MINUTES

Al Acker, Immediate Past Moderator

Margaret Beck, Development Trustee

Mark Bendure, Administration & Human Resources Trustee

Rev. Larry Hutchison, Minister

Howard Malzberg, Guest

Dan Secrest, Canvass Trustee

Lynda Smith, Moderator

Kathe Stevens, Secretary

Janet Thompson, Finance Trustee

Jerry Wahl, Buildings & Grounds Trustee

Dan Wiest, Membership & Growth Trustee

Agenda attached (items in italics are attached to the original minutes filed with the Church Office).

At 7:05 P.M., Moderator Lynda Smith opened the meeting and the Board observed Centering Time by reflecting on its Mission Statement.

OLD BUSINESS:

Short & Long Term Planning from Retreat:

Ø Dan Secrest summarized Canvass Ideas from Board Retreat, 10/6/2002.

Ø Dan Wiest summarized Suggestions for Possible Revenue from Building Use.

Ø Gwen Winston’s Sharing Our Sacred Space/SOS was referred to the Buildings & Grounds Committee for further action. There was a discussion on the need for a brochure to focus on rentals as well as the First Church marketing brochure.

Ø There was a discussion on the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit – Board Retreat October 6, 2002, Income Strategies report. Mark Bendure, Bob Lauer, and Janet Thompson will focus on developing a Celebration Fund, which will be for memorable events contributions which, when combined with other contributions, will allow for some permanent improvement in the building structure. This will help take some strain from the operating budget.

Ø Jan Thompson has offered to coordinate Capital Campaign items between the Finance Committee, the Buildings & Grounds Committee, and the Aesthetic Sub-committee.

Ø There was discussion on First UU Board Planning Retreat of 10/6/2002, Notes for Following Up on Plans, the “Projects to Raise $” item. It needs to be determined if the auction money has been included in the budget.

Ø The Board needs to give a sense of urgency of the need to budget and fund-raise. It was suggested that an ad hoc committee be appointed to plan long term budgeting and fund-raising. Lynda will talk to Colleen Dolan-Greene about following up with the Finance Committee to clarify some of these issues and come back with specifics regarding calendaring, spacing out projects, etc.

MINISTER’S REPORT:

Ø Rev. Hutchison reported on his activities. Policing the Somerville parking lot is requiring much of his time. After discussion, it was MOVED Rev. Hutchison be authorized to spend whatever is needed to get proper signage for the Somerville parking lot [D.Secrest/J.Wahl]; carried. The funds will be taken out of capital expenditures.

Ø A second $100,000 Empowerment Zone grant was awarded for the digital studio.

Ø Mark Bendure is working on a Chalice Lighters grant to get quality printing, help with distribution, and other PR items. The grant will also focus on RE and a new sign for the front of the Church. Therefore, it was MOVED that November 3 be set aside as Chalice Lighter Day [J.Wahl/A.Acker]; carried.

Ø A letter from an attorney regarding an injury to a Brian Kelly was turned over to our insurance carrier.

MODERATOR’S REPORT:

Ø Lynda reported on behalf of Earl Harvey that an organic caterer (B.J.) wants to rent the kitchen to do Sunday brunch. B.J. has connections with the Cass Corridor Food Co-op and Avalon Bakery. This will be a test program so make sure the brunch does not conflict with church events or other use of the kitchen.

Ø Lynda also reported Earl’s proposal to pay off an existing $6,600 debt to the furnace company (Mort’s) and have an additional $4,100 furnace work done to finish up the furnace work will give us the full benefit of the repairs and improvements already made. After discussion, it was MOVED $10,700 be taken from Memorial Funds to pay for the $6,600 June and July work and to spend the additional $4,100 [J.Wahl/D.Secrest]; carried. Lynda will call Mary Neale to advise.

TRUSTEE REPORTS:

Ø Buildings & Grounds: Trustee Jerry Wahl advised that a list of projects will be ready for the November Board meeting.

Ø Development: Trustee Margaret Beck reported profits of $1,300 from the summer garage sales.

Ø Membership & Growth: Trustee Dan Wiest reported that Arlene Teed is working with young adults to present a service this Sunday. A Hall of Fame service is being planned, and Noel Night planning will start soon.

ADJOURN: The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.