GETHSEMANE CATHEDRAL Chapter Meeting Minutes January 11, 2007

Submitted faithfully by Kathleen Froslie

We begin with Evening Prayer in the Chapel led by Father Mike Johnson

 

I)                   Call To Order

  1. Call to Order/Present:  Bishop Michael Smith, Father Mike Johnson, Dave Anderson, Joni Bertel, Derick Dalhouse, Kathleen Froslie, Mike Hall, Harry Hawken, Mark Harvey, Barry Hegg, Clotine Frear, Rob Odney, Carrie Simonson, Lori Walters, Scott Wendel and Leisha Woltjer.  ABSENT:  Nancy Thorndal
  2. Motion to approve Harry Hawken as interim Chapter Member:  Made by Derick Dalhouse, seconded by Barry Hegg.  Motion carried.
  3. Letter from Dale Shook:  Bishop Michael read a letter calling for dignified and unified leadership from the Chapter.  The Bishop requested Chapter Members bring concrete proposals, not just discussion and complaints.  Mike Hall asked Chapter Members to explain and support motions carried by a vote of the majority in conversations with all congregation members.
  4. Adoption of Agenda:  Father Mike Johnson’s Housing Allowance added.
  5. Approval of Minutes from December 14, 2006:  Time did not allow.

 

II)                Administration (Report of Officers)

  1. Senior Warden Report:  Mike Hall called attention to our Strategic Plan, encouraging us to pursue progress and possible training on how to be on a board.  He thanked outgoing Chapter Members as well as the Treasurer and Clerk.  Mike said he enjoyed his three years as Senior Warden and highlighted significant changes during his tenure, including challenges managing day-to-day Cathedral operations during the Deans’ Sabbatical and since their departure.
  2. Treasurers Report:  Joni Bertel presented Finance Committee minutes and financial reports showing a $19,000 loss for 2006.  The Cathedral was able to meet all Our Fair Share obligations to the Diocese with the December payment made in January.  Joni presented the 2007 draft budget with a $30,000 short fall.  The Finance Committee felt any further adjustments to the budget must come from the Chapter.  After discussion of options for creating a balanced budget, motion was made by Harry Hawken to accept the budget as is with a plan to make pleas to the congregation for more pledges on this upcoming Sunday, seconded by Dave Anderson.  Motion carried.  Barry and Mark agreed to make pleas during the 9 & 11 services.  Harry expressed regret he would not be able to do so at the 8 because he will be out of town.  Harry Hawken pointed out that if every pledging unit would pledge just $5 more each Sunday, the shortfall could be covered.
  3. Junior Warden Report:  Barry reported filling the hole in the parking lot as well as having some of the lights fixed.    
  4. Cathedral Coordinator Report:  Time did not allow.

 

 

III)             Old Business   

  1. Growing Kids Preschool & Childcare:  After review of information presented in past meetings along with addressing questions, Clotine Frear moved we terminate our contract after May of 2007.  (I am sorry…I failed to record who seconded this motion.  Please advise.)  The motion failed to carry with only one vote heard to terminate.  Mike Hall motioned and Rob Odney seconded that Leisha be directed to work with Kim at Growing Kids Preschool to renegotiate a one year lease to be approved by Chapter.  The objective is to assure Kim she and her school are welcome at Gethsemane.
  2. Report of the Search Committee:  Derick and Mark indicated there are 6 candidates who will be sent questions for further consideration.
  3. Executive Committee Nominations:  Bishop Michael presented nominations from the Executive Committee for 2007 Chapter Officers, including Dave Anderson for Senior Warden, Lori Walters or Bruce Carlson for Junior Warden, Charles Stevens for Treasurer and Leisha Woltjer or Mark Harvey for Clerk.  Elections will take place at the February Chapter Meeting.
  4. Nursery Committee Update:  In Nancy’s absence, Lori Walters pointed out we need to set a date for training on Policies/Procedures for Safe Church.  Nancy is encouraged to work directly with Leisha on scheduling training.
  5. Stewardship Update:  Covered during discussion about 2007 Budget.

 

IV)             New Business

  1. Van and Transportation for Jack McNair:  Rob Odney shared that the van donated by Jack cannot be used for his transport because he is now wheel chair bound.  Rob recommended we consider selling the van to cover the $40 weekly fee from Ready Wheels for Jack’s transport to church.  Discussion was tabled for next month.
  2. Lighting for Cathedral Choir (letter from Mark Ring):  The Bishop directed us to read Dr. Ring’s letter requesting better lighting required especially in winter and at night.  Motion was made by Rob Odney that the Chapter support the Cathedral Choir by encouraging exploration of options for improved lighting with purchases to be approved in the future, seconded by Mark Harvey.  Motion carried.
  3. Housing Allowance Designation For The Rev. Michael Johnson:  Motion was made by Mike Hall, seconded by Carrie Simonson, to designate $780 per month as a housing allowance within the meaning of that term as used in IRS tax code.  There is no extra expense to the Cathedral.  Motion carried.

 

V)                Report of the Interim Vicar:  Time was not allowed. 

 

VI)              Closing Prayer and Adjournment:  Bishop Michael led prayer.  Motion made to adjourn by Derick Dalhouse, seconded by Mark Harvey.  Motion carried. 

 

VII)          Next meeting is February 8th, 5:30PM.