Vestry Meeting Minutes
St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church
Regular Meeting of June 9, 2008
The Regular Meeting of the Vestry was called to order with prayer by Father Andrew J. Sherman (“The Rector”) at 7:01 p.m., who extended a warm welcome to Hallie Tella, the new Youth Representative to the Vestry. In attendance were The Rector, Allen McGee ("AM"), Terrie Noland ("TN"), Hailey Tella ("HT"), Mark Angstrom (“The Junior Warden”), Robert I. MacLaren, II (“RIM”), Robert Hageman (“RH”), Bertram Unger (“The Treasurer”), George Giosmas (“GG”), and Roberta Stanley Welzien (“The Senior Warden”).
I. Bible Study
The Bible Reading for June 15, 2008, from Matthew 9:35-10:8(9-23) was read and discussed.
II. Approval of the Minutes
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Vestry of May 12, 2008 were approved as presented.
III. Senior Warden’s Report
The Town Meeting is scheduled for next Sunday, May 18, 2008. The topics to be discussed include an update on Pledges and Expenses, costs and savings relative to the construction of the new Rectory/Parish House and needed repairs on the residences on Second Street. The testamentary gift from Albert Allister in the amount of $78,752.00 ± was reviewed. It was noted that St. Gregory's has a remaining Pledge Obligation in the amount of $5,000.00 to The Duncan Center that is still outstanding. There is no dedicated source of funding for this obligation. Accordingly, The Senior Warden moved that The Allister Gift be allocated as follows:
1. $5,000.00 To The Duncan Center in satisfaction of St. Gregory's Pledge.
2. $30,000.00 To the Operating Capital Account to be utilized to fund the repairs of the 298 Residence, thereby reducing the need to draw further on the Line of Credit.
3. $20,000.00 To Outreach (with the economy experiencing negative conditions, there is much need for the Haiti Program, Holy Redeemer, St. Laurence Chapel, and Boca Helping Hands.)
4. $23,000.00± To The Endowment Fund
which was seconded by The Treasurer. Following discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
The Senior Warden reminded the Vestry that the Turmo Family will be in residence during the month of June, 2008, and requested that everyone call and welcome them all to our community. The Senior Warden concluded The Senior Warden's Report by requesting all to advise her of any item that she should be prepared for at the Town Meeting.
IV. Junior Warden’s Report
The Junior Warden’s Report was as submitted, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”.
The Junior Warden highlighted the following portions of The Junior Warden's Report:
With the insight received from the City of Boca Raton, grading and sodding of the vacant lot would be undertaken in the near future. The necessary water will be supplied from the nearby 298 Residence.
The child safety net around the pool has been installed at the 298 Residence.
The Gregory Gardener Group did an excellent job in upgrading the presentation of the 298 Residence. The Home Improvement Committee has provided some recommendations for repairs and renovations of the 298 Residence.
A proposal has been received from All State Painting to pressure clean and stain the exterior of the 298 Residence. The Junior Warden moved that the All State Painting proposal be accepted and the expenditure authorized, subject to the replacing of any facing that is in need of repair due to termite damage or any other cause, and confirmation that there is no active termite infestation of any portion of the facing. AM seconded the motion. Following discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
The Junior Warden noted that in the near future the Vestry must cause the air conditioning system to be analyzed to determine when it is likely that it must be replaced in order that proper budgeting may occur.
V. Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer's Report, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “B”, had been previously distributed by The Treasurer. The following was highlighted in The Treasurer's Report:
Year to Date, Receipts are down 13%.
In May, Receipts were down 33%. The trend is down and this exceeds the historic trend even though it is the summer months which are recognized as a very slow period.
The Endowment Fund is down over $100,000.00 since January 1, 2008.
The economy, not just the summer period, would appear to be a significant cause of this condition, although it was noted that the budget is not on an accrual basis.
The "Expense" side is "Spot On". Although "Plate" and "Pledge" are down, "Other Income" exceeds the amount budgeted.
The Senior Warden moved that the Junior Warden be authorized to spend up to $30,000.00 in the Repair and Rehabilitation of the 298 Residence. Any portion of the $30,000.00 not utilized relative to the 298 Residence, would be utilized for the Repair and Rehabilitation of the 262 Residence. All such expenditures are to be made in the sole and absolute reasonable discretion of The Junior Warden. To the extent reasonably possible, all expenditures will be reported by The Junior Warden to the Executive Committee in advance. AM seconded the motion. Following discussion, the motion passes unanimously.
Following a break that began at 8:08 p.m., the Meeting reconvened at 8:13 p.m.
VI. Space for Grace
Vestry members were given the opportunity to request prayers and to give thanks. The Rector advised that the Service for Mel Lee would be held on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. and for Tom Layman on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. Elizabeth Parsons is hospitalized due to a broken hip.
VII. Rector’s Report.
An outstanding Newcomer's Dinner was held the previous evening. Madeline Fratella is to be thanked for preparing an excellent meal and Terrie Noland is to be thanked for organizing the event.
The Turmo family is in residence. All were requested to extend them a warm welcome and to attend Joel Turmo's Ordination, if possible.
In regard to the discussion concerning the Financial Report, it is important to note that the exercise of fiscal discipline and the stewardship of resources is not a "problem", particularly in light of the expansion of services that are being offered. All Parishes in the Diocese are experiencing issues with reduced revenue.
The Rector is working on a revised logo and stationary for St. Gregory's. A proposal has been received from a graphic designer in the amount of $1,200.00 that will, inter alia, incorporate an image of Jesus Christ from either the East Wall or the West Wall. Further action on this subject will be reported as it occurs.
VIII. Ministry Reports
Youth Report
The significant event is the trip to Kanuga, North Carolina, for five (5) days. Father Sherman and Deacon Turmo will both accompany the Youth of St. Gregory's. This will provide some opportunity for them to review and discuss issues concerning Youth Ministry at St. Gregory's.
Vestry Retreat
The Vestry retreat is scheduled for Friday evening September 12, 2008 and Saturday morning September 13, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It will be led by Brian Hobbs.
Seminarian Support - Von Kroiter Endowment
The background and structure of this Endowment were reviewed by The Rector. The available funds are to be employed first in support of any seminarian students from St. Gregory's and, then, secondly, in support of any seminarian students from the Diocese. Approximately $20,000.00 per year is available for this purpose.
Evangelism and Newcomers
Terrie Noland switched this event back to a dedicated dinner from the monthly Brother's Breakfast and it appears to have greater significance and purpose as a dedicated dinner. This effect will be further enhanced when the event can be held in the Parish House. The Rector advised that in the future he would like to have organized an annual social gathering for all couples married at St. Gregory's and the parents of all children that were baptized at St. Gregory's during the previous year. The Rector also advised that he wants to restructure the spiritual guidance program.
Rectory/ Parish Home
The completion of the Rectory/ Parish Home is moving forward quicker than had been originally scheduled. A mid-fall completion date is now anticipated.
IX. New Business
The Rector reported that the meeting of May 14, 2008 of the neighbors and the representatives of the proposed Chabad was quite heated. The Rabbi of the proposed Chabad has approached St. Gregory's relative to obtaining an agreement to utilize parking at St. Gregory's in certain circumstances. The request is very conceptual at this point and must be detailed before any meaningful consideration can be given to the request. GG reported that The Rector displayed a commanding presence in calming two very belligerent groups at the May 14, 2008 meeting.
Cullen Gallway was thanked for the outstanding effort he has provided to the Collumberium areas.
X. Open Forum
AM brought up the development of an Evacuation Plan and that this matter had been scheduled for progress in the past. The Rector stated he would review the issue with the Parish Administrator.
It was reported that a copy of the proposed employment contract of Joel Turmo would be forwarded to all members of the Vestry by E-mail in the near future.
The June 2008 Regular Meeting of the Vestry was adjourned with prayer at approximately 9:00 p.m.
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