MOUNT VERNON UNITARIAN CHURCH

Board of Trustees Meeting

September 4, 2001, 7:30 p.m.

 

Members Present  

Members Absent

Ron Brandt, Chair  

Maria Meuse

Carrie Alexander, Vice-Chair  

Linda Davidson, Secretary  

Al Erickson  

Nancy Fox  

Also Present

Hayley Holser-Green  

Rev. Walter Braman

Linda Jemison  

Dr. Forrest Tobey

Carl Lohmann  

Joan Wamsley, Treasurer

Jim McGovern  

Janice Fitzpatrick

Betsy Stephens  

Anne Bredeck

Russ Stumpe  

Steve Phinney

  

Ken Krogh

  

Lisa Napier

  

Wendy Burns

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

 

Opening Words:  Russ Stumpe

 

Action Items

The following motions were passed unanimously:

 

1.       That the Memorial Walk expenditures be approved as requested.  (Explanation:  The Memorial Walks Committee, a self-financed operation, plans to purchase additional bronze memorial fixtures and one additional Eartharium cover.  Total cost:  approximately $10,708.)

2.       That the United Community Ministries Friends has permission to serve alcohol along with other non-alcoholic beverages at their first membership meeting in Hollin Hall on September 12, 2001.

3.       That the promissory note to Joe Kitrosser be approved, in accord with the terms recommended by the Finance Committee.  (Money borrowed was applied to the First Virginia loan of $35,000; the principal balance was due 8/17/01.)

4.       That Walter Braman and Ron Brandt be authorized to sign checks on behalf of MVUC.

5.       That the Board accept the 8/31/01 proposed breakdown of the Total Cost of Ministry, plus travel costs, for Rev. Walter Braman.

 

The following motion also passed:

  1. That the Board appoint a small group of three people, one of whom is a current Board member, to decide parameters for decision-making at the Program Council, Executive Committee, and Board of Trustees levels. (Ron Brandt and Carrie Alexander were named to this committee, and will be joined by one other person.)

Communications Items

  1.  Steve Phinney, as a Sociology class project, will be studying the MVUC Board and the congregation, and asked for the Board’s cooperation.  He will be examining who we are as a congregation.
     

  2. Linda Jemison will respond to a written communication from Sally Joy Remington regarding implementation of several recommendations in the Long Range Plan.  The Board will make an effort to implement those recommendations.

 

Information Items

The Board received the following reports:

  1.  Recent attendance at Sunday services, and several membership changes, from Anne Ulm and Anne Bredeck.
     
  2. Monthly Financial Statement and the Treasurer’s Report, from Joan Wamsley.
     
  3. Board Chair’s Report, from Ron Brandt
     
  4. Minister’s Report, from Walter Braman
     
  5. Music Director’s Status, from Carrie Alexander – a review of the recommendations in last year’s Board subcommittee report.
     
  6. Music Director’s Report, from Forrest Tobey – Board members discussed the proposed Windmill Hill Chorale, asking questions about Chorale finances as well as inquiring about possible impact on the overall music program.  The comprehensive music plan currently being developed was also discussed.
     
  7. Religious Education Report, from Janice Fitzpatrick – More teachers are still needed, especially for 8th graders.  Janice outlined a new procedure for dealing with continually disruptive students; all parents will receive this information.
     
  8. Program Council Report, from Carrie Alexander – The Council plans to hold a “mini-retreat” on Sept. 16, to discuss their overall purpose, and to write a charter.
     
  9. Committee investigating Sprint antenna – Al Erickson provided a report that included a chronology of events thus far, as well as site plans for the proposed antenna and related equipment.  Al is seeking answers to the questions raised by congregants on August 5, but as of Sept. 4, no response had been received from Sprint.
     
  10. Reports from the following committees were received with little discussion:  Personnel, Policy, and Finance.  At the October Board meeting, the Finance Committee will recommend any necessary budget adjustments.

Planning for the Future

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

Sunday, Sept. 9, 12:15 p.m. – Sprint Antenna Informational Meeting, followed by Board meeting

Sunday, Sept. 16, 12:15 p.m. – Sprint Antenna Informational Meeting

Sunday, Sept. 16, 4:00 p.m. – Congregational Meeting – Voting on Sprint antenna & bylaws changes

Tuesday, Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m. – Executive Committee (Hollin Hall Blue Room)

Sunday, Sept. 30, 10:15 a.m. – Congregational Meeting - Election of Search Committee for a called minister

Tuesday, Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. – Regular Board Meeting (Commons)

 

The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.