Minutes: UUFM Business Meeting
Sunday, February 16, 2020
The February business meeting was called to order at 12:30pm.
29 members were present, meeting the required quorum of 16.
Potential Move to Cooperative Ministries
Ken explained that we are not, as we had previously planned, voting today on whether or not we should move from the Senior Center to the Cooperative Ministry. As he told us in an earlier email, not all parties involved in this move have mutually agreed on all the terms of the rental agreement. The Board decided that we need a formal written agreement drawn up by both parties before we can proceed with a vote.
A motion was made by Fan Holm and seconded by Rob Tanner that we table the vote on the move until we have a tentative written agreement between the UUFM and Cooperative Ministries. The motion was amended to insert a March 31deadline for presentation of the written agreement.
There was extensive discussion, where the following (paraphrased) comments and questions were voiced.
We are not going to be co-tenants. We do not want to take on things like caring for the property, maintenance…
Who is there on Sundays? (Ken explained the Sunday schedule.)
What about parking – especially those with mobility issues?
Will we have access to other facilities during the week. I have heard that 1500 people use the facilities. (Ken will go to the Coop and look at data on rentals.)
We need to have space during the week.
The Coop is concerned that there will be a shortage of meeting space.
What is important is people not place.
Having something written is really important – then we can examine why we have taken this journey.
This now feels like a horizontal move, not vertical.
The most important thing about this is that we can get our (UUFM and Coop) youth groups together.
If we grow will we have to meet again.
Change can be healthy.
That room points to a stage. When I think of UU, it is a circle.
I am concerned about the Christian symbols.
I have been to Jewish services held in Christian churches.
Can we cover the cross? ( Ken will check.)
We will in no way compromise UU religious education. Joining other Coop youth groups for activities will not be mandatory. (from an RE leader)
The motion was approved unanimously by the members present.
Treasurer’s Report
Cheryl Martin presented the preliminary 2020-2021 budget. She explained every section. The proposed budget in $106,932.00, a considerable increase over previous years. This is largely due to the possible hiring of a half-time minister and adding two other part-time positions – an administrative assistant and a RE educator. Rob Tanner mentioned that our website costs 700.00 each year. Cheryl will put that in the proposed budget.
Cheryl explained, “How do we get there?”
We are aiming for 58,000.00 in pledges. This requires either larger pledges or more members.
We can draw 45,000 per year from savings, and in 10 years we should have over 200,000 left.
We will need a fundraiser.
We will remain fiscally responsible. Ken said that we have a path in mind. But if necessary, we will revisit our plans. If our financial situation changes, we will make adjustments.
Administrative Assistant Position
We are planning to make a commitment to the administrative assistant position beginning this fiscal year. A motion to do this was moved by Nancy Schick and seconded by Barb Roush. The motion passed.
The administrative assistant will work 30 hours per month at a rate of 18.00/hour. The person who holds this position will be an employee, not an independent contractor.
Religious Education Position
Jay Nelson made an impassioned plea for the hiring of the RE educator. “We are not doing as much for our kids as we could . We need a teacher. Build it and they will come.” Jay mentioned that we have been cutting back on RE, so the increase is not asking too much more. The RE educator will also coordinate our simplified services. Jay urged us to read all of the bulleted points in the list of expectations for this employee. Jisun Lee added that simplified services are a strength of our congregation, but it is difficult to find people to present these. Others echoed that simplified services are “a glue” for us. The RE position is for 10 hours per week at an annual salary of 11,025. The salary is in line with the UUA salary recommendation.
Kathleen McKinney moved and Ted de Chatelet seconded a motion to hire a RE educator for the rest of the fiscal year. The motion passed.
The Minister Search
Ted deChatelet reported on the search. One of two things will happen:
- We terminate the search
- We bring one candidate to McMinnville for us to meet over a weekend – in this case, the first weekend in May. The candidate will preach. The candidate will be invited ONLY if the search committee thinks the person will be acceptable to the congregation.
The business meeting was adjourned at 1:35.
Submitted by Nancy Schick, Secretary