The meeting was called to order at 11:24

I. Presentation, discussion and action on the minutes of the January 27, 2019 annual meeting and the October 13, 2019 Congregational meeting.

The minutes of the January 27, 2019 Annual Meeting and the October 13, 2019 were accepted as written. The motion to accept was made by John Buck and seconded by Polly Sabin. The motion passed unanimously.

II. Presentation, discussion and action on the reports of the officers, boards, departments and organizations for the year 2019 (excepting the FY 2020 budget).

The motion was made by Polly Sabin and seconded by John Buck. Rev. Plagge mentioned that the CE report and slate of officers was just published today.

The motion passed unanimously.

III. Presentation, discussion and action on the FY 2020 budget proposal.

Charles Grenier moved to approve the FY 2020 budget proposal. It was seconded by Dean King. C. Grenier mentioned that for the last 30 years the church has taken money from the Trustees to balance the budget. Years ago the budget simply included such a transfer from the endowment to the operating budget as a line item. This year the amount we anticipate transferring is back as a line item at $20,000.

Employees were given cost of living raise. A larger amount was given to Choir director and Organist to bring them closer to what other churches pay. It was noted currently that pledges are more than 30% of the amount in previous years. But that the number of pledges are down by about the same amount.

The motion passed unanimously.

IV. Presentation, discussion and action on the proposed slate of board members and officers for the year 2020.

P. Plagge made the motion to approve the proposed slate of board members and officers for the year 2020 and Cindy Senning seconded. Peter mentioned that he was this years nominating committee and stressed how important that someone else take on this role.

The motion passed unanimously.

V. Presentation, discussion and action on the Trustees recommendation to distribute any investment gain in 2019.

Dean King made the motion that the gains, realized, unrealized, and earned during 2019 on the Church’s endowment be allocated as follows to the following funds:

45% to General Endowment in support of annual operation expenses
45% to Firm Foundation in support of future capital improvement projects
10% to Enrichment to support the church’s wider mission

The motion was seconded by Russ Snow.

Dean noted substantial gains this past year and stressed that this the church’s money for all of us to decide on how it is utilized.

Harriet Grenier asked how the Firm Foundation is handled. Dean explained it is a virtual transfer of funds only and that all of our endowment monies are handled as one lump sum.

The motion passed unanimously.

P. Plagge, spoke about the replacement of the sign board that is in the front of the church. He has asked Steve James to do the work. P. Plagge has applied for grant funds through Beautify of Waterbury. This is an initiative program of Waterbury Revitalizing designed for properties affected by the Main Street construction project. Betsy Ainsworth asked about repositioning the sign. P. Plagge stated that if we were to reposition the sign, it would have to be double sided. Elaine Snow suggested using some money from Amy’s garden fund.

VI. Other business.

P. Plagge moved by acclamation gratitude for all our staff members and for Ned Davis for all they do through out the year.

Polly, thanked Deb Utton for taking care of Amy’s garden this pass summer.

Jeff Lower made a motion to adjourn meeting and seconded by Polly Sabin.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:44

Respectfully submitted,
Jill Loewer