of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Columbia SC July 9, 2001
Members Present:
Andrea Derrick
Christina Pandimos
Cindy Harper
Dave Dickey
Joan Watterson
Joe Long
Kevin Meridith
Margaret Weck
Morgan Maclachlan
Patrick Price, ex-officio
William MellerMembers Absent: A. G.
Visitors: Carita Barr, Gertrude Edge, Tootsie Holland, Peter Kandis, Jessica Kross, Dave Sparrow.
Call to order: Dave Dickey called the meeting to order at 6:10 pm and read the opening words.
Minutes of previous meeting: The minutes of the June 18th meeting were provided and read. It was moved to accept the minutes as written; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Initial Proposal to Modify Sanctuary Seating: Revered Patrick Price provided the Initial Proposal to Modify Sanctuary Seating and it was read. The comfort/discomfort of the present seating, flexibility to experiment with current seating including removal of current seating, and email summary distributed by Gertrude Edge were discussed. The question was submitted whether there should be a congregational meeting to discuss the topic, even to take the matter to the congregation for a vote. It was also suggested that the matter be given to the worship committee, but Jessica Kross voiced that it was not an issue for the worship committee. Morgan moved that the matter be tabled until the fall; the motion was seconded and passed.
Request to extend childcare: Tootsie Holland requested that childcare be extended to include the forum. Patrick stated that this would double the childcare budget. It was determined that it would not be appropriate to use funds from the RE budget and that there were not other funds available to provide child care for the children of forum attendees. It was suggested that forum members take up a collection for childcare; it was estimated that this would run from between $20-25 per Sunday. It was also suggested that older children could be recruited for this purpose; however, Patrick stated that at the UUFC, childcare providers have to be 16 or older and there must be 2 childcare providers. Another suggestion was that the childcare be rotated among the forum adults. Tootsie determined that she would go back to the forum with the suggestions and discuss the issue with the forum members.
Fresh Look Group: Dave Sparrow presented the activities of the Fresh Look Group meeting and also distributed a handout regarding membership statistics. He pointed out that 59 members had pledged nothing for the 2000-2001 season. The possibility of allowing members to opt out of the responsibility for membership was discussed. Given the number of members that actually contribute, it was suggested that the UUFC is smaller than is represented through membership numbers. It was also suggested that the UUFC would be closer to being a fair share congregation if only contributing members were considered. The idea that there are non-monetary ways of contributing, such as volunteering time or other resources was brought up when considering how to determine membership eligibility. It was suggested that a member of the membership committee contact members to determine if they are still interested in being members of the fellowship. The question was asked whether the Fresh Look Group had spoken with the membership committee -- they had not. It was suggested that recommendations be implemented through the membership committee. Carita brought up that letters are sent out, but that things don't get followed up on. Tootsie stated that the Membership Committee does call people, especially those who are new. The concept of economies of size was brought up, in that that larger the congregation, the more money spent per person.
Finance Committee Issues: It was stated that the finance committee is responsible for keeping offering envelopes stocked and available for members. It was brought to attention that there are only 2 people are on the Finance Committee and that new committee members need to be found. Dave brought up the fact that the Finance Committee does not currently issue statements to committees and this was a problem when the Worship Committee went to spend money and they discovered that they did not have the funds to spend. It was also brought up that there are not enough counters. The need for committee liaisons was addressed and Dave volunteered to be the liaison to the Finance Committee. It was brought up that a person was told they could not be a counter because they are not a member -- counting is restricted to finance committee members. Ways to stimulate participation for such roles was discussed, including using the Unigram and asking the nominating committee to seek out additional people. It was also suggested that the Board Members count, taking turns using a sign up sheet.
Staff Reports: The administrator's report was distributed and read. As a result, a discussion ensued regarding minutes on the web. Issues of access, privacy, and need for minutes on the web were discussed. Given the small number of requests for minutes and availability through other venues, it was moved that the practice of posting minutes on the web be discontinued. The motion was seconded and passed. Christina will follow up on this matter with Laura.
Patrick's report was read. Patrick noted that the Minister's Discretionary Account is at $0 and that he will ask for a special collection for this purpose some time in August or September. It was moved that the reports be accepted. The motion was seconded and passed.
Handbook: Via email, Mark Tompkins offered to write the handbook in absence of a committee willing to shoulder the task. Mark asked for a review panel to read the handbook.
Sponsoring of Congregation: Individuals forming a UU in Florence asked the UUFC to sponsor the congregation. Myrtle Beach is also sponsoring the fledgling congregation. It was noted that no motion was needed on this action for the time being.
Board Retreat: Dave Dickey reported that the retreat had been booked at the Lutheran Seminary for free they need to obtain from the UUFC an insurance liability sheet. Dave announced that Nancy Zimmer would moderate for $750. Given the cost, Dave will work on an alternative and also ask for additional contributions for the retreat. Dave said he would talk to Laura about booklets (binders) for the retreat like the ones she prepared last year. It was suggested that an ad hoc committee be formed to manage aspects of the retreat, such as food.
Sign up Sheets and Welcome Announcements: Christina will create a new sign up sheet for readers of the welcome announcements. Christina will also check with Heather on whether the Welcome/Announcements were updated. There was a brief discussion of greeting and announcement protocol.
Committee Chairs: Committee Chairs were named. It was noted that the Nominating Committee needs to meet to pick a chair. Dave will ask Jessica Porter if will continue to act as Social Action Committee Chair.
Account Signatory: It was moved that Kevin Meridith, Dave Dickey, and Joe Long be signatories. The motion was seconded and passed.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned around 8:20 pm.
Christina Pandimos
Secretary, UUFC Board of Trustees
Summary of July 9, 2001 Minutes
Motions passed:
1. The June 18 Board Meeting minutes were accepted as written.
2. The matter of modifying the sanctuary seating will be tabled until the fall.
3. The minutes of UUFC Board meetings will no longer be posted on the web.
4. The minister and Administrator minutes were accepted as written.
5. Kevin Meridith, Joe Long, and Dave Dickey will be signatories on the account.
Action Items:
1. The Fresh Look Group will speak with the Membership Committee regarding dues.
2. Additional counters need to be found.
3. Christina will contact Laura about removal of minutes from the web and will also create a new sign up
sheet for Welcome/Announcements and check with Heather to see if the Welcome/Announcements
were updated.
4. Dave will check on other alternatives for a moderator for the retreat and also on securing additional
funds for the retreat. Dave will check with Laura about booklets for the upcoming retreat.
5. Dave will check with Jessica Porter to see if she is willing to remain as Chair of the Social Action
Committee.
In the event of discrepancies the paper copy of the minutes as contained the the board minutes binder shall be the official version. This binder is maintained by the administrator in the congregation office.
Your comments/corrections are welcome. Email to Donald Griggs at dgriggs@chaliceweb.org