UUFM BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Wednesday July 19, 2017

Present: John Braun, Stephen Bjorlin, Marilyn MacGregor, Sandy Coates, Joanne Douglas, Meghan O’Flaherty, Anna Barsotti, Beth Dell

1. Sunday service last week was on Life After Death. It was very thought provoking, with lots of discussion. High turnout for this popular speaker and intriguing topic.

2. Approval of agenda and minutes of the last meeting.

3. The next meeting will be at John’s house on 8/16/17 at 7 pm.

4. Tracy’s contract:

—John did a simple version of the contract so Tracy could have it for a personal issue.

—For the final version, Finance Committee would like to switch it to coincide with the fiscal year. That creates potential problems because the minister starts her work year with a vacation. It would involve a supplemental contract.

—Research was done regarding how to best set up the contract. The Past Chairs Council and the Committee on Shared Ministries offered recommendations, John and Joanne talked to other churches. The consensus of other churches was that the Board deals with the contract rather than the congregation, and that, once approved, annual renewal is automatic.

—The Committee on Sharing Ministry suggested a duties list that would include attending every committee meeting at least twice yearly, having office hours of some sort. They also suggest a way for the whole congregation to evaluate the minister. John will develop a list of ministerial duties and send it out for review before the next meeting.

5. There will be a workshop offered on Sept 17 at Cooperative Ministries by Sarah Schurr of the UUA regarding growing congregation issues.

6. Treasurer’s report: We finished the 2016-17 year in the red. We overestimated the income and spent $9661 more than we took in. This year the pledges are lower than last year. Fewer people are pledging. Last year two families pledged and then left, leaving a $4200 gap. This year the rent is going up 7%. Rachel is receiving a well-earned raise. The current budget will need to be cut.

7. Committee reports:

Music and Worship: People who went to GA learned that we need more people of color in our presentation.

RE: Haven’t met lately. More committee members are needed. They’ve been working on hiring teachers. Rachel is doing well communicating with parents.

Membership: Forms are being revised. A section is being added to ask how people heard about us. Hearing assists are needed, as we are losing members because of this issue. John continues to research options.

8. The checking account needs to shift to have Marilyn on the list. Meghan has already replaced Denise on the account.

9. The Sept 3 service will be at Wortman Park. We have the pavilion reserved for the whole day. We could have a potluck after the service.

10. Agenda for retreat: Tracy sent some good ideas.Possible subjects include the Mission Statement. Marilyn will gather more specifics from Tracy’s email.

11. Advice from the Past Chairs Council: It would be good to include their recommendations in the discussion with Sarah Schurr at the meeting in September.

Respectfully submitted

Sandy Coates