UUFM BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

JUNE 25-26, 2014

Members Present: Kathleen McKinney, Madeline Bishop, Jay Teller, Vicky Wilbanks, Greg Valentine, Denise Patton, Wendell Kringen, (electronic meeting via email)

AGENDA ITEM

Hiring of an RE Coordinator

An email from Stephen Bjorlin concerning the hiring of an RE Coordinator, and his wife Dominique’s interest in the position prompted the Board to do some investigation into whether it is appropriate to hire a UU member for a paid position. Stephen’s first question was related to the fact that he was the RE Chair, and if hired, Dominique would report to him, although his term would be up this summer. This question was solved at the RE Committee meeting, when they agreed that the RE Coordinator should report to the Committee.

The next question was whether UU members should be hired in paid positions. It was suggested that the Bylaws and the Policies and Procedures be searched to see if there was any reference to this question. No references were found. However Kathleen learned that it has been past policy not to hire members.

Kathleen responded to Stephen saying that this matter should be resolved by the Board, and that she hoped that would happen on or before the next board meeting scheduled for July 9^th.

After much research, Kathleen sent an email to board members, and asked them to consider this email communication an “electronic board meeting.”

In the email, Kathleen refers to the latest Policy and Procedures manual, saying she found nothing that prohibits hiring a member of our fellowship. In the board minutes of October 26^th, 2009, she notes that this matter was discussed at some length. The decision was to not hire someone from the membership unless it is a salaried position. At that time, the RE Coordinator was not a salaried position but it is now.

Kathleen noted that there are some people who may feel strongly that we should not hire a member, and for this reason, and if we move ahead, we should do so with caution.

Kathleen suggested that if the board agrees that we should consider hiring a member for RE Coordinator, we advertise just within our fellowship. The RE Committee would then conduct interviews and go through the hiring process. When opened up to the fellowship, a brief explanation of the research and results could be given.

Kathleen said the next step would be for someone to make a motion.

Denise Patton made a motion that we follow Kathleen’s suggestion to advertise within our congregation for a new RE Coordinator. The motion was seconded by Madeline Bishop.

In response to a question about time frame, Kathleen said that if the board passed this motion, she would propose to announce at our next service that the RE Coordinator position is open, and we will accept applicants from the congregation first. If we don’t get any congregational applicants, we will advertise more widely. Applicants should be given two weeks to get an application in to the RE committee. The RE committee will interview, make the offer, (notifying the board of their choice), and then run the background check and initiate the contract. The goal would be to have a person on board by August.

There were yes votes from Denise Patton, Vicky Wilbanks, Greg Valentine, Kathleen McKinney, Madeline Bishop, Jay Teller and Wendell Kringen. The motion was passed unanimously.

Kathleen will make an announcement at the July 6^th UU Service that there is a vacant RE Coordinator position, and that interested members can apply for it.

Meeting adjourned on July 26, 4:56 pm.