MINUTES

First Unitarian-Universalist Church of Detroit

Meeting of the Governing Board

March 8, 2004

Attending:

Mark Bendure, Administration & HumanResources Trustee

Linda Darga, Social Justice Trustee

Colleen Dolan-Greene, Moderator

Jim Harvey, Vice Moderator & StrategicPlanning Trustee

Rev. Larry Hutchison, Minister

Bob Lauer, Treasurer

Carolyn Ludwig, Religious Education TrusteeHoward Malzberg, Guest

Kathy Rock, Worship

Dan Secrest, Canvass & Finance Trustee

Stuart Smith, Parking Lot Committee Chair

Kathe Stevens, Secretary

Jenny Teed, Director of Religious Education

Janet Thompson, Building & Grounds Trustee

Gwen Winston, Development Trustee

Len Zettel, 1st UU Web Administrator

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

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M.

Len Zettel presented a plan for a proposed 1st UU Wireless Node, which would be in conjunction with the Detroit Wireless Project. After discussion, it was MOVED that 1st UU Wireless Node be set up, to operate for at least one year [J.Thompson/M.Bendure]; CARRIED. Gwen Winston will find out about Hewlett-Packard's program to donate computers to non-profits. Len will do more research to find out what is needed for the 1st UU Wireless Node project.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS MARCH 8, 2004 REPORT: It was reported that the mortgage on the Sommerville/Hess lot has been paid in full. After discussion, it was MOVED that the Parking Lot Committee (with Stuart Smith as chairperson) be assigned the new responsibility of collecting fees from parking space renters so that the lot will be maintained with resurfacing, fencing, signs, and lighting as needed. This committee will work with the Building and Grounds Committee to continue the maintenance of the lot for the Church. A friendly amendment was made to emphasize that this motion reinforces the committee but major expenditures of over $2,000 will come to board for approva l[J.Thompson/D.Secrest]. There followed discussion on whether the monthly fees collected from parking lo trenters should be used for maintenance on the parking lot, specifically resurfacing, or whether the fees should be rolled into the operating budget. Stuart Smith stated the committee is looking for direction, does it need to stay in existence or should it be rolled into the B&G Committee? Should the collected funds continue to be deposited in its own account, or be put into the operating budget as a separate line item? The monthly rent is approximately $800; there is a balance of $6,500-7,000 in the parking lot account. The motion was TABLED until the April board meeting. Stuart stated he was taking the discussion at the meeting as a charge to develop a plan. It was then noted that the separate parking lot account needs a co-signer due to John Strauther's death. It was therefore MOVED that Bob Lauer be added as co-signor for the parking lot accoun t[D.Secrest/J.Harvey]; CARRIED.

MINUTES: After review, it was MOVED to approve the minutes as corrected, showing Gwen Winston as Development Trustee, not Worship Trustee [G.Winston/D.Secrest]; CARRIED.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Bob summarized Revenue and Expense FYTD Feb. 29, 2004 and Balance Sheet at2/29/04 and Prior Year End. Bob reported that the working capital from the trust was repaid. He noted that there was no separate accounts payable report this month because the accounts payable were virtually comprised of the current DTE bill.

MINISTER'S REPORT: Rev. Hutchison reported on his views as to how he should proceed during the transition to his retirement.

MODERATOR'S REPORT: Nominating Committee Work: Colleen reported that a replacement was needed for chair of the Membership & Growth Committee. There was a discussion on election planning needs. Bob Lauer was asked where the budget process stands. Bob will email committees asking for budget requests. The budget will be discussed April 13th. The Congregational meeting will be April 25th but will probably have to be adjourned and reconvened May 2nd.

INTERIM MINISTER SCREENING COMMITTEE: Gwen has been talking to members, having discussions before Sunday service about the process. What Should Be The Priorities for Our Interim Minister.

CANVASS: Dan Secrest reported that March 14th is Canvass Sunday. There was a discussion on whether to roll questions about the interim minister into the canvass; Gwen is already doing that in the month of March. This year canvass collections will be at Sunday services, canvassers will not go to individual homes.

STRATEGIC PLANNING: Jim Harvey summarized his Report from Strategic Planning Committee. The report will be presented to the congregation at the April 4th service.

After discussion, it was MOVED that the Church act as the organizer for the youth contingent of the Choice USA march in April for organizing and recruitment effort, and accept a $1,500 stipend [G.Winston/J.Thompson]; CARRIED. Gwen is coordinating the organization and recruitment with Jenny Teed.

BUILDING & GROUNDS: After discussion, it was MOVED that Jim Harvey chair an ad hoc administrative committee to meet with the Building & Grounds, Administration & Personnel, and Social Justice committees and Rev. Hutchison, Joe Brimmer, and Wendi Winston, to get clarity on issues regarding general building use, and delegate responsibilities, to ultimately to take care of the renters in this building, keep track of the rents, rental contracts and advertising, for more building rentals as needed [J.Thompson/D.Secrest]; CARRIED.

It was MOVED that Dan Kosmowski teach Rev. Hutchison how to run the heating system[D.Secrest/J.Harvey]; CARRIED.

TRUSTEE REPORTS: Written reports attached: Development Trustee Report 3/8/04; Director of ReligiousEducation Report to the Board 3/8/04.

ADJOURN: The meeting adjourned at 9:35 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathe Stevens, Secretary