The meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM in the Large Fellowship Hall. Dale welcomed Dr. Robert Marschke to the Council. Pastor Nettleton led a devotional tied to the past Sunday’s worship theme by reading from Isiah 60 followed by prayer.

The minutes from the October 12th, 2021 meeting were approved as circulated. The only official act in December 2021 was the memorial service of + Trudy Brockman. Eric provided the Treasurer’s report. Fiscal year 2021 revenue exceeded expenses by 0.6% as a result of generous extra contributions in December. Preschool expenses exceeded their income for this month and the year due to lower enrollment, however they received a significant donation in December, part of which may be used to offset any shortfall at the end of the school year.

Board Reports

Stephen Maffett indicated the Open Arms Preschool is in the process of defining their advertising efforts for 2022, which will likely occur through the Fort Collins Macaroni Kid Preschool Fair. In past years efforts were in person, however this year virtual options are most likely to occur. The board is also discussing the creation of an open house style video overview of the preschool and posting to affiliated web sites in lieu of in person events.

Jim Bernecker discussed the Trustees are considering actions to address pooling water on the north side of the building. This may include a temporary solution that would consist of downspout improvements. A permanent resolution to the issue would likely require new landscaping and drainage installation, which would be a more significant investment and may be discussed at future meetings. Jim also discussed opportunities to improve the methods and completeness of snow removal to mitigate any safety and property issues that may arise.

Parish Administrator’s Report

Tom reported on the year-end income and expense reporting provided by the accountant. Tom also mentioned he has scheduled a few larger trees on the property to be proactively trimmed in January to reduce the risk of future tree and property damage.

Old Business

There was no old business to be addressed.

New Business

The first item of new business was to discuss the need to fill the two Council vacancies as indicated in the bylaws. It was noted that the election committee spent considerable effort and was not able to identify enough members to volunteer to serve on the Council, therefore it is not believed it will be possible to find any additional members to appoint at this time. While the bylaws of the congregation state the Council must consist of nine at-large members, all members present agreed to proceeding with two vacant seats that currently exist. This topic and future shall be added to future meeting agendas to facilitate issue resolution.

The second item was the selection of an at-large Council member to serve on the Executive Committee. Grant Wolf has again agreed to serve in this position.

The third item was the assignment of board liaisons to boards that are actively meeting. Notable changes from last year were the assignment of Stephen Maffett, who is now serving as Council Vice President, as the liaison to the Human Resources board and the assignment of Eric Gardner as the liaison to the Outreach board.

The fourth and final item was the distribution of updated membership directories. Tom Miles was able to present five copies to the Council members due to untimely copier issues. The remainder of the directories will be distributed at the next Council meeting.

Open Agenda Items

There were not any open agenda items.

The meeting adjourned at 7:39 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.