ALL FAITHS UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Call to order - The meeting was called to order by president Joyce Ramay, at 4:00 p.m.  Present in addition to Joyce were: Midge Magstadt, secretary, Doug Cartwright, treasurer, governors: Robert Bennett, David Morgan, Carol Elrod, Robert Nuding, Ernie Fierro, past president, Lou Pizzini, Committee Chairs, Pat Nuding and Carol Siferd, and minister, Wayne Robinson.

Secretary’s report –The minutes of the January meeting were approved.

Financial  reports – (See handouts)

Treasurer’s report – Doug Cartwright reported that we lost $5,632 in the month of January, which is typically one of our stronger months.  Expenses have been under budget so the loss represents the continued shortfall in donations.  An additional $4,000 was transferred from the Operating Reserve at the end of January to help cover payroll.  As Doug said, “Unfortunately, this is not a rosy picture.”

• Checking – Florida Gulf Bank:                 $6,780.25
• Florida Gulf Money Market:                     $2,594,69
• PayPal                                                          $70.00
• Raymond James Legacy Fund:                  $4,156.79
• Raymond James Operating Reserve:       $16,785.23
• Total Bank Accounts:                          $30,386.87

Finance Committee – Joyce reported on behalf of the Finance Committee that at our Founders Day service, February 22, Joyce and Ed Kleinow will make a presentation to the congregation regarding our financial situation that will kick off our Pledge Drive which will continue on into March.  The group that had volunteered to draft the letter to be presented to the congregation did an excellent job.  A few changes from the Financial Committee and the Minister were added such as Wayne’s wish to continue ministry after age 75 as he is able, to be an annual negotiation.  A revised 2009 Budget that reflects even deeper cuts such as no RE teachers effective April 1, Hospitality Service ending April 15, no Music coordinator in August, Wayne receiving no salary or expenses in August, no Sextons during August, the possibility of asking Crestwell to forego one month’s rent, as well as a reduction in advertising and hired musicians.  All of these are things we wish we did not have to do, but the congregation needs to be aware that unless giving increases, these are the kinds of drastic measures we are facing.  The Board feels as Joyce and Ed present these things to the Board in a clear, prioritized manner, allowing time for questions and answers, and reiterating that if finances improved, starting with the Hospitality Service, which we believe is at the heart of our fellowship time together, things could be added back into the budget.  It was hoped that those being affected by the revised budget cuts could be talked with privately prior to services so that it wouldn’t come as such a shock to them.  Wayne was adamant that discontinuing services even for a month in summer should not be an option.  After much discussion, the Board voted to approve the letter to the congregation and the revised 2009 Budget Proposal and the Pledge Drive form to be presented to the Congregation on February 22.

The Finance Committee also recommended that as much support as possible be given to Carol Siferd’s efforts regarding the March 8^th Gala and the Raffle that is a part of that event.  It was also noted that an audit is in progress and the serious shortfalls in income are being noted.

Minister’s Report –  (see handout) Wayne addressed the fact that while All Faiths is certainly not immune to the difficult economic times we are facing, that due to the leadership of the Board, and the guidance of the Finance Committee we are still paying the bills and have money in the bank.  Wayne stressed the necessity of keeping the focus on our identity and mission as our first priority, and how we can preserve it secondly.  It becomes a matter of how to cut back rather than eliminate services.  Wayne plans to add a component in March services that would focus on forging a new narrative of our identity and mission.  Facilitators and conversations as a congregation would develop this, and those insights would be applied to the planning of Summer Services, which will begin shortly.

Committee Reports:

Services Support – Doug reported that the committee feels the 7 Minute Conversation Café has run its course and should end.  It was mentioned that volunteers were still needed to work with the Audio Streaming.  Carol Elrod reported that our transmissions have been co-mingling with a Catholic service.  Ed Kleinow has contacted the Web Master who says the problem is on our end, but Ed doesn’t believe that’s the case.  In the meantime, it was recommended that we stop encouraging people to log on to the services until these problems can be addressed, as it tends to make us look amateurish.  To do it right, would probably require the services of a professional producer and we do not have the funds to hire one at this point.  Doug said we have 96 reservations for the Founder’s Day Luncheon and everything seems to be falling in place well for that special event.

Social Circles – Carol said she needs at least 70 people to attend the Gala, and is also seeking help with the raffle.  Items or services donated will be used for the raffle.  Some scholarships are available, as well as some vegetarian options.  Shire Lane decided not to bring the invitation to take part in the Gala up with their Board due to a mysterious negative e-mail that was somehow being circulated.  This is unfortunate as our intentions in offering the invitation were purely social.

Social Outreach – Robert asked if anyone had confirmed with Dale Weber that he would be in charge of the White Elephant Sale this coming Sunday.  As no one had, Robert Bennett said he would do so since they planned to get together soon.  With the transition of leadership of ASAP from Dale to Nancy McGlasson for the McGregor Clinic projects, and the transfer of leadership from Robert to Evelyn Evans for the duties of the Social Outreach Committee, it is important to make sure communication is clear between all parties.

Membership– Pat Nuding had submitted a report that we now have 223 members, 8 Dual members, and 90 Friends.  Lisa and Dave Allen, Sheldon Arpad and Flora Jones are our newest members.  Richard White will become a dual member with June Antolino, who thought she already was a dual member.  Sylvia Weaver has requested to be removed from our membership, citing her need to be reconnected to her UUA affiliation.  Janet Harman had asked to be removed some time ago.  Pat has worked with Sarah to keep current the list of members, friends, and removals so that all are consistent.  She is also checking the Directory.  Updated Interim 2009 Directories are now available from the office, on-line, or to be picked up at service if so requested. 

Old Business – There will be a notification in Connections and the Bridge of the upcoming Annual Meeting on March 22 at noon.  The audit report will be given at that time and the new slate of nominations for Board positions will be voted on.  Carol Siferd and her committee have done an outstanding job, once again in finding top quality people who are willing to serve on the Board.  The Nominating Committee has also proposed a change to the By Laws that was discussed in detail by the Board.  Presently, the Nominating Committee has been designating specific candidates for the positions of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer as well as the Governors.  The change to the By-laws would have the Committee not designate specific candidates for these offices, but rather have them elected by the Board at the April meeting, following the March election each year.  The Board debated at length the pros and cons of making this change to the By Laws.  Ernie noted that this change had already been recommended in the past, but then was somehow dropped.  Since the duties of the Treasurer require specific financial skills, the Secretary must feel comfortable with word processing, writing, and computer skills, and the Chairperson must be multi-talented, multi-tasking, and deeply committed to serving All Faiths congregation, the overall consensus was that these people should have agreed to these jobs in advance, rather than trying to make that decision and get people who are qualified and willing to serve from the pool of Governors.  There was also controversy over whether the Board can add “with support” or “without support” of the Board to the proposed amendment.  It was finally voted upon and decided that the Amendment would be presented as “without” Board support and the congregation could then vote as they see fit. 

Carol and Robert Bennett reported on some of the facilities they have been looking at in regard to a more attractive setting for our meetings that is still within our modest budget.  One at Movie Gallery was deemed too expensive.  Another theater complex at Edison Park has potential.  The option of sharing a facility with another congregation is still being explored, though as Carol pointed out, that still would not give us 24 hr. 7 day access to the facility, which is one of the motivating factors in wanting a change of location.  Everyone agreed that this is not an easy process, and that the advantages would need to outweigh the disadvantages to make going through the hassle of a move, and the “upset” that causes to many, worth making the change.

New Business –There was no New Business.

Next Meeting - Our next meeting will be held Tuesday, March 17, at 4:00 p.m. in the Edwards Building.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

2009 Board Minutes

January 31

January 20

2008 Board Minutes

December 16

November 18

October 21

September 16

August 21

July 15

June 17

May 20

April 15

March 18

February 19

January 15