MINUTES

First Unitarian-Universalist Church of Detroit

Meeting of the Governing Board

February 3, 2003

 

ATTENDING:

Al Acker, Immediate Past Moderator

Margaret Beck, Development Trustee

Mark Bendure, Administration & Human Resources Trustee

Colleen Dolan-Greene, Vice-Moderator

Rev. Larry Hutchison, Minister

Bob Lauer, Treasurer

Dan Secrest, Canvass Trustee

Lynda Smith, Moderator

Kathe Stevens, Secretary

Jerry Wahl, Buildings & Grounds Trustee

Dan Wiest, Membership & Growth Trustee

Gwen Winston, Religious Education Trustee

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

 

At 7:00 P.M., Vice-Moderator Colleen Dolan-Greene opened for Moderator Lynda Smith, who planned to attend the meeting later.  Centering time was observed by contemplating the history of 1st UU in the community.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  It was MOVED to approve the minutes of the January 13, 2003 meeting [J. Wahl/M. Bendure]; carried.

 

TREASURER'S REPORT:  Treasurer Bob Lauer distributed Revenue and Expense FYTD January 31, 2003, Balance Sheet, Vendor Accounts Payable.  Bob reported that statements look bad this month:  Collections were down $3,000, gas was over $5,000 for the month, and we recognized the next $4,000 of the Mortz Bros. expense on the furnace.  We have a shortfall for the month over $10,000. Vendor payables are $18,800,$4,500 for UUA Mortgage.  We will be facing problems with both gas and electricity.  Proceeds from the Kwanza Concert helped ($2,700).  Contributions are off, by November 25% of pledgers have not paid at all (though a dozen pledges were paid up).  Should we analyze why contributions are down?

 

MINISTER'S REPORT: 

<     Larry spoke to the state of mind of the congregation.

<     Joe Brimmer was in an auto accident two weeks ago.  He is suffering from back problems, his doctor has not given him approval to return to work. 

<     Thanks was expressed to the Women's Alliance for its contribution of $4,000 for a  replacement window in Memorial Hall; Memorial Funds will be petitioned for the remaining $2,100 (total cost $6100).

 

NEW BUSINESS:

<     Small Group Ministry Lay Leader Training:  Gwen Winston referred to her Worship Trustee Report, February 3, 2003.  After discussion, Treasurer Bob Lauer was authorized to use Enhancement Funds to pay the $295 fee for Gwen to attend the UUA Midwest Leadership School.  Moderator Lynda Smith will sign the scholarship application.

<     Rainy Day Fund Withdrawal:  After discussion, it was MOVED to use the $3,638 Rainy Day Fund to help the shortfall caused by extraordinary boiler expenses [M. Bendure/M. Beck]; carried.

<     Special Subgroup to Secure Help from UUA:  Gwen discussed the letter sent to Rev. Hutchison by UUA President William G. Sinkford in which Sinkford discussed the need for urban ministry.  Gwen suggested that Board support organization of a subgroup of congregants who serve on national bodies to enlist Sinkford's assistance and resources to turn 1st UU's finances around.  It was suggested that Moderator Lynda Smith has the purview to appoint such a subgroup.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

<     Revisiting Office Coverage/Hours:  John Strauther and Nora Holt have volunteered to staff the Church office on Wednesdays.  Administration & Human Resources Trustee Mark Bendure will coordinate.

<     Furnace:  The Building & Grounds committee met with Peter McAlpine of Mortz Bros.  Dan Kosmowski has prepared a detailed inventory of issues.  We need a new boiler and controls at a cost of $50,000.  Another possibility is to tear down the boiler for $2,000, perhaps something could be fixed but more than likely the same problems would reoccur.  Rev. Hutchison and Jerry Wahl explained the history of the three furnaces which heat the Church House, the Sanctuary, Pullman Hall, McCollester Hall, and Second Story Church.  No one completely knows the system.

<     Canvass:  Trustee Dan Secrest distributed and summarized Canvass Committee Report, 2/3/2003.   The Committee is considering whether to ask for a 20% pledge increase plus a special pledge for the boiler or if there should be a separate capital campaign? Jerry needs to get "terms" from Mortz to present to congregation on March 9.  Dan Kosmowski will offer tours of the boiler.  Gwen suggested there may be grant opportunities to underwrite the boiler replacement.  After discussion, it was MOVED that the Board approve $700 for emergency repairs necessary for furnace [D. Secrest/A. Acker]; carried.

 

ADDITIONAL TRUSTEE REPORTS:

<     Building & Grounds:  Dan Kosmowski's Safety & Security memo was distributed.  B&G Trustee Jerry Wahl asked for an opportunity to review the memo; tabled to March.  Jerry and Gwen may have a report on building use ready by March meeting.

<     Membership & Growth:  Dan Wiest distributed Membership & Growth, Minutes for Meeting of January 13, 2003, noting that committees are asked to submit newsletter articles to keep communication going; Arlene Teed needs event information to plan publicity.

<     Religious Education:  RE Response to the proposal of January 5, 2003 from Janice Berry was distributed.  Religious Education Chair Kathy Rock is out of town until the middle of February; she will follow through when she returns.  Trustee Gwen Winston distributed Celebrating An Urban Ministry:  Minister's 7th Anniversary Report.

 

ADJOURN:  The meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kathe Stevens, Secretary

First UU Church

Governing Board