Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin, NC
Board of Trustees Meeting
May 9, 2010
The meeting was called to order by President Mary Teslow at 12:50 p.m. in Celebration Hall.
Attendance: Linda Winn Brown, Bill Denton, Ed Gettys, Bonnie Gramlich (by speaker phone), Joan Hawthorne, Sue Ann Reisdorph, Warren Riley, Mary Teslow. Absent: Barbara Denton, Dotty Hiles. Also in attendance: Charlie Brown, Paul Chew.
Minutes: Joan made a motion that the minutes of April 11, 2010, be approved as written. Motion seconded and approved.
Treasurer's Report: Year-to-date income is $88,381.75. Year-to-date expenses are $43,062.22. Ed informed the Board that there is approximately $1,000 left in the Vangard Fund. CareNet monetary donations are listed under Community Outreach. There is approximately $-9,000 in the building fund. The loan value is approximately at $29,000. Warren made a motion to accept the Treasurer's Report as given. Motion seconded and approved.
Building Steering Committee: Bill informed the Board that he had written all the committee members with appreciation for all their efforts for the new Sanctuary and lower level accomplished in the last several years. Code for the lower level dictates that the single sex restroom signs should stand.
Budget Preparations for 2010-2011: Mary spoke to our housekeeper at UUFF, Sue Chatkin. She is requesting an increase in pay in adding the lower level to her duties. Linda made a motion that Sue be paid $30 more a week which would bring the total to $190; this would take place immediately. Motion seconded and approved. Bill made a motion that housekeeping needed for outside events be charged to that event. Motion seconded and approved. Ed reminded the Board that as of today there have been 16 pledging units turned in for the next fiscal year at approximately $29,000. The consideration for a Thrift Store to be housed in the Fellowship Hall was discussed with voiced pros and concerns.
Calendar Considerations: The Yard Sale is scheduled with the pre-sale July 16 and sale to the public on July 17. No date has been set for the annual auction. The executive committee of WNCA (Western North Carolina Alliance) and a contingency from the Fellowship will meet to discuss further collaboration for meetings and events. May 27 at 6:00 p.m. will be WNCA's next meeting at UUFF.
Social & Environmental Justice: Paul was asked to explain how the congregation can be involved in the Go Green-Drive Green Offset. Paul discussed how this project could expand our driving visits to church by voluntarily checking our contribution of carbon offsets. Paul was asked to clarify how much money or gallons per person/per vehicle can be calculated to see how prudent this project could be for the members. Mary suggested that as a congregation perhaps we could initiate offsets from plantings/landscape with diversive native plants with approved sites on UUFF's grounds.
Building and Grounds: Warren expressed thanks to Tom Reisdorph and Ed for finishing up the Playscape Area as a safe place for our children. Safety issues involving getting from the Sanctuary to the the lower level was discussed. The needed lift was talked about with the realization that the expense is prohibitive at this time. It was suggested that the Greeters alert those who arrive at the Sanctuary for the service and wish to attend Celebration Hall activities after the service be informed that they may need to drive or be driven to the lower level, should it be beneficial for their own safety.
Rental Policy Development: Linda discussed the need for a commercial refrigerator and ice maker as an advantage for events in Celebration Hall. Discussion ensued as to the need of continuing to explore what is needed before big rental events versus small events that are more easily hosted. A home-schoolers group has requested the use of the Fellowship Hall one morning weekly during the summer; they usually meet at the public library but summer activities prohibit them from being there every day. Mary will check with Mary Smith concerning questions the Board raised for more factual information before commiting to this request.
Publicity & Communication: The website is up and running. How the newsletter is folded into it will be addressed. Barbara will continue to send About Next Sunday through the email.
Denominational Affairs: Bill gave a report on the TJ District meeting that he and Barbara attended at St. Helena's Island, S.C. The motion narrowly failed in changing the name of the district.
Additional Topics: Instead of leaving items for CareNet every first Sunday of the month in the Fellowship Hall, personal & food items will be collected in a large basket in the Sanctuary and the membership will be informed as to the change. This will be tried in June to see if feasible. There was discussion as to the concern for safety at the top of stairs leading to the lower level. Due to code, a landing would have to be in place for a door to be placed there. Barbara and Bill Denton as well as Sue Ann were recognized and thanked for their service to the Board as outgoing Board members.
There will not be a Board meeting in June. The Annual Meeting will be June 11.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Ann Reisdorph, secretary Board of Trustees
