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Parish Committee
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Committee Purpose: |
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Chairperson: |
Cynthia Raschke - Click to e-mail | ||||||||||
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Members: |
Term expires June 2008: Candace Erickson, Jay McCarthy, Cyd Raschke Term expires June 2009: Ben Labaree, Russ Seidel, and Anne Verret-Speck Term expires June 2010: Judith Grohe, John March, and Marie Murphy Parish Clerk: Judy Shivik Co-treasurers: Stan Cecil and Stan Kilty Finance Committee Chair: Bill Heenehan |
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Next Meeting: |
Second Wednesday of each month, September through June | ||||||||||
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Annual Reports: |
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Minutes: |
Parish Committee Meeting - February 15, 2007 In attendance: Peter Cullinan, Bill Heenehan, Stan Kilty, Ben Labaree, Jay McCarthy, John Mercer, Peg Nicol, Walter Power, Cyd Raschke (chair), Russ Seidel, Judy Shivik (clerk)
Opening Words
We join spokes together in a wheel,
We shape clay into a pot,
We hammer wood for a house,
We work with being,
Review of Minutes
Committees' & Other Reports
FRSUU Mission Objectives Workshop
Building Committee
Trustees 1. The endowment exists to support the operating budget. It would be nice to increase it to the level where it could impact our visioning work. 2. It would be interesting to talk with parishioners about how an estate matches one's values. What do each of us want our legacy to be? Small meetings to give people a sense of what is possible might be a way to begin. The Trustees will meet informally to discuss the presentation. Their next formal meeting is April 25th.
Human Resources/Budget
1. approve a 3.3% rate for cost of living to be incorporated for FRSUU salaries; and Russ seconded. Motion carried. The second recommendation requested that the Parish Committee approve a change in the payment and accounting for employees' long term disability insurance for FY2008 so that:
1. employees' disability insurance premiums would be paid entirely by the employees themselves, with compensation made in their salaries to reflect that additional cost; and A motion was made and seconded. The motion carried. Bill Heenehan moved to adopt HR's recommendation 3.2 as policy: No budget line item will be carried for substitutes to cover in the case of absence for 1099 employees. The motion was seconded. Motion carried. Bill Heenehan moved that the Parish Committee request the Human Resources Committee to consider recommendation 3.1 in light of its discussion of letters of agreement. Peg Nicol seconded. Motion carried. Recommendation 3.1 reads: 1099 employees will be paid for time actually worked.
Ministry Committee
Finance Walter reported that finances remain strong. Interest on the sweep account is substantial.
Music
Space Requests
Kopjafa Building committee will be notified of this recommendation so that they can follow up on any dig safe issues.
Closing Words
That which is worthy of doing, create with your hands. FRS Parish Committee Meeting Minutes of Feb 11, 2004 In attendance: Bill Zarakas, Chair; Barry Kray; Florence Mercer; Stan Cecil, Co-treasurer; Nancy Kidd; Phil Hurzeler; Maura Perkins, Co-treasurer; Gillian Chatfield; Peg Nicol, Clerk; John Mercer, Parish Administrator; Lynn Kettleson; Alex Mezey; Harold Babcock, Minister; Cecilia Healy; Russ Meade; David Turner, Human Resources Subcommittee Absent: None Welcome: Bill Z. welcomed the group. Harold opened the meeting reading, Call to Worship, by Victoria Safford. Human Resources Subcommittee: David Turner distributed the Policy and Procedure Manual which the committee has been working on for the last two years. David suggests we take it "as is" and use it as a working document making changes as we go along. He asks the PC to read it and make comments. The HRS will meet again in two weeks, and PC members are welcome to join them at this meeting. The HRS will come back to us at our next meeting for approval of the manual. Another immediate concern to the HRS is a request from the Religious Education Committee. Parents are requesting a permanent Nursery Supervisor. The RE has money in their budget to hire someone for the remainder of the church school year. They are looking for a professional, trained in CPR, with a CORI background check. This person would lend consistency and be available every week with parents rotating as assistants. In the future this position would be added to the annual budget. Much discussion followed with concerns about the tight budget of the FRS or setting a precedent of hiring a position that was not budgeted. Barry and Lynn recommend we suggest to parents the importance of increasing their pledge to cover costs as these. Harold feels this program is one of the most important in the church. A decision was made to follow the recommendations of the HRS in consultation with the Finance Committee and Treasurers. The resulting commitment will be for the remainder of this fiscal year only. A follow-up note to this discussion: we need to let committee chairs know the policy and turnaround time needed to make these decisions. Canvass Committee Communications: Liss Campbell presented the brochure she designed for the canvass this year. About 750 copies will be made. We agreed they were beautiful and professional looking. We thanked Liss for her work on these. Finance Committee Report: Lynn reports that $215,000 is a realistic/optimistic pledge goal. This along with rental income, loose plate money, and the endowment income will give us a total income of approximately $372,000. Budget requests are up $80,000 over last year, totaling $450,000. This leaves a BIG GAP. Lynn implores that we must start realizing the costs and transmit them to committees and canvassers. Lynn is asking the PC specifically to: 1) understand the situation and 2) work with the Finance Committee communicating a sense of urgency to cut spending and to have a good canvass. Treasurer's Report: Stan's report also shows that we continue to have a budget gap. John noted that we are a religious community. We shouldn't let money issues drag us down although we do need to be realistic. Music Committee "Funnel Request": Music Committee members request that they have an introductory concert. Frances will donate her time but they would like permission to use the income for the Music Committee. Cecelia made a motion to allow an exception for a funnel request for the Music Committee to hold an organ concert performed by our organist. Alex seconded the motion. A discussion followed suggesting this sets a precedent for keeping money in individual committees. It would create a budget problem if individuals gave to the committee of their choice. This needs to be a one-time deal. The motion passed with 12 votes in favor, 2 abstentions, and one nay. Review of January 2004 Minutes: The minutes were accepted unanimously with no edits. Minister's Report: Harold distributed a written report and added no comments due to this meeting's length. Outdoor Space Request: Bill H. spoke with Montessori as suggested at the January PC meeting. Montessori would like to make the ground ready to fence in an area behind the church. We discussed the options of requiring them to cover costs of fencing and maintenance or they could lease the area from us and we would maintain it (to ensure it stays in good shape). There was a question of liability. A consensus from around the table was taken. Members are in favor of allowing Montessori to use the land as long as strict guidelines are followed. Action: Maura offered to work with Bill H. and Bill Z. to formulate guidelines and continue negotiations. Auction Announcement: We need to build excitement and have contributions come in to make the auction successful. Florence agreed to make an announcement in church Sunday. Trustee Report: The endowment at this time equals about $1.6-1.7 million. The trustees are looking into portfolio options. They will plan a meeting with trustee members, the PC chair, treasurers, and Cecelia. Nominating Committee Update: The committee decided that three members will suffice. They plan to change wording in the Bylaws to read: No person may serve on the Nominating Committee for three consecutive years. Alex passed that information to the Bylaw Committee. Small Group Ministry: The Small Group Implementation Committee will meet Wed. Feb 18th. This is open to PC members. A Small Group Experience for PC members is planned for Feb 28th at 8:30 AM at the FRS Mission Statement: Florence spoke with Barbara Bates from Mass Bay District who offered to send a proposal. Consultation with leaders costs about $100./hour. Straight facilitation for creating a Mission Statement costs approximately $300./ half day. Tim would like more information on what we are doing. Harold mentioned that this is the topic of an upcoming sermon and we will revisit it later. Florence will get back in touch with Barbara and Tim Ashcroft to let them know we are discussing it further. Key Requests: John reports that all keys have been given out and is asking us to allow four more. We are about to institute the security system. We began to discuss options but decided to revisit this topic next month due to time constraints. Other Business: John will work with Cecilia and Harold to determine appropriate rental fees for the church space. Florence moved we adjourn the meeting. Peg seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted,
Peg M. Nicol Meeting of January 12, 2004 In attendance: Bill Zarakas, Chair; Barry Kray; Florence Mercer; Stan Cecil, Co-treasurer; Gillian Chatfield; Peg Nicol, Clerk; John Mercer, Administrator; Lynn Kettleson; Alex Mezey; Harold Babcock, Minister; Cecilia Healy Absent: Maura Perkins, Co-treasurer; Nancy Kidd; Russ Meade; Phil Hurzeler Welcome: Bill Z. welcomed us. Harold expressed our sorrow on the recent death of Stan Cecil's brother. He also offered a reading "Open Eyes" by Victoria Safford. December 2003 Minutes: The minutes were accepted unanimously with no edits. Several up-dates were added. Most members could not open the email version of the minutes due to Peg's new PC program. She hopes to remedy this by next month. Bill Z. spoke with Maureen at the Montessori school about the playground request. The school understands our situation and is moving on to find new playground opportunities. They want to be sure we understand that they do not plan to add any playground equipment. They only want open space with fencing. Bill Z. wants to speak to Bill Heenehan, who is currently out of town, about this modified request before returning to Montessori with a final decision. Canvass Overview: Susan Ricker, canvass chair, could not attend the meeting but is requesting that everyone on PC assist with canvass. Lynn added that it is an important year and that we need to engage everyone possible. Minister's Report: Harold handed out a written report and added that he enjoyed his vacation to England. He brought information about a Leadership Workshop to be held at Ferry Beach in April. Harold commented on the church committees: Some are inactive but others are going well. The Worship Committee has a full complement of members and is very active. Harold and Bill Z received an email suggesting that we support our local Episcopal church re: issues of homosexuality. Bill and Harold will write and co-sign a letter of support and send it to St. Paul's. A copy of the letter will be posted here so our members can read it. Bill Z. notified us that he spoke with Frank Clarkson who is looking for an internship. Nominating Committee Report: Alex has identified two other potential members: Susan Ricker and Steve James. Alex questions whether three people on the Nominating Committee is enough to come up with approximately 28 nominations. Alex proposes a bylaw change to increase the nominating committee to four members and suggest one member become the co-chair with the intent to stay on the committee a second year as chair. In the meantime she is encouraged to enlist "informal help" as needed. The annual meeting is May 26th Alex will have a slate of names to us by the April PC meeting. Peg moved to appoint Alex Mezey, Susan Ricker, and Steve James to the Nominating Committee. Barry seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Parish Committee Vision Discussion: Bill started the discussion acknowledging that the PC primarily conducts business but he suggests we have a larger role in the church community. Each person offered one suggestion of what they would like to see the PC do as a leadership committee of the FRS. Suggestions included: The PC serves to enhance the purposes of the church, one of which is to have members communicate. Several members (3) suggest Small Group Ministry may fulfill this purpose. Several people (3) suggest we lead the church as representatives of the entire congregation, but ensure we don't head off on one particular avenue or follow one squeaky wheel. "Be inclusive yet open-minded." Enable the congregation to do its business without the PC actually doing it. Making our FRS voice heard more in the general public. "What is our mission/covenant?" suggested by two members. The PC should look to the future. The PC to be more interactive with the Parish. Provide an open forum to find what the congregation would like us to do. Ask a representative from Mass Bay to talk to us. We should be learn to be leaders for new people coming to church. Discussion of developing a Mission statement followed. Florence suggested that Tim Ashton come on a Saturday to facilitate a discussion. Alex mentioned Barbara Bates, from Mass Bay District, as another possible speaker. Harold plans to preach on this topic on Feb 29th. *Action: Florence will call Tim and/or Barbara and ask them to work with the PC on the process of developing a mission statement. Small Group Ministry: Harold reviewed the concept of creating small groups within the parish that people can attach to. Our large congregation makes it is difficult for some people to find entry points. Small groups create possibilities for people to interact on a deeper level. It is important to have leaders who know how to facilitate. Nancy Colby, Alex, Linda Tulley, and Harold have been discussing the concept and are the interested group at this time. Harold would like to start Small Groups for the congregation by next fall, leaving this spring to notify and educate. Alex has a job description for the Small Group Implementation Team. This team may be a sub-committee of the PC. Harold asked if PC members would like to experience a Small Group Ministry as possible future implementers. Most members agreed. Bill Z. And Harold will work together to come up with dates for a first meeting. Finance Committee Report: Lynn reiterated that we need more pledging units. We want to operate the budget from pledges only. The canvass must be successful. Some expenses this year include an increase in administration and building expenses. Dues for UUA has increased. We need to raise at least $230,000. Treasurer's Report by Stan: Payments on pledges are $10,000 behind last year for the last six months. It is not clear why. Space Requests: another piano recital, to take place on a Sunday in April. Other Business: Harold reported that Barbara Owen made connections with a Swiss organ building group working in Romania. They agreed to work on the Ujszekely church organ. Florence moved we adjourn the meeting. Peg seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted,
Peg Nicol December 10, 2003 In attendance: Bill Zarakas, Chair; Barry Kray; Florence Mercer; Stan Cecil, Co-treasurer; Gillian Chatfield; Peg Nicol, Clerk; Lynn Kettleson; Alex Mezey; Cecilia Healy; Phil Hurzeler; Maura Perkins, Co-treasurer; Harold Babcock, Minister; John Mercer, Parish Admin. Absent: Nancy Kidd; Russ Meade Welcome: Cecelia Healy welcomed the committee for Bill, who was running late. Harold offered a reading entitled "Reflections" by Stephen Shick. November 2003 Minutes: The minutes were accepted with various edits. Human Resources Subcommittee: David Turner shared a couple issues with us. A performance evaluation was recently completed for Vicki Dyer. She is due for a potential, budgeted raise. Stan moved to increase her wages as recommended. Alex seconded the motion. A unanimous vote followed to increase Vicki's wages as outlined by the Human Resources Subcommittee. Carol Lattime, our sexton, suggests she will need more hours per week to clean now that we have a larger building. We discussed analyzing the amount of time needed to clean and, if necessary, budgeting more in the next fiscal year. The Parish Committee supports the Human Resources Subcommittee's recommendations regarding the sexton's hours and wages. The Parish Committee authorizes Bill Z. to write an wemployment letter for Carol. Minister's Report: Harold distributed a report and added the following information: Linda Tulley has agreed to co-chair the auction.Small Group Ministry Report by Alex and Harold -- Alex gave out booklets and asked us to read them before the next PC meeting. Nominating Committee Report: Alex created a job description for the committee which was reviewed. She suggests using this job description as a template to give other committees so they can create their own. Alex asked to recruit three other people, one to serve as co-chair. She also suggests members serve two years, so the co-chair can progress to chair in second year. This would need a change in the by-laws. Treasurer's Report by Stan: The Mass Bay dues was paid, adn there remains a substantial amount in the operating account. Stan and Maura suggest we pay two quarter's worth of UUA dues. PC Vision or Bill's thoughts to expand our thoughts beyond business: Due to the late hour we will discuss this next meeting. Perhaps put it near the top of the agenda as we always have to put it off due to time constraints. UUA Moderator: Harold notified us that the current UUA moderator has resigned. We have a request to nominate Ginny Courter. Harold thinks she will be good. Nomination allows her name to be on the ballot. Florence moves we vote to nominate Ginny to complete a year term and another four year term. Peg seconded the motion. The PC approved the motion with one abstention. New Space Name: Harold feels the naming needs more process, maybe have a vote at annual meeting. Barry recommends a closed vote with a graduated process. Harold and John will review the numerous suggestions, narrow the list down, and bring it before the PC for approval before the annual meeting. Space Requests: John has approved and informs us of several: Nancy McCarthy's Boot Camp starts next week; she pays a fee based on receipts. There are four community-service events coming up that use the space gratis: Sierra Club, WAND (with Joel Cohen concert), Early Intervention Adoption Program, and National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Other Business: Bill will write a letter to the Montessori school about their request concering a play lot. Florence moved we adjourn the meeting. Gillian seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Peg M. Nicol, Parish Clerk November 12, 2003 In attendance: Bill Zarakas, Chair; Barry Kray; Florence Mercer; Stan Cecil, Co-treasurer; Gillian Chatfield; Peg Nicol, Clerk; Cecilia Healy; Nancy Kidd; Lynn Kettleson; Harold Babcock, Minister; John Mercer, Parish Admin. Absent: Phil Hurzeler; Maura Perkins; Alex Mezey; Russ Meade Welcome: Bill Z. welcomed the group and noted that the agenda was limited to pressing issues in order to keep the meeting brief. Harold gave a reading entitled "Giving Thanks." Review October 2003 Minutes: The October minutes were accepted with various edits. Minister's Report: Harold distributed copies of his report, which were reviewed. Treasurer's Report & Discussion: Stan presented a summary of the finances. He added that he and Maura are talking to our accountant looking to make changes in the way things are recorded so they are more realistic. It is difficult to know what our situation really is. Bill Z. added that we are "in the red" this year, living off last year's surplus so we must change our ways. Lynn reports "good news," Susan Ricker has agreed to chair this year's canvass. Bill asks that because of some uncertainty with the actual figures, should we conserve some of the large expenditures? There was much discussion about holding off on UUA dues payment. John is averse to this plan because it is a large bill and we won't be able to come up with entire payment if we wait until the end of the year. Bill asks where the money will come from. Nancy suggests waiting for the accounting issues to be sorted out before we answer these questions. Harold suggests that if the information from the accountants shows that we are OK, the treasurers go ahead and pay what they can. We agreed to have the treasurers make the decision when they determine our actual financial status. Barry added that this was a good time to have this discussion to remind us to keep the budget tight. Lynn remarked that surveys show people are increasing their religious giving this year, so it is a good time to canvass. Finance Committee Update: Lynn reports that we received $180,000 pledges from the mini-canvass and canvass. He's hoping that grows to $190,000. There is some erosion in current giving and some pledge reduction due to the economy. Lynn adds that the Finance Committee suggests an additional fee for bell-ringing on a weekly basis. The discussion that followed included that we don't want to nickel-and-dime people, but that it might be a nice opportunity for people to celebrate weddings, births, anniversaries, and the like. Alcohol Policy: Our previous policy has been "not to think about it". With our new space, more people will be using the facilities and we will be more visible. The Central Congregational church has a no alcohol policy, and the Annunciation church is apparently moving toward adopting a no-alcohol policy. Much discussion followed including the risks of allowing alcohol. We might reduce our income possibilities by prohibiting alcohol in the church buildings. Stan made the motion that any function on church property be alcohol free. Barry seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously. We must make sure to notify parishioners. Space Requests: Carol Lattime, our sexton, is having an event for single people on Christmas Day. We agreed with John and Harold's recommendation that she may use the building without charge. John and Cecilia haven't had an opportunity to work on rental prices for our new hall. Auction: We need a chairperson. John has an idea but welcomes suggestions. There is a good, practiced committee in place to support the chair. Other: The downstairs area of the Parish Hall should be ready by December 1st The current balance on the renovation construction loan line of credit is approximately $476,000. Interest costs are below 3%. Respectfully submitted, Peg M. Nicol, Parish Clerk October 8, 2003 In attendance: Bill Zarakas, Chair; Barry Kray; Florence Mercer; Stan Cecil, Co-treasurer; Alex Mezey; Peg Nicol, Clerk; Nancy Kidd; Russ Meade; Cecilia Healy; Bill Heenehan, Chair of Renovation Steering Committee; Harold Babcock, Minister, John Mercer, Parish Admin. Absent: Phil Hurzeler; Maura Perkins; Lynn Kettleson Welcome: Bill Z. welcomed the committee. Harold offered a reading of Charles Steven's which advises us to "Be Kind." 1. September minutes were reviewed and accepted with two edits. 2. Minister's report: Harold added that, in particular, he wants to remind us that we can't "rest" now that the building is complete. Use this opportunity to increase programming and do a thorough every member canvass. "We want people to know this is not the end of the project, but a beginning." He also mentioned the challenge ahead of us to look for an auction co-chair. 3. Treasurer's report by Stan Cecil: The most important issue seen is that pledges received year to date are considerably below that shown for budget. Much discussion followed. Lynn will work on a mini-canvass of about 50 people which may help. He also suggests communicating with the other committees to be careful with spending. Bill Z. wondered what approach is taken should we go into the red? Previous to five years ago we dipped into the endowment, but we haven't needed to since. John suggests this is a decision of the Treasurers. Harold and Stan feel we should not panic. John recommends approaching people in church, not over the phone. Harold believes we should steer away from a negative mind set; stay positive. Gillian agreed suggesting "empowering people. If parishioners see good things going on they will want to be part of it and hopefully put a value on it." 4. Renovation Steering Committee report by Bill Heenahan: Furniture will be moved to the new space on October 16 and offices will be functional by the 20th as long as we get the building inspected (Building inspector is on vacation for the next few weeks). A few issues have come up. The Deputy Fire Chief is requiring emergency lighting and exit signs. Bill H. met with him today. They came to an agreement which entails using recessed lighting over doors, lighting the stairwell, and having emergency exit signage on the side of the pulpit facing sideways, so it will not be obtrusive. Work on the Parish Hall will not affect use of the kitchen so we can continue Coffee Hours. Next month we may meet for coffee in the church. 5. Parish Committee Vice Chair: Bill Z. spoke with Cecilia and she agrees to act as our new PC Vice Chair. Florence moved to nominate Cecilia. Barry seconded the motion. The committee approved the vote unanimously. CONGRATULATIONS CECILIA HEALY! 6. Parish Committee Interaction with other Committees:
8. The Historical Committee has not officially been formed. This needs to be done quickly in order to review items removed from the offices during the move and to see things as they come back from the library. There are several members of the old Historical Committee, but they don't meet. We need to create an interim committee. The PC does not make the committee, but the Nominating Committee does elect a chair. There are new members who may be interested, but probably not as chairs. We will continue to work of this next month. 9. Space requests: updates from John
Bill Z. reports that Montessori wants to continue to use space as in the past. Florence recommends that as the PC chair, Bill address it. John suggests we talk to Tod Campbell who has children attending. Montessori is eager to use the space and John is concerned about remaining neighborly. Action: Bill Z. will discuss the Montessori use with Bill H. Bill Z. will also talk to John on how to proceed before he contacts Montessori. Bill Z. is going to be away so won't be available to go soon. 10. Announcement: John and Harold discussed use of the security system in the Parish Hall. They feel the hall should have easy access for members and the community. The Lower Meetinghouse will be, in the main, a closed building for our own groups. 11. Lynn wants to find an auction co-chair ASAP; think of names. Nancy moved to adjourn the meeting. Barry seconded the motion. Unanimous vote made to adjourn! Respectfully submitted, Peg M Nicol, Parish Clerk Meeting of September 10, 2003 In attendance: Bill Zarakas, Chair; Maura Perkins, Co-treasurer; Gillian Chatfield; Harold Babcock, Minister; Alex Mezey; Bill Heenahan, Renovation Steering Committee; Peg Nicol, Clerk; Nancy Kidd; Lynn Kettleson, Finance Chair; Russ Meade Absent: Florence Mercer; John Mercer, Administrator; Phil Hurzeler; Barry Kray; Cecilia Healy; Stan Cecil, Co-treasurer 1. Welcome: Bill Z welcomed the committee. Harold opened the meeting with a reading. 2. Review of June minutes: The minutes were accepted with no corrections.
3. Renovation Steering Committee Update: given by Bill Heenahan.
5. Canvass Update: Lynn Kettleson
7. Discussion of PC Organization, Prospective Issues and Goals for 2003: Bill Z. presented some ideas including:
9. CORI Certification: Julie forgot to do the certifications and is so busy now that we might help her implement it this year. Maura agreed to help Bill Z. with finding the forms on websites, having them filled out and submitted. They will start with OWL and teen group leaders. 10. Space Use Requests: The Anger Management Group is unable to pay our $50 charge. John agreed to use a $25 fee for them. This is a court-ordered organization. 11. Other Business:
Respectfully submitted,
Peg M Nicol |
