Unitarian Fellowship of Longview

Meeting of the Board

March 12,  2005

13~

The meeting was called to order at 10:12 with the Chalice lighting by Frank.

Board members present were:

President: Frank Herbert

President Ex-officio: Sherry Kircus

Vice President: Erika Blakely

Treasurer Jay Noble

R.E. Director Jessica Noble

Secretary: Ellen Herbert

Also present were members and friends, Sky and Huey Mitchell, Bob Winter, Julie Hart, Betty Golding, Linda and Dick Smith.  The minutes were reviewed.  Erika moved to accept the minutes and Frank seconded. The minutes were unanimously approved.

Treasurer's Report:

Jay distributed the financial reports for January and February. Our first water bill in the new building was $60.  We will watch all utility bills in the beginning to determine our new needs. Huey reported that $2,544.32 is left to be paid on the mortgage during this fiscal year in addition to $770.80 for insurance and $600 for maintenance. In total $4455 will need to be added to the $16,098 budget which was not planned for prior to the purchase of the new building.

R. E.  will also be over budget due to the addition of Meredith, giving us a male and a female sitter. Ellen - Do ""want to start an official pledge system? Jay - Feels we should and he will look into a procedure for that.

Building Committee: $2509.80 remains in the building fund as of March 11 and there is an outstanding deposit of $50. Routine maintenance should come from this fund.

Programming Report: Erika reported programs for February:

April 3                    Jewish and Christian Responses to Homosexuality. Hailey Heard

April 10                  Politics and Spirituality in Independent Music, Bryan Parker

April 17                 China, Kay Byfield

April 24                 Through Their Eyes, the Struggles of Students with Disabilities, Derek Eberly & Randy Spears.

Jessica moved we push for extra publicity for the April 24th program. Ellen seconded. Approved

Newsletter/Web site Report: The web page is expanding and Carol is testing all additions. The Dallas Morning News religious directory needs to be updated as well as NT AUUS.  Highway cleanup was very successful - pristine condition for two miles. The crew collected twenty bags of trash. Sky would like to change our cleanup area to Alpine Road. Ellen so moved and Jessica seconded. Motion passed.

Old Business: The phone transfers on March 17th and will keep the same number. There was a $71 transfer fee. UU World got an updated list. The Speir family wishes to be moved to the friends list. 

New Business: New committees are needed to address needs related to: signage, electricity, sink, soundproofing )Jessica has some one coming to look at the room for soundproofing this week. In the meantime, Bob will install a door sweep. It was noted that the sound of children need not be totally eradicated as it is a pleasant sound to most. Ellen moved we accept Bob's suggestion to install the door sweep, Frank seconded, the motion passed.

Site Security - Betty, Bob and others have observed strangers in our parking lot with no obvious, legitimate reason to be there. Jessica thinks we need a block for the drive. Jay thinks we need to wire the building for security.  Linda and Dick Smith, after listening to Cathy Lansford last week about viewing current information on video and DVD together as a congregation, have donated a 46" rear projection television to the Fellowship.  Jay reported the need for a special collection for the West Side Church that burned. Frank moved that we take such a collection, Jessica seconded and the motion passed. Julie Hart will handle the collection. The morning meeting adjourned at 11:08

The March 13 board meeting reconvened at 1:01 to complete unfinished business from the morning meeting.  Frank appointed chairs for four committees:

1. Building and Grounds Committee - Paul Blakely Chair, they will create a plan to carry out maintenance on the building and grounds. They will address security, electrical needs, plans for a kitchen, establishing new services to the building and ongoing maintenance.

2. Financial Affairs Committee - Huey Mitchell Chair, will come up with a revised budget to present at the congregational meeting. They will decide on how to develop a pledge system.

3. Decorating Committee - Ellen Herbert Chair, will see to the beautification of the building in a way that can be accepted by most people.

4. Nominating Committee - Ellen Herbert Chair, to suggest a slate of new and returning officers to be presented to the congregation at the annual meeting.

Frank moved that the board accept these committee chairs as set by the President. Jessica seconded. The motion was unanimously approved. The board agreed to empower the committee chairs to spend money as needed with the approval of the Board President. Ellen moved that the building fund balance be allocated for needed improvements as deemed necessary by the committee chairman. Jessica seconded and voting was yes with the exception of one abstention from Erika.  The first Sunday in May was set to be the building consecration and worship service.

Jessica raised the question of lawn maintenance. There was discussion and the question will be brought to the congregation for suggestions.

Jessica moved that board approve the set up of a musical presentation before the Bryan Parker talk.  Erika expressed concern about food and drink in the building.

Huey questioned when work on his committees should begin. Ellen moved that Huey's committees begin immediately to put up numbers and sign. Jessica will explore letters for building. Motion passed unanimously.

Frank adjourned the meeting at 2:17

Respectfully submitted,

Ellen Herbert, Secretary

Unitarian Fellowship of Longview