- Details
- Written by Fred Hartmeister Fred Hartmeister
- Created: November 24 2020 November 24 2020
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM in the Small Fellowship Hall. Pastor Nettleton read Psalm 111 followed by an opening prayer. The minutes were approved as circulated. Pastor Nettleton commented on the steady increases in Sunday Worship attendance as well as the likelihood of increasing opportunities for those who wish to participate in Wednesday services. September Official Acts were also noted with two adult confirmations (Felecia Lessman and Cory Young) and one affirmation of faith (Rodney Skaflen). Eric Gardner gave the Treasurer’s report, including discussion of the relationship between income and expenses during the current budget year as well as the expected receipt of CARES Act tax credits.
With the ongoing COVID-related constraints on many typical Board activities the number of reports was limited. Jim provided an update on Human Needs and planning for Thanksgiving meals and the Giving Tree. Stephen mentioned a proposal for a modest $15 increase in the monthly tuition rate for children attending Open Arms preschool beginning with the 2021 academic year. With approximately forty students attending preschool on a regular basis the tuition increase is expected to generate approximately $6,000/year. Following discussion and given that the tuition rate increase required Council consent a motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously to approve the increase beginning in the fall of 2021. The school will also change its approach for collecting expenses for student field trips with parents being expected to pay on the day of the excursion. On behalf of the Trustees Grant and Eric mentioned that the person who had previously offered to pay $5,000 to purchase a Church-owned easement has increased his offer to $9,000. After exploring options for moving the dumpster and building a storage shed for ladders, the snow blower and other equipment the Trustees recommended acceptance of the neighbor’s easement offer. Following additional discussion it was agreed that the Trustees will ask Ron Young for advice regarding the projected value and future needs for all of the easements owned by Saint John’s. The Trustees also set a clean-up day for November 7.
Tom’s report centered on recommendations for conducting the scheduled November 15 Congregational Voters meeting and presenting a draft annual budget that will be voted on by the Council at its October 27 meeting. Recognizing the need for meeting quorum requirements, providing opportunities for active discussion and responding to questions, complying with COVID-related guidelines, and planning around technical capacity (e.g., streaming vs. Zooming) and other contingent factors the Council agreed to finalize the Voter meeting process on October 27. Details will include how hard copies of the budget and ballots will be made available in advance for those voters who choose to participate remotely rather than in person on November 15. In preparation for a Council vote on the annual budget in two weeks Tom provided a draft proposal noting projected income and expenses in conjunction with item-by-item written commentary related to expected changes.
The Nomination Committee presented a projected slate of candidates. As a member of the committee, Pastor Nettleton mentioned that Dale and Eric have both agreed to run for their respective President and Treasurer roles. At this point both are running unopposed. Five persons including Ernie Hauser and Robert Marschke as well as the three incumbents (Kimberly, Jim and Stephen) will comprise the slate of candidates for the three “open” at-large seats on the Council. A motion to approve the slate of candidates was seconded and approved unanimously.
Pursuant to discussion and Council action at its September 8 meeting, Tom confirmed that Larimer County’s health department has approved the request he submitted for the resumption of the internal Woman-to-Woman group to resume meeting with up to twenty participants in compliance with all current Church and COVID-related safety and distancing guidelines.
The meeting adjourned at 8:04 pm with everyone standing for the Lord’s Prayer.
The thirteen members of the Church Council are the “Board of Directors” of the congregation, tasked with general oversight of the life and activities of the congregation to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws.