Present: Bob Waterman, Lois Aldrich, Marc MacQueen, Jim Bonnar, Nicole Sykes, Rev. Peter Connolly
Guests: Susie Sherman, Susan Hotchkiss, Kelly Lownds
Meeting called to order by Jim Bonnar at 6:30 p.m.
Minutes for the January 5 meeting were approved by the PC.
Music Committee: Report from Susan Hotchkiss reviewed and accepted. Minister’s Report: Report from Rev. Peter Connolly reviewed and accepted.
RE: Report from Kelly Lownds reviewed and accepted. RE’s plans to have LGBTQ group continue to move forward. Goal is to host at the church one Friday per month. Nursery care has been made available during church. Christine Hoyle may have recruited a new family and will outreach as appropriate.
Building and Grounds: Jim Bonnar reported that doorbells for both side and back doors have been installed and are working. Discussion around which type of locks should be on doors; concern expressed with using deadlocks.
Susie Sherman asked about the status of window repair/replacement in the Parish Hall. Some windows are very difficult to open. Rick Benard is arranging for them to be fixed/replaced. Marc MacQueen offered to follow up with Rick.
Susie reported that there continue to be issues with mice, despite actions that have been taken to address. She also mentioned other building issues that need to be addressed. She will put a list together of priority issues and share with the PC. Susie is volunteering for task force for Clay group.
Finance: Bob Waterman distributed a budget report to the PC for July – December, 2022. A $16,000 deficit had been budgeted for the year, but we are currently running a $31,000 surplus due to lower expenses and “catch-up” pledges. Bob reported that $87,000 in pledges has been received so far this year, which is a bit lower than what was budgeted. $3,000 in pledges remain due from last year, but Bob believes this amount most likely will not be collected. Bob reminded the PC that the church has not needed to transfer any funds from investment accounts to the budget so far this year as has been done in the past.
Bob reported that the Investment Committee continues to work on organizing the church’s various investment funds, including the Clay family donation. Bob will share investment information with the PC once complete.
Bob reminded the PC that the church, per agreement, will not be able to access any principal on the Clay investment fund for a few years, but that the Music Committee can be thinking about how to best use the funds once they become available.
Some of the funds from the Clay family will be used to renovate the church Parlor. Funds will be invested until such time as needed for work on the Parlor. A task force will be assembled to develop a work plan. Some of its goals will be to determine how the Parlor will be used, what the structural needs of the room are, and what décor/design will be used in renovating the room. Some congregation members have expressed interest in participating on the task force. Jim Bonnar will gather names of interested persons and discuss with the PC to appoint the task force.
Susan Hotchkiss suggested the church plan some form of celebration this year in appreciation of the Clay family donation, such as a concert. Perhaps an annual event?
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Fundraising: A fundraising brainstorming meeting is planned for this week. Fundraising total so far this year is $7054. Amount budgeted is $12,000. Gift basket raffle is in process. Possible future fundraising events include the spring auction and yard sale.
Social Justice Team: SJT is recommending International Rescue Committee (IRC) for the February Cash in the Plate (CIP). Website link is https://www.rescue.org/ The IRC helps people affected by humanitarian crises—including the climate crisis—to survive, recover and rebuild their lives. The IRC is presently dedicating many resources to help families in Ukraine.
The PC suggested that when CIP is being donated to an organization, it would be helpful to have someone speak at a service regarding the goals and mission of the organization so the congregation has an understanding of who their donations are going to. They could also accept the church’s donation at this time. Susie Sherman mentioned that the church has helped local refugee families in the past and maybe we should consider this going forward. Bob and Lois will follow up with the SJT at their next meeting.
A report on CIP for the first half of this year was included in the UU Updates. The PC agreed we need to continue this practice going forward.
The SJT will send meeting minutes to Jim Bonnar. The minutes will serve as the team’s monthly report to the PC.
Budget: Bob and Jim are in the process of contacting committee leaders to obtain their budget needs for 22 – 23 and are also preparing a semi-annual budget report that will be shared with the congregation via UU Updates and/or email.
Jim reported that the church’s security system is no longer working and that he spoke with JR Pucillo-Dunphy, who may be able to purchase a used system that could meet our needs on a temporary basis. JR will follow up and provide the PC with more details.
JR fixed the printer in the office has replaced the church’s modem and was also able to negotiate a better rate with the cable company. Many thanks, JR!
Jim informed the PC that a final report on the church’s audio needs should be received in 1 – 2 weeks. Dan Hotchkiss has been working on this.
The UUA offers a special rate for the ZOOM account but must be a minister to get this discount. Dan Hotchkiss offered to be the point person for the account, and the church would reimburse him.
FUUSM Organizational Structure: In his role as Interim Minister, Rev. Peter can help us look at how we currently operate and how we can become better and more efficient in our operation. To that end, Rev. Peter drafted an organizational chart for the PC to review. Discussion around concerns expressed during cottage meetings, such as how to initiate projects for church to avoid confusion and duplicate projects; clarifying what needs to go through the PC; streamlining committees; improving communication; acknowledging contributions of congregation members; and clarifying lines of responsibility and accountability. Suggested that this information be reviewed with committee leaders to get their input before bringing to the congregation. Rev. Peter will follow up with committee leaders on their thoughts regarding organization chart, roles, responsibilities, and accountability.
The PC welcomes feedback from the congregation on these or any other issues.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Next PC Meeting: January 25 at 7:00 p.m. (check-in).
o Budget figures for pledge drive
o 6th month budget report
o List of things that need to be done for pledge drive.
Submitted by Lois Aldrich, Parish Clerk
