Minutes of the Annual Congregational Meeting, May 6, 2007

UUC’s annual meeting was called to order on May 6, 2007 at 1:10 pm by President Charlene Carnes. Opening words and reflections were conducted by Rev. Millie Rochester.

Charlene Carnes introduced the current year officers including Linda Stoller as president elect, Bill Norsworthy as past president, Dick Rolfes treasurer, Laura Iyer as secretary, and Charlene Carnes as current president.

Charlene also acknowledged the committee on ministry including: Chuck Shimmer, Marie Chapman, Diana Fraiser, Sol Winner, and Dorthy Willie.

In addition, the nominating committee was announced including Mary Flanagan, Mary Thorton, Dorthy Willie, Gene Weigelt, and Don Cobin.

The meetings parliamentarian was Barbara Brandt.

A quorum was certified by the secretary.

Motion made by Janet Clark to approve the 2006 UUC annual meeting minutes as written. The motion carried unanimously.

Motion made by Catherine Conover to accept the minutes as printed for the special meeting which voted Rev. Millie Rochester as our assistant minister. The motion carried unanimously.

Special thanks were given to the outgoing officers, board members, and committee chairs. Charlene Carnes thanked Pegotty Cooper, Barbara Brandt, and Laura Iyer. Linda Stoller asked to take the floor and thanked Charlene Carnes for her service as president of the board. Charlene received a gardening gift as a symbol she will have more time to garden now.

Special thank you to outgoing committee chairs included: Donna Ballard as membership chair, Jeanie Shimer as personnel committee, Bill Norsworthy as stewardship chair and Laurie Ergel as social justice chair.

Second Service Decision:

A motion was made by Dorthy Willie to continue the second service model at UUC.

Linda Stoller talks about 2^nd service and town hall meetings that were held to address this topic. Two town hall meeting were held after services. Linda shared that more people were attending UUC as a result of the second service which helps to meet our outreach mission and that we still have challenges going forward to ensure two services run smoothly. Linda also shared that the board voted unanimously that it supports the two service model for UUC.

The congregation discussed and asked questions regarding the second service for about twenty minutes. Abhi and Linda Stoller answered many of the questions posed by the congregation.

Kathy Krone makes a motion to call the question. The motion carries to continue the second service.

Reports:

Clearwater UU Foundation: Foundation President Dick Rolfes

Dick announced there were some corrections made to his reported found in the annual report. Those were distributed at the table at the annual meeting. There are about $400,000 vested gifts in the foundation. Recent gifts included $4600 from Mary Flanagan’s estate. Dick recognized Don Cobin as the president and Mary Flanagan has the secretary.

Dick explained that a $15,000 grant as requested from the board is going for a new air conditioner and the rest to support the second service efforts and expenses.

Requests from the congregation included that the foundation should consider investing in socially responsible funds.

Stewardship Committee: Bill Norsworthy

The budget for 2007-2008 is $290,000 and as of this meeting UUC’s pledges are slightly over $290,000. UUC has increased 8-9% over last year’s campaign before the matching gift. UUC pledge amount this year is slightly below matching gift – but above original pledge amount last year. Over the last 2 years, pledges have risen 18%.

Bill Snell will be stewardship chair next year

Property Committee:John Chase

John Chase commends the numerous volunteers such as Al Weaver, Ashlynn DeCosta-Ponnudurai, Ron Boucher, Gayle Rose, and others.

This year’s goals are to upgrade the UUC sign. The committee would also like to consider moving towards solar power.

Sabbatical Committee: Terry Stapleton

Terry described that the Sabbatical committee work is to compliment duties of board and staff while Abhi takes his sabbatical this calendar year. A few of the duties of the committee include:

1. Define programs

2. Communicate to congregation

3. Monitor programs to make sure objects are achieved.

4. Support the sabbatical plan

5. Define the plan to welcome back Abhi back once the sabbatical is over.

Abhi shares information regarding the Ely Lillie Endowment Clergy Grant program. This program provides funds for clergy to have a time of renewal and for the congregation to have renewal. If the grant is awarded, the money will be dispersed in 2008. Even if UUC gets a small amount of this grant, this will ease the financial pressures for Abhi and congregation. The congregation uses the terms renewal and replenishment.

Motion made by Marie Chapman to support the request of the Ely Lillie Renewal and Replenishment grant. This was approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report: Dick Rolfes

This year’s goal was to reduce the budget deficit from $74,000 to $34,000; however, UUC has done much better overall with a deficit less than $30,000.

Harmful budget incidents such as the concert program and the Montessori school leaving were overwhelmed by positive budget events such as:

· UUC’s investment in oils did better than expected this year

· An unexpected tax refund on UUC power.

· Less expenses this year as compared to last year.

The overall impact to the budget is leaving UUC in a better cash position for next year.

Election for 2007-2008

A motion was made to accept the nominating slate as printed by the nominating committee. This was approved unanimously.

President Elect: Susan Hegner

Secretary: Sue Boone

Treasurer: Dick Rolfes

Board Members: Three year term through 2010

Ashlynn DeCosta-Ponnudurai

Joann Shrewsbury

Bill Snell

Board Member: One year to finish his 3 year term

Eliseo Santana, Jr.

Board Alternates: One year term

First alternate – Carol Heichel

Second alternate – Carl Krave

Nominating Committee: Two year term

Ray Williamson

Don Ekberg

Maralyn Toman, Board’s nominee

(Dorothy Wylie and Mary Thornton are continuing members)

Committee on Ministry: Two year term

Sally Demarest

George Beukema

Andrea Pisanello

(Marie Chapman and Diana Fraser are continuing members)

Budget Approval for 2007-2008: Ed Kraemer

Ed Kraimer, Finance Chair, addressed the congregation regarding the coming fiscal year church finances and the process used to create a budget. The budget process starts at the point how much deficit we can have and then add the primary source of income, the pledges. This is reflected in this year’s total budget of $395,000.

The primary expense is UUC’s staff expenses and all staff received a 3% increase except for Millie who received a 4% raise. She received a higher raise since she has been hired on as a permanent, full time position as a result from her “call”. This is the budget the finance committee and board recommends.

The finance committee is also required to show a “balanced” budget which could be achieved by freezing salaries and cutting in other areas within the budget.

A motion was made to accept the budget recommended by the finance committee. Motion was unanimously accepted.

The new officers and board members were welcomed by Charlene Carnes.

Awards from District Assembly:

UUC received many awards during the district assembly:

• Dorthy Willie for life time achievement award. Long and dedicated service to UUC.
• Nancy Warner for the UUC newsletter, The Octagram.
• UUC received certification for fair compensation for all staff.
• A ribbon was received for annual fund leadership.

President’s comments:

Linda Stoller commented she is looking forward to the coming year and the sabbatical committee program. She feels this is an opportunity to figure out where UUC wants to go.

Abhi thanks Charlene for her humility and grace. He deeply appreciated her leadership and hoped she enjoys her trip to China.

Meeting adjourn 2:40 pm.