UUFM BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Tuesday, Sept 12, 2017, 2017

Present: John Braun, Stephen Bjorlin, Sandy Coates, Joanne Douglas, Meghan O’Flaherty, Tracey Springberry, Marilyn MacGregor, Jamie Corff, Charlie Coates

1. The agenda was approved. Minutes were delayed so will be approved at the next meeting.

Next meeting will be Wed, Oct 18 at 7 PM at John’s house.

2. Treasurer’s Report: Found Money! In the Dedicated Funds there were duplicate allocations for Denomination Membership of $4000. Additionally, there is money sent in via checks but not included in the Pledges and not counted in the budget. The average amount each year for 4 years has been $6000. That means the deficit is now $4500 to $5500, instead of $16000.

It is important to let people know the status of the budget, perhaps when we send reminder letters regarding pledges.

Social Justice Committee allocation has doubled from $500 to $1000. It is used to send donations to various organizations. Last year that included Standing Rock. This is a continuation of past practice over the last few years, although it is different practice than early in the Fellowship when there were more activities. It was agreed to invite the members of the Social Justice committee to the next Board meeting to discuss whether this is the best use of Fellowship funds.

3. Should we move Simplified Services to the Cooperative Ministries building? Joann inquired and found there is a room available for the smaller group that attends. Problems with that idea include the confusion of which building we are in on a given Sunday, and finding parking on Sunday mornings when two other churches are meeting. It would reduce attendance. But it would be free, as opposed to the increased rent at the Senior Center. Perhaps we can renegotiate the Senior Center rent. Kris Gabrielson is interested in attempting to do that. John will discuss this with Kris.

Is the current budget problem a blip, or is it the beginning of a decline? It may be better to dip into savings and promote ourselves rather than save money for a rainy day. If we decide to dip into savings, we must let the congregation know what is happening.

4. Board Training: All five board members who attended agreed that trust is a huge issue for our fellowship. The way to repair this is to talk with the membership about it. The problem is that the membership do not trust the board to make decisions nor do they trust the recommendations of the UUA.

An important point made at the training involved the concept of the “IChurch” vs. the “WeChurch”. We are supposed to be in the business of transformation, not in the business of satisfying people.

5. Disruptive Behavior Policy: We don’t have one, and we should have one. Marilyn will explore that with the UUA.

6. The meeting next week—has it been publicized enough so people are aware of it? John will send an email to past presidents, the committee on ministry and committee heads. The meeting is to discuss taking UUFM to the next step—who are we, where are we going, and who decides.

7. Vision Statement: This work will begin in October at a simplified service. This process is an opportunity to build trust.

8. Monthly Board Newsletter: This is needed to ensure the members know what is going on with the board, especially since we have grown. The minutes can be a basis for the newsletter. Members of the board will take turns producing the letter.

9. RE new hires: Charlie discussed the new hires. The Middles position went to Mariah DeMarco. The Littles position had 3 applicants. Sarah Charin was hired to do the teaching on regular Sundays, and Dustin (DJ) Arthur was hired for Simplified Services child care and as a backup teacher. Both are freshmen in college. Charlie will send information to Meghan for paychecks.The congregation should be notified that Rachel is leaving and her DRE position is available. The woman?? may be interested in DRE. for now Rachel is continuing to work at fewer hours as DRE

Stephen moved and Marilyn seconded to hire the proposed teachers. It was unanimously approved.

10. Sandy reported on the Cluster Group meeting. Goals include involvement in the Pride Parade and doing the beach cleanup.

11. Discussion of the Audit was delayed.