The Waterbury Congregational Church, United Church of Christ of Waterbury, Vermont was called to a special meeting, on May 16, 2021, via Zoom, to decide whether to release funds from the church’s endowment for two maintenance projects.

Meeting called to order at 11:00 am
Article 1: To approve $32,000 to remove, restore, and reinstall two stained-glass windows.
L. Petit made the motion to approve $32,000 to remove, restore, and reinstall two stained-glass windows. Seconded.

Discussion:
L. Petit explained which windows are in the worst shape; starting to bow and wave. They had been previously stabilized in places with cement which has deteriorated over time. Three people will be there to remove each one, and take them one-at-a-time to their workshop. They have a particular covering for the open casement while the window is at their shop. Before anything is touched, they will
do a rubbing over each window to have a record for proper placement of pieces during the finished work. They will replace pieces that are broken or are mismatched color-wise. Once it is re-assembled and soldiered, horizontal steel rebar supports will be wired on, as well as modern vertical reinforcement that will help prevent future bowing. After a final cleaning, each will be reinstalled. One window takes several weeks to complete. We have been invited to the studio, in Corinth, to check on or document the process for our church history. If two are done per year, all the windows in the church should be secure in five years. The trustees have been planning for this and with the Gage family gift, the cost is covered.

It was suggested there should be some kind of plaque noting the Gage donation.
The motion passed.

Article 2: To approve $41,000 to paint the exterior of the church.
J. Bollard made the motion to approve $41,000 to paint the exterior of the church.
Seconded.

Discussion:
When the church was last painted, five years ago, the painters suggested that it would be more economical to paint the entire church once every 7-10 years than to do one or two sides at a time. The painting will start when the street work out front is done, or by August 15th, and will continue through the fall.
The motion passed.

Other discussion:
C. Grenier gave the heads up that another article will need a vote in late September or early October to repave the driveway after all the construction wear and tear.
P. Plagge said that the town will soon be removing the bushes out front as well as our signboard. We plan to plant perennials in lieu of bushes for the time being. We have the option to replace the oak tree that was removed and a popular choice is a copper beech. This may also need church-wide approval.
C. Lawrence noted that the lawn will need reseeding, hopefully using better seed than was used last year.

A motion was made, seconded, and approved to adjourn at 11:19.
Respectfully submitted May 21, 2021
Jill Chase