MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 8, 2009 SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Present: 50 members
Convened by Joellen Miano (JM), President of the Board of Trustees, at 11:40 a.m.
3 handouts were distributed and described by JM.
1. Excerpts from the By-laws stating that the Board “will not enter into any unbudgeted contract or mortgage loan obliging the Fellowship for more than $3000, unless authorized at a regularly scheduled meeting or a special meeting.”
2. “A checklist for change” regarding benefits and resistance to change. Taken from Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell.
3. Details of this meeting including events leading up to it and the exact language of the vote today which is to “prioritize and reach consensus about the 2 long-range goals adopted by the congregation in 2008"–ministerial presence and new space.
Opening Words by JM
JM assures congregation present that the Board wants a strong consensus to “continue the covenant we have with each other.”
“How well are we walking together?” “How do we contribute to the health of the UU community?” What can we do better?” “How can we grow?”
Discussion about the vote to prioritize actively pursuing minister or new building.
JM points out that this vote does not diminish the other goal. Both are important to the life of the congregation.
Several people voiced concerns about the stairs. 1 congregant had fallen a few days ago and it clarified the danger of the stairs which are a necessity for bathroom and additional kitchen space.
Several people thought a move to a bigger space would encourage growth and be more welcoming to new people and young families. Current space also discourages handicapped people.
“We need a bigger space to support good ministry.”
A bigger space would enable life passage ceremonies (weddings, funerals) to accommodate more people.
Some people have been concerned about underutilization of the current building, were concerned about a larger building and heating it all week for the week-end. However, 1 person who was concerned about this said that he was more in favor now because of the possible lease with the daycare which would bring in income and use the space during the week.
Several people thought that a larger, more visible building would “enlarge our mission” in the community. That the community “needs us to be bigger.”
1 person is strongly in favor of a building in the city.
Someone thought we could take and preserve the stained glass windows and eventually utilize them.
“A new building would be great for RE.”
Someone summed it up by saying “ We need to prioritize new space but accept that both goals are important. YES, WE CAN!”
JM outlined the steps that would be taken if we decide to pursue a building i.e. Pyramids:
1. Continue to work with Wayne Clark (UUA) who wants “real numbers.”
Submit “Cash Flow Projection Sheet”
Submit “Quartile Analysis Data”
2. Do a feasibility study to determine the ability of the congregation to support a capital campaign.
3. Complete compilation of financial records.
4. Fine tune possible lease and determine financial viability of lessees.
VOTE: Of the 50 members present, 48 voted to prioritize a new space
2 voted to prioritize minister
Closing Words by JM at 12:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by: Jacqueline Oertel, Board Secretary
