Unitarian Univeralists of Clearwater

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

 

Attending:                            Sue Boone, Catherine Conover, Dotti Doyle, Susan Hegner, Carol Heichel, Abhi Janamanchi, Carl Krave, Millie Rochester, Dick Rolfes, Sylvia Scott, Joann Shrewsbury, Bill Snell, Linda Stoller, Nancy Warner, Roberta Watson.

 

Guests:                                 Bill Newton, Bill Norsworthy, Ellen Morgan

 

Absent:                                 Joe Myers

 

Call to Order:                      Susan Hegner, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM

 

Opening Words:                      Rev. Abhi Janamanchi  

 

Review of Agenda:             The agenda was reviewed and amended.

 

Review of Minutes:            Minutes for December, 2008 were amended and approved.

 

Treasurer’s Report:            The Treasurer’s report was approved.

                        Finances are starting to look better. Bill and Ellie Kraft’s daughters

                         each gave $5000.00 to UUC and The Better World Fund

                         respectively.  Collection plate funds are positive. Income is

                                                higher than expected and expenses are lower. 

                                                Deficit will probably be only $12,000-$15,000 at the end of this year.

                                                Concerns regarding payment for concerts were raised. It was agreed

                                                that in future sponsorship of concerts should be clarified in

                                                promotions.

                                               

ACTION ITEMS:

 

Motion by Catherine Conover to approve the recommendation of Marlene Calderone as Above and Beyond winner for the month of February.  Seconded, approved unanimously.

 

Motion by Catherine Conover to approve that the executive committee work with Yvonne to develop a procedure for facility rentals. Seconded, approved unanimously.

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

 

Rev. Janamanchi led a discussion on the concept of Excellence as it would apply to our community:

One suggestion was to have the Membership Committee generate a list of non-attendees and develop a question format to find out why. Board members would make the contact and ask the questions.

What is the hub? Right relationship with each other, with the world, and with the Holy.

 

 

 

INFORMATION ITEMS:

 

Rev. Millie Rochester’s report:

Millie will be gone two weekends in February and the weekend Feb 28-March 1.

60 kids attended the Christmas program. Owl program going well. Next overnight will be at the Shimers’ house.

The Reader’s Forum is going well. A video on the current book Inheriting the Trade is available and the plan is to show it on a weekday evening TBA.

 

Rev Abhi Janamanchi’s report

Barry Lynn’s topic February 22nd is very timely. He and Abhi will be taking a look at the first few weeks of Obama’s term.

Ten new members will be joining this Sunday.

Oriented the staff to the financial situation at the last staff meeting. They will have a financial retreat in the near future and another retreat to discuss programming issues in the spring.

 

Bill Newton indicated we need to clean up the Mag-lock system and the key pad system.

 

The membership committee is having a potluck Friday, 30th (Soups, bread and salads) to introduce the new members.

 

Bill Snell reminded the Board that the stewardship campaign is centered round a party Feb 28th at 6:00 PM in the social hall. Imperative to be there.

 

The Manse: The tenants are improving the property; however they want a stove. This means we need a fire suppression system which costs approximately $2000.

Motion by Roberta Watson to authorize Dotti Doyle to do what it takes to have a cook top and fire suppression system installed in the manse. Seconded and approved uinanimously.

 

 

Update on “Yes We Can”:

1.      UUC leaders held a conference with Wayne Clark of UUA. He emphasized the need to be upbeat with the congregation.

2.      Bill Norsworthy facilitated a meeting with committees that interact with staff members. They were charged with cutting expenses by 10%, 20%, and 50%.

3.      UUC members met with Susan Hegner. People took on specific projects and will report back next Monday.

4.      Top 25% pledgers will meet at Bill Snell’s house this Saturday.

 

 

Close:                                   Meeting adjourned 9:05 PM

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Catherine Conover

Secretary