The meeting was called to order at 11:07 AM, January 29, 2023.
I. Presentation, discussion, and action on the minutes of the January 30, 2022 Annual
Meeting.
The minutes of the January 30, 2022 Annual Meeting were accepted as written. The
motion to accept was made by B. Barra and seconded by P. Sabin. The motion passed
unanimously.
II. Presentation, discussion, and action on the reports of the officers, boards, and
organizations for 2022 (excepting the 2023 budget).
It was moved by R. Snow, seconded by J. Buck, to accept the reports. The motion
passed unanimously.
III. Presentation, discussion, and action on the the FY 2023 budget proposal.
It was moved by D. Leavitt, seconded by B. Ainsworth, to accept the 2023 budget as
proposed.
D. Leavitt gave a quick rundown on each of the categories, explaining important points.
Even with a poor showing in the stock market, we were able to meet all expenses
without dipping into our capital funds. P. Plagge elaborated on the custodian position to
address R. Snow’s concerns.
The motion passed unanimously.
IV. Presentation, discussion, and action on the Nominating Committee’s report and
proposed slate of board members and officers for the year 2023.
It was moved by J. Buck, seconded by D. Leavitt, to approve and accept the slate of
board member and officers for the year 2023. Amended to add L. Petit’s name to the list
of Trustees.
The biggest change is to have a co-financial officer, rather than just one.
P. Sabin urged people to talk to board members, ask questions, and give suggestions.
The motion passed unanimously.
V. Presentation, discussion, and action on the Board of Business Administration’s
proposal to repair the church lawn.
J. Senning moved that the church contract with Landshapes, Inc., of Richmond, VT to
repair the lawn and install perennial beds at either side of the front deck at a cost not to
exceed $20,000. Amended to nix the perennial beds.
Seconded by P. Sabin.
Discussion on proposed flower beds as to who would tend same. E. Snow suggested all
shrubs in lieu of perennial flowers to avoid extra work. P. Plagge explained how the
expenses tease out. E. Snow suggested that some of the Amy Bingham fund could be
used for this project.
The motion passed unanimously.
VI. Presentation, discussion and action on the Board of Business Administration’s
proposal to install an Energy Recovery Ventilation System in the sanctuary.
T. Leavitt moved that the Church contract with Vermont Energy Contracting and Supply
Corp., of Williston, VT to install an always-on ERV unit for a cost not to exceed $10,000.
Seconded by L. Morse.
P. Plagge explained the systems and the differences in the estimates provided by
companies, as well as why there are two different motions. H. Grenier questioned the
need for more than the basic. P. Plagge responded that chances for getting COVID or
other viral sicknesses go up quickly as more people are in the room. H. Grenier was
also concerned about the effect on acoustics if vents are added. As they would be flush
with the wall, it shouldn’t make a difference. R. Snow asked about space in the furnace
room for the system and whether it was free-standing or part of the furnace. (It is a
separate unit, joined to the furnace.) Maintenance was also discussed. E. Snow
questioned whether it was justified to spend that amount on the second unit when large
crowds are not a weekly occurrence. P. Plagge pointed out that some congregation
members will not come back to an unventilated church and hopefully with at least the
first unit, they would be happier. H. Grenier suggested we could start with one, then
decide later if we want the second.
The motion passed unanimously.
T. Leavitt also moved that the Church contract with Vermont Energy Contracting and
Supply Corp. to install a secondary, on-demand ERV in the belfry for a cost not to
exceed $10,000.
Seconded by L. Morse.
C. Senning noted that the $10,000 estimate is not based on a solid offer. She also felt
that as we want to be a welcoming venue for concerts and programs, adding a beefed-
up system would benefit everyone. H. Grenier questioned the noise level. Should be like
the current fan. L. Morse suggested a “clean-air fee” when renting out the space. There
is a chance that doing both units at the same time would merit a discount over doing
one now and another later.
Motion passed (12 ayes, 2 nays).
VII. Presentation, discussion, and action on the Trustees recommendation to distribute
any investment gain in 2022.
J. Buck moved that gains and/or losses, realized and unrealized, earned on the the
assets managed by the Trustees be allocated to the established funds proportionally to
the respective fund’s values as illustrated in the Trustee’s Report.
Seconded by B. Ainsworth.
J. Buck explained the Trustees’ fund designations. Though it was a tough financial year,
we turned water into wine thanks to giving from the congregation and gifts. John
Sherman was recognized as a real asset to our planning over the years; he is sorely
missed.
H. Grenier wondered if some of the cost of installing the ERV units could be pushed into
next year’s budget. P. Plagge said that Council will be communicating with the Trustees
to check on the economic situation to decide when the units should be installed. The
motion above does not stipulate a date. There was discussion on the Gage fund and if it
had to be used to repair the stained glass windows, or could be used for other things.
No conclusion reached.
The motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Other business.
C. Lawrence thanked P. Plagge for all his “extra” work on the ERV system & lawn
research and vacuuming when we had no custodian.
P. Plagge thanked R.Noyes for her work, C. Grenier for continuing in finance, P. Sabin
for her work on Outreach and for moving on to Deacons, L. Morse for Christian Ed.
efforts, B. Ainsworth for her office work, E. Kroncke & M. Austin for their musical
contributions, and N. Davis for his floral ministry.
L. Morse made the motion to adjourn, seconded by J. Buck.
The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:13 PM, January 29, 2023.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Chase, Clerk