Minutes of Most Recent Annual Meeting

The Moderator, Florence Mercer, opened the meeting. She introduced herself and the Parish Clerk, Peg Nicol. The moderator read the warrant.

Article 1: To act upon the reports of the officers and committees.
Joanne Gay made a motion to accept the reports. David Turner seconded the motion.

Florence recognized Rev. Harold Babcock who asked for a moment of silence for friends and members who had died this past year.

Harold gave a minister's report, adding that 17 weddings were celebrated this year; many of the recent ones were same gender marriages. Harold thanked all FRS employees, all members who helped move to our new space, members leaving the Parish Committee, and all committee chairs. He also thanked Vinnie Wood for years of service in his "contractor role" and thanked all choir members.

Harold commented on the highlights this year, especially the building renovation, noting that we are in a strong financial situation despite being in the middle of a capitol campaign. He added that we continue to grow, particularly with families including school age children. Another highlight was the visit to Transylvania, Romania last summer with nine members and two youth where we developed a wonderful relationship with members of our Partner Church. He hopes we can fund raise and bring Zsolt, Borika, and a church member here for a visit this year. Also exciting is the Shared Ministry experience which we will implement next fall.

Harold thanked Bill Zarakas as outgoing Parish Committee Chair, a huge responsibility and time commitment.

Florence asked if there were questions on any committee reports. There were none. The annual reports were accepted with a unanimous vote.

Article 2: To act upon the 2004-2005 budget recommended by the Parish Committee.
Anne Verret-Speck moved to accept the budget as proposed. The motion was seconded by Betty Pike.

Bill Zarakas, Parish Committee Chair, described the process of arriving at the budget. It was a particularly difficult process this year due to reductions made in the benefit program for employees, needed to balance the budget. The Religious Education and Music Committees also had new service needs which created much discussion. The Finance and Human Resources Committees recommend using contracted services instead of hiring people as employees.

Bill announced that Cecilia Healy will be the new Parish Committee Chair.

Lynn Kettleson, Finance Committee Chair, explained that although we had a great canvass, we have increased expenses and ambitions. Also, endowment income is down which further increases the challenge. Pledges were increased this year.

Much discussion about the budget ensued. Several members expressed concern about the decreased funding for employee benefits. David Turner, Human Resource Committee, responded to these concerns explaining that although pension funding will decrease from 14% to 12%, medical benefits are maintained and salaries increased 1.8 % (cost of living). We are moving toward being a Fair Share community and all staff members are paid at mid-level UUA recommendations. Leslie Lawrence asked to compare this year's budget with last years? Lynn Kettleson responded that it was level funded. Tom Stites pointed out that the budget report shows the Music and Religious Education Committees' budgets have decreased. Claudia Keyian expressed concern that she was not able to attend the Music Committee's meetings and therefore was not part of budget planning. She does not see funding for piano maintenance. The reply was that piano maintenance is included in a different category. Chris Hyde had concern with the overall budget including the increase in Mass Bay and UUA dues. Harold responded that dues are determined per capita so increase as we add new members. Chris also asked if we could increase our ATT and Verizon contracts? John Mercer replied that these had contracted escalators over 5 year periods. Chris recommends we increase these contracts when the time comes. Jessica Brown asked how the deficit of $11,000. at the end of last year was covered? Lynn Kettleson replied that committees did not spend their full budgets, so money left over from last year was carried over. Jessica asked if there is a contingency plan for next year? Bill Zarakas responded that it is discussed every month. Bill Perkins asked if the 14% pension funding had been a long-standing policy? Harold Babcock replied yes, adding that UUA rules require funding pensions for all employees, not just the minister. The UUA recommends funding pensions at 10%; we exceed their guidelines. A question arose about the utility costs which have risen drastically. John Mercer responded that the increase is primarily due to electric bills. A fan that runs continually is a probable cause for most the increase. Nathan Wilber suggests the Social Action Committee link-up with the disadvantaged in Iraq as a great venue for our members to offer help. Florence Mercer related this idea to the Social Action Committee for future discussion.

A motion to accept the budget was brought to vote. The motion passed with 4 abstentions and all other votes in favor of Article 2.

Article 3: To act upon the recommendations of the Nominating Committee for the election of officers and chairpersons.
Nancy McCarthy moved to accept the recommendations of the Nominating Committee. It was seconded by Linda Buddenhagen.

Alex Mezey introduced the new committee chair nominations.

There was no further discussion.

The motion to accept the recommendations of the Nominating Committee passed unanimously.

Article 4: To act upon the recommendations of the Social Action Committee to commit to Collection for a Cause and donate to local charities.
Mike Dorsey made a motion to accept the recommendations of the Social Action Committee. Stan Kilty seconded the motion.

Liss Campbell spoke about Collection for a Cause. The concept is to donate 1/3 of the loose plate collection to local charities. A survey, to be performed this spring, will ask members to choose charities for these donations. Liss gave examples where this is being done in other parishes. Typically, loose plate giving increases substantially, more than covering the 1/3 given to charity. Tom Stites added that many UUA churches see similar results. Bill Zarakas stated that this plan will be reviewed quarterly as a safety net. Jim Dyer mentioned the average loose plate collection is about $1/ person attending a service. Sabrina Babcock asked if this policy would change the few special donations we have done previously. Liss responded that they would not be changed; the intent is not to compete with existing donations. Nancy Sullivan commented it will give our visitors a chance to donate and learn more about us.

The vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Article 5: To act upon the changes to the bylaws of the First Religious Society as recommended by the Parish Committee.
Jim Dyer made a motion to support the recommendations made by the Parish Committee. Nathan Wilber seconded the motion.

Phil Hurzeler explained the suggested change which increases the length of membership of Nominating Committee members from 1 to 2 years. The intent is to provide some consistency from year to year, helping the new members. When questioned why membership shouldn't be longer, Harold replied the rationale for continual change is to allow new people to come in so the group will not become stagnant.

There was no further discussion.

The vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Article 6: To act upon the recommendations of the Parish Committee to remove certain inactive members from membership of the First Religious Society.

Ted Bailey moved to accept the recommendations of the Parish Committee. Jim Dyer seconded the motion.

John Mercer proposed an amendment to the written list. One person listed for removal from membership, Karen Mundo, asked to remain a member. So her name will be removed from the list, and she will remain a member of the FRS. Bill Zarakas seconded the amendment. John explained the process. Harold added that the people listed have not been active for more than the two years stated in the letter.

The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Article 7: To act upon any other business which may legally come before the Parish.
No discussion.

Nathan Wilbur moved to adjourn the meeting. Tom Stites seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:38 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Peg Nicol
Parish Clerk