and 2) we consider preparing a pros/cons commentary to accompany the pending Bylaw changes.

2000 Budget Adjustments

Joan Wamsley presented a report on the 2000 budget adjustments. She suggested that we get the word out to be careful about spending and to let them know when key spending would occur in the near future. Ron Brandt asked if there was a large principal payment coming due soon. Joan needed to check with the Financial Records Manager and will report back at the next BOT meeting. Staff was also directed to send out reminders regarding pledging for the year.

Treasurer’s Report

Joan Wamsley indicated that the Booksale netted $11,561, the best ever. Next sale: March 30 to April 1, 2001.

BREAK

Acceptance of September 2000 BOT Minutes

It was moved, seconded and passed that the September 5, 2000 BOT minutes be accepted.

DISCUSSION (NEW BUSINESS)

Status of Music Director

Concern was expressed regarding the change in the way the Music Director is identified on the Sunday program of service. Ron Brandt distributed a 2-page handout. After a lengthy discussion it was decided that the staff would change the Sunday services program back to it’s previous format and would review other church documents and report back to the BOT regarding suggested changes. During the discussion it was emphasized that the BOT had not taken any action to change the status of the Music Director and considers him a professional. Forrest Tobey commented and distributed a handout on the subject. He also indicated that he is no longer leading the sitting meditation on Sunday evenings as currently posted on the web page.

Board Civility

Ron Brandt expressed concern over past treatment of BOT members and indicated that he would not sit quietly in the future if people are mistreated.

Safe Congregation Conference

Ron Brandt sought other BOT members to join him in attending the upcoming 2-day Safe Congregations Conference in Annapolis, MD. He would check with Michael Hentges and Carrie Alexander about their interest.

INFORMATIONAL SHARING

Minister’s Report

Written report provided. Will still be getting report on rentals to the BOT.

MRE’s Report

Written report provided.

Chair’s Report

No report.

Liaison Reports

Bill Clontz indicated that 13 persons had notified him that they were willing to volunteer for the LRP phase. No one had offered to chair any of the committees. He would be working on the draft charters for these groups and return to the BOT in the near future. Al Erickson indicated that all the benches had been installed. Bob Kuhns reported that the Personnel Committee had met with Kenn Hurto this past week regarding his ‘review’.

Sharing Information with Committees and the Congregation

Assignments: Pass along ‘cap on spending’ comments to Program Council - Oma Elliott Comments on Personnel Handbook to Ken Grabowski or Bob Kuhns. Update web page - Kenn Hurto

Sharing Our Appreciation with others in the Congregation

Stumpes and Ginny Endicott for the booksale. Letter of thanks to those who have written letters regarding Forrest Tobey - Oma Elliott/Scott Shepard

Sharing Our Sense of Tonight’s Process

Brief comments provided by members.

Sharing Other Issues

Brief comments provided by members.

Closing Words

Ron Brandt presented closing words.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Kuhns