Purpose/Agenda Item

Action/Result

Person(s)

Responsible

Due Date/ Completed

Transition/Chalice Lighting &Opening Remarks

Rev. Dowgiert gave a reading from Parish Parables and board members checked in with each other.

Consent Item/Minutes

The MOTION to approve the minutes of the September 22, 2009 meeting as revised was seconded and passed.

Informational/Minister’s & Performance Reports

Minister’s Report: Rev. Dowgiert prefaced the Minister’s Report by drawing attention to some issues that seem to plague program size churches—accountability and maintaining a sense of vitality. As we move into the strategic planning process, she encouraged the board to keep these in mind. There are likely structural changes that we may need to address i.e. establishing a firm financial foundation.

Rev. Dowgiert requested the board’s support of an initiative to engage the services of a UUA consultant to develop a capital campaign. We need to determine our needs, prioritize them and assess giving potential of congregation. The item will be addressed under strategic planning.

She provided a status report regarding the inability to send global e-mails. It is unclear whether the problem is with the internet service provider or our database program. The Empowerment Team will be looking at different options to correct the problem.

ET Monitoring Report: The report was deferred again due to abbreviated team meetings and the need to prioritize other items; this will be rescheduled.

ET

Consent Item—NMD Douglas Property

No More Deaths believes the Douglas property could be beneficial as it is in close proximity to the Mariposa aid station. It could be a potential overflow camping site for volunteers. It consists of three lots worth approximately $450 each in a subdivision outside of Douglas. Transfer of the Douglas property can be accomplished as simply as a quitclaim deed to transfer ownership to the church. The board reviewed the decision making work sheet to address relevant issue in making the decision on whether to accept the donated property. Ed Savard recommended that the church conduct due diligence via a real estate environmental scan to make sure there are no liabilities associated with the property i.e. pesticides, chemical waste. Ed Savard offered to do the survey free of charge if someone would get him the location of the property, lot number, etc. Once he has the lot number, he will go to department of environmental management and see if there is anything of concern related to the properly. The board decided to take Ed Savard up on his offer. Rev. Dowgiert will have Paul Barbie contact Ed Savard to set it up. The board also recommended that we check regarding insurance implications and do a title search to make sure there is no problem doing a quitclaim deed.

Rev. Dowgiert

Ed Savard

Informational/Financial Report

Financial Report: Margot Garcia and Carolyn Cooper were unavailable to present the financial report but provided written reports. The question was raised as to whether the lower pledge income is typical for this time of year? It was generally believed that this is typical but that was not based on data. There was a consensus that it would be beneficial to conduct financial analysis to track trends and include them in budget projections.

MOTION: Ask the finance committee to track income and expenses by month and compare trends over at least three years was seconded and passed. It was recommended that the data be provided in graphical form.

The president commended the work of the Finance Committee and the ET in identifying items and expenses for potential cost savings. The hard work will be of great benefit.

Informational Neighborhood Association Meeting

The President received e-mail approval from the board for Peggy Smith to represent UUCT at the Aldea Linda property owners’ association meeting. The meeting was to discuss proposed use of property on Swan to establish and live in a Buddhist monastery. This required a modification of the association’s Covenants, Conditions and Regulations to allow a church. The approved buyer will reimburse the association for revisions. The board authorized our representative to vote in favor of the motion. To address concerns about future issues that might come before the association, a motion was proposed authorizing the ET to designate a representative to attend neighborhood association meetings; that person would only vote at the direction of the board of trustees. Action on the motion was deferred pending a review of the neighborhood association bylaws. John Schaefer agreed to review the bylaws and craft a motion for the board’s consideration at the next meeting.

John Schaefer

Kitchen Ministry

The board agreed to request Sunday February 21st for lunch.

Discussion Strategic Plan

Board members were assigned sections of plan and agreed to do some word-smithing on sections of plan relative to program, outreach, facilities, and finance. In addition the growth plan and growth retreat report would be gleaned for relevance to the strategic plan. Assignments follow:

· Ed Savard--finance,

· Patrice Davison--program,

· Marion Leonard--growth plan and questions raised by board members

· Fran Brazzell--outreach

· John Schaefer—facilities

· Linda Selsor—growth workshop report.

The board strategic planning meeting with be from 9 – 12 Saturday November 14 at church

Pledge Stewardship Planning

The stewardship campaign has not been launched and was in high gear by this time last year. It was unclear who initiates the campaign. There was an acknowledged need to get that resolved before the next board meeting. Rev. Dowgiert and Fran Brazzell agreed to contact potential candidates for leadership of the campaign. The board recommended that the chair be approached with the idea of recruiting a co-chair who could lead the campaign next year.

Transition/Closing Remarks

Rev. Dowgiert called members to an attitude of gratitude for service given at table and into days ahead. She charged members to find someone this week and thank them for service to congregation.