Minutes
of the Annual Meeting
March 22, 2009
The
meeting was called to order by Joyce Ramay, chair of the Board of
Governors. Joyce explained that the meeting would have two parts. The
first during the service to vote on officers, nominating committee, and
amendments to the By-laws and then a short break to be followed by the
remainder of business to be covered, including the Audit Report.
Elections: Joyce presented the nominations for Board positions as
recommended by the Nominating Committee. (See attached Ballot) She
reported that Oren Stephans had withdrawn his name from being considered
for the office of Treasurer, so that vacancy would have to be filled by
the Board. There were no nominations from the floor, and the nominees
were approved by voice vote and by absentee ballots. Those elected
were:
Secretary, Susan Stocker
Governor, Doug Cartwright
Governor, Frankie Jennings
The
Nominating Committee nominated five people to serve two-year terms on
the Nominating Committee. There being no nominations from the floor,
members voted by voice vote and absentee ballots to elect the following
to the Nominating Committee:
Robert Bennett, Bill Benyak, Diane Cartwright, Ernie Fierro, and Pat
Nuding.
Bylaws: Joyce then presented proposed changes in the By-laws (See
Attached Ballot) The first item addressed was to change the word
“Umbrella” to “newsletter” for notices of meetings. The Congregation
voted to accept this change.
The
second By-laws amendment concerned changing from 40% to 20% of members
as being considered a quorum at Congregational meetings. This proposal
was also approved by voice vote of the congregation.
The
third By-laws proposed change pertained to the duties of the Nominating
Committee. A discussion followed as to whether officers should be
selected by the Board from a slate of governors recommended by the
nominating committee and voted on by the congregation, rather than
having the nominating committee select specific candidates for each
office as now done. Many corporations have their Boards select their
own officers, but some congregants felt the duties particularly of
secretary and treasurer need certain skills that it would be beneficial
to have specific, qualified people nominated for those offices. Kay
Riegler moved we table this issue for further study. Carol Elrod
seconded it. The motion to table carried with a few dissenting votes.
At this point there was a short adjournment where members could leave or
stay as they saw fit.
Minutes of 2008 Meeting
When
the meeting reconvened, Secretary Midge Magstadt read highlights of the
minutes from the 2008 Annual Meeting.
Treasurer’s Report- Joyce Ramay, speaking for the Treasurer,
indicated that in 2008 we had a net loss of $20,682. For the year to
date we have a loss of about $921. In 2008 we had to use $12,000 from
the Operating Reserve and then another $4,000 in January of 2009. Our
Spring Pledge Drive has begun with some pledges already having been
returned. Joyce stressed that all gifts are appreciated, and that
returning the pledge cards is essential to planning and making decisions
regarding the services we can and cannot provide. Prior to the special
meeting in February, when the congregation was informed of decisions for
budget reductions, staff affected by these changes had been notified.
Dan Tudor has graciously volunteered to take a 25% reduction in his
salary effective May 1st until our financial situation
improves. Pat Nuding has consented to head a committee to enlist
volunteers for helping with RE duties. We need volunteers for
hospitality and sexton duties during the summer months when we will not
have the services of our usual paid workers.
Auditor’s report – Lyle Olson thanked committee members Charlotte
Blitt and Audrey Olson who assisted him in the audit. The examination
used generally accepted practices for churches. He indicated the church
had lost over $20,000 in 2008 and had to draw down from cash on hand and
the Operating Reserve. Lyle indicated All Faiths is fortunate to be
able to utilize the talents of the Finance Committee and the services of
our Office Manager, Sarah Hanna. No irregularities were found in the
Audit. The newly installed Church Based Account Software that replaced
Quicken has been a positive addition. Lyle advised that Sarah’s files
are stuffed and that it would be beneficial to have an Ad Hoc Committee
look into what records are essential to keep for the long term and to
see if there are changes that could be made regarding storage of
records. Lyle believes with the updated budget adjustments, we should
be able to get through 2009 in good shape, but the situation will be
closely monitored. Right now we have no outstanding debts and are
paying our bills. Working together it is believed we can maintain that
status.
Recognition of Outgoing Board and Nominating Committee: Joyce
recognized the outgoing Board members and Nominating Committee members
with sincere appreciation. These included Midge Magstadt, secretary,
Doug Cartwright, treasurer, Robert Bennett and Ernie Fierro, governors;
Carol Siferd, Nominating Committee Chairman, and Nathalie Hahn and Carol
Papke, Nominating Committee members.
Congregational Discussion - Joyce began by reminding the
congregation of the importance of marking choices from the list of
priorities on the back of the pledge cards when returning the cards.
These priorities will serve as a guide as the Board begins discussions
at the April 4 orientation meeting.
Concerns were once raised regarding the need for a home of our own. It
was suggested that in the downturn of the economy real estate is more
affordable, and that if a property were found that met our needs, donors
might step forward with the finances. Presently there is a committee
looking at properties, both for sale and rent, so this issue continues
to be actively pursued.
There
was also a discussion regarding UUA affiliation. It would seem there
are many benefits to joining, from being in a better position to attract
a new minister when Wayne retires, to attracting new members. The
drawback is financial as it does cost a certain amount per member each
year and there would be other fees, but from an informal show of hands,
the majority present did seem in favor of becoming affiliated with UUA.
It was suggested that a Connections article be mailed that would explain
the pros and cons of affiliation and get a broader picture of the
feelings of the membership on this issue.
Another
suggestion was to create a Planning and Development Committee that would
concentrate on fund raising projects for the purpose of growing and
advancing as a church. Others expressed the need to attract younger
members, perhaps utilizing retired college professors to speak with
college students and professors from the colleges and universities in
our area in an effort to make it more clear what it is we at All Faiths
have to offer as a community of faith. Another idea suggested was to
have a survey of the talents of the membership and consider how to best
utilize those talents.
The
meeting was adjourned at 12:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Midge Magstadt, Secretary |
