The meeting was called to order at 11:14 AM on January 27, 2019.
I. Presentation, discussion, and action on the minutes of the January 28, 2018 annual meeting and the June 3, 2018 Special Meeting.
The minutes of the January 28, 2018 annual meeting as well as the June 3, 2018 Special Meeting were accepted as written.
II. Presentation, discussion, and action on the reports of the officers, boards, and organizations for 2018 (excepting the 2019 budget).
It was moved, seconded, and noted to accept the reports.
III. Presentation, discussion, and action on the the FY 2019 budget proposal.
It was moved, seconded and approved to accept the 2019 budget as proposed.
C. Grenier rose to say that the board of finance supported this budget, even
carrying the $8,000 + deficit as said deficit was caused by counting on gifts that didn’t materialize. The board saw no reason for that deficit to interfere with proposed expenditures, including a 2% raise for salaries. He did note that fund raising efforts will have to remain strong. But he gave big kudos to all the members for how they support the church, in funding and in active service.
IV. To decide whether the church will approve an expenditure from the Firm Foundation Fund of up to $9,000 for building upgrades.
It was moved and seconded to approve expenditure from the Firm Foundation of up to $9,000 for building upgrades and church improvements. Discussion focused on specifics involved such as work on the remaining spires and equipping the church with a defibrillator. J. Loewer wondered if there might be grants available to purchase such equipment. C. Lawrence noted that the price will include a
“church” discount. J. Loewer volunteered to go looking for such a grant.
The deacons are planning a CPR class in February which could include training for a defibrillator. There was concern that our insurance might not currently cover incidents if the equipment were used incorrectly by a church member, but it was felt that we would be protected by the
“Good Samaritan” law.
J. Loewer made a motion to amend the original motion to read that it is approved to spend up to $9,000 from the Firm Foundation for building upgrades and church improvements, but to first investigate possible grants for the defibrillator portion. The amendment passed. The motion was then passed as amended.
V. Presentation, discussion, and action on the Nominating Committee’s report and slate of officers and board members for the year 2019
It was moved, seconded, and unanimously approved to accept the Nominating Committee’s report and slate of officers for 2019.
It should be noted, however, that Ned Davis stepped down as Nominator, leaving the Nominating Committee with no members.
V. Presentation, discussion, and action on the Trustees recommendation to distribute any investment gain in 2018.
D. King moved that the gains (losses), realized and unrealized, earned on the Trustees Funds be allocated in proportion to the respective fund balances. The motion was seconded and passed.
V. Other Business
1) The deacons have been discussing safety issues in the church, such as the presence of an active shooter. There is particular concern about the young women and children in the downstairs nursery while church is in session. The side door will be locked during this time and all access to the church should be through the front door. If someone is in need of elevator service, this would be taken care of by a deacon at the front door.
They would also like to provide ALICE training to the church, which includes procedures that should be taken during an active shooter confrontation. The council is strongly encouraging such a training.
2) P. Plagge thanked P. Sabin for all she does to really run the office and N. Davis for all he does for the church. He also wanted to add his thanks to C. Grenier’s for the congregation’s unfailing support.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:36 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Chase, Clerk
