Item

Discussion

Motion/Action

Agenda

The agenda provided prior to the meeting was reviewed.

No changes were made to the agenda.

Minutes of November 14, 2006 meeting

The minutes of the December 12, 2006 meeting were reviewed.  Charles provided an amended copy with minor revisions.

The revised minutes of the December 12, 2006 meeting were approved without objection.

Treasurer’s Report

Margaret Leicach provided a written Treasurer’s report for the Board, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.  Items of note included:

1)  A set of proposed revisions to the budget was reviewed.  Bill Young commented that we may need to do another revision in the spring after accounting for heating and snow removal expenses, which may be lower than budgeted.  In the event of a surplus at the end of the fiscal year due to lower than anticipated expenses, this money could be used to offset some of the $25,000 that has been allocated from the endowment as a one-time addition to this year’s budget.  Charles Huntington noted that no policy currently exists in regard to the disposition of an end-of-the-year budget surplus and that the Board will need to take formal action in the eventuality of that happy event.

2)  Cash flow was favorable in December, allowing $5,000 that was borrowed in November to cover expenses to be paid back.

3)  The proposed budget preparation schedule was reviewed.  No concerns were raised.

4)  Brian Mullen reported that in response to the holiday letter, which was budgeted to bring in $6,000, close to $9,000 has been received to date.

5)  A proposal for a cash flow management policy was presented to the Board by the Treasurer.  Current practice was reviewed and discussion occurred around several components of the proposed policy.  All agreed that the general concept of the policy was well-constructed and would prove useful going forward for directing the Business Manager and Treasurer in meeting financial obligations during times of insufficient cash flow.  Minor adjustments were suggested in the wording of several sections of the document.

Marye Gail made a motion, seconded by Bill Young to accept the proposed revisions to the budget.  The motion passed unanimously.

Motion was made and passed unanimously to accept the Treasurer’s Report.

A motion was made by Margaret Leicach to accept the Cash Flow Management Policy, as modified.  Nancy seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

RE Administrator

Charles reported that the taskforce working on religious education issues will need to move ahead in hiring a RE Administrator in advance of knowing the funding that will actually be available for this position in the next fiscal year.  The taskforce is currently evaluating the scope of the position and thinking creatively in terms of various ways to fill the multiple needs of RE for the congregation.  The job description and hours of the position have not yet been determined.  

Marye Gail will keep the Board informed as the group continues its work.

Committee on Ministry

Nancy reported that the COM has invited the RE Sub-Council to meet with them this month.  She asked the Board to extend the term of the current members of the Committee until the end of this fiscal year.  At that time, 3 of the current members would be reappointed and the remainder of the members will be replaced, thereby creating staggered terms and continuity for the Committee going forward.  Reverend Jamestone supported this proposal.

A motion was made and seconded to accept the proposal to extend the current term of all members of the Committee on Ministry until the end of this fiscal year.  At that time, only 3 members would be reappointed.  The motion passed unanimously.

President’s Report

Stewardship – Charles reported that the Stewardship Sub-council held its second meeting under the leadership of Joe Rubin.  The committee has several new members, and the group is enthusiastically approaching this year’s canvass with many new ideas.  There will be a kick-off event on March 17 for the entire congregation, which will replace the traditional Pledge Sunday.  Plans for this social event are underway.  Reverend Jamestone is working on the worship services immediately before and after the March 17th event that will tie into the pledge drive.  Several new ideas are in the works for increasing pledges, including a possible matching program for new and/or increased pledges.  

Annual Church Calendar – Charles reported on a software program that he has identified that may be useful in planning the annual church calendar.

Taskforce on Public Policies – Charles reported that the task force has met twice and is enthusiastically engaged in the development of processes for evaluation of congregational responses on public policy issues, as well as looking at the issue of how we treat each other as members of a community when we have differences.  The taskforce is looking at numerous outside sources in its work.  No deadlines have been set as to when their work will be complete, but final recommendations are likely to be ready no later than next fall.

Margaret will come up with a rough budget for the coming fiscal year to assist the Stewardship Sub-Council in planning the upcoming pledge drive.

Charles will send Brian the information regarding the web-based program for church calendar planning.

Minister’s report

Rev. Jamestone provided a written summary of her activities, which are many and varied.  She asked Peg Otto to give an update on the activities of the Welcoming Congregation group.  Peg reported that there are many new members and they are looking into Interweave activities.  Reverend Jamestone asked that Board members representing the various Councils make a brief report at each Board meeting with regard to any significant activities going on within their various Councils.  The suggestion was accepted and will be initiated at the next Board meeting. 

Board members will give reports at upcoming meetings on the activities of their representative Councils.