of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Columbia SC August 13, 2001
Members Present:
A. G.
Andrea Derri
Christina Pandimos
Cindy Harper
Dave Dickey
Joe Long
Kevin Meridith
Margaret Weck
Morgan Maclachlan
Patrick Price, ex-officio
William MellerMembers Absent: Joan Watterson
Visitors: Don Griggs
Call to order: Dave Dickey called the meeting to order.
Board Minutes on the Web : Don Griggs presented on the issue of whether the Board minutes should be on the web. He described concerns about having the minutes available to the members of the congregation. There was some discussion of having the minutes in the Unigram and also of privacy issues concerning individuals who might be mentioned in the minutes. Dave made a suggestion to reinstate the minutes on the web with the provision that they be screened for privacy-related issues. Joe moved that last month's motion to remove the minutes from the web be reversed. It was requested that Don present the board with a draft describing the types of deletions will occur. The motion to reverse last month's motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Minutes of the previous meeting: The minutes of the July 9th meeting were distributed and read. An error was found in the Fresh Look Group section and Christina corrected it. Morgan moved to approve the minutes as amended. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Board Retreat: Dave stated that Mr. Strickland had agreed to mediate at the retreat and that invitations had been sent. Members were reminded about the potluck and that Joan Watterson had offered to coordinate it.
Sabbatical Agreement : Joe introduced the Sabbatical Agreement and stated that it had been approved and seconded by the Sabbatical Committee. It was noted that the agreement states that Patrick will remain as minister for at least one year after the sabbatical. Kevin asked that if Patrick had to come back from Sabbatical early for some reason if he could be given a week or two of additional time instead of money. Morgan explained that the money was to be used for transportation and that the idea is to resist the impulse to bring Patrick back early. He would only be brought back under extraordinary circumstances. It was moved that the Sabbatical Agreement be accepted. The motion was seconded, passed, and the agreement was signed.
Canvass Training: Andy and Alice Reese will be leading Canvass Training at the end of September or the first part of October, primarily for members of the Finance Committee and Board members.
Conferences: Dave noted that there is an upcoming Small Church Conference. Patrick suggested that the UUFC is not really small, and not large, but something in between. The dates for that conference are the 14th-16th of September (as listed in the TJ Connection). Patrick also mentioned the Fall Leadership Conference October 12th 14th . Dave highly recommended going to the Fall Leadership Conference, as it would be an opportunity to share with other church leaders in this region.
Board Pictures: Dave mentioned that he would like to post pictures of Board Members on the Bulletin Board in the hallway. Patrick suggested that the social hall might be a better place, as member pictures are posted there.
Calendar: Dave reminded members that there is a copy of the calendar on the bulletin board. Laura requested that members not put anything on that calendar, but speak to her first. Laura needs to know ASAP about Fellowship Activities.
Repairs: Dave mentioned that the AC was not working the previous Saturday; the relay switch is old and will have to be replaced.
Change of meeting time : Dave suggested that the meeting time be moved to 6:30. The change was unanimously approved. Dave stated that he would keep the meetings to an hour and a half.
Committee Liaisons: Committee Liaisons were specified. Volunteers were solicited for Committees without Liaisons. The liaisons are as follows:
Worship Committee Morgan
Caring Committee A.G.
Religious Education Andrea
Social Action Jessica Porter
Small Groups Bill Meller
Nominating Committee Joan
Public Relations Kevin
Membership Committee Morgan
Building and Grounds Committee Kevin
Membership Committee : Morgan stated that Mary and Don Cooper want to make a presentation to the Board regarding more effective ways to be welcoming to new members. It was noted, for example, that members have a reputation for being cliquish. It was suggested that Mary and Don could present at the September 10th Board Meeting. Patrick suggested that the Welcome/Announcements reader also greet people at the door following the service. It was suggested that Membership Committee members could also act as greeters.
Revised Welcome and Announcements : The revised Welcome and Announcements provided by Heather were distributed. Patrick reiterated that the Welcomer/Greeter could also go with him to the door after the service to greet people, and then move into the Coffee House area to do the same there. The importance of lay leadership staying more high profile during Patrick's sabbatical was noted. Patrick also asked that the Welcomer/Greeter be at the Fellowship 15 minutes before the service. He stated that the Welcomer/Greeter could be seated behind the podium and proceed to the podium when the prelude is done, or is just finishing. Patrick asked the Welcomer/Greeter be engaged with people while reading, but warned against improvising.
Sabbatical Committee : Joe asked about how to handle the discretionary fund while Patrick is on sabbatical. It was made an agenda item for the next meeting. The issue of supervision of staff was also brought up. Alice Leeper will act as supervisor for Susan, Joe will act as supervisor for Jill, and Kevin will act as supervisor for John and Laura.
Membership Issues: Don Cooper would like to sponsor/set up UU educational sessions. It was noted that he would have to reserve a room for that purpose. The picture-taking session for the directory will be set up for the last full week in October.
Building Issues: There is a bad ceiling in the corner room in the RE wing and the floor is being eaten away because there is a leak, possibly a roof leak from the outside. It was suggested that new plywood be put down, but Morgan suggested that we not put good wood over bad wood. He volunteered carpentry work provided that he have some assistance and suggested getting together wit h Dwight. It was noted that first it would be important to identify the problem, whether it is termites, water damage, etc. Kevin suggested working on the floor on a Saturday morning in September and offered to organize the effort. In addition to the floor damage, Patrick brought up the issue of the dead trees next to the library. Given the difficulty some members have had, it was suggested that additional help might be needed for that task.
Staff Reports: Susan and Patrick's reports were read. Dave moved to accept the reports, and the motion was seconded and passed.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned around 8:20 pm.
Christina Pandimos
Secretary, UUFC Board of Trustees
Summary of August 13, 2001 Minutes
Motions passed:
1. The reversal of last month's motion to remove the minutes from the web.
2. The July 9 Board Meeting minutes were accepted as amended.
3. The Sabbatical Agreement was approved.
4. The Board Meeting time was changed to 6:30 pm.
5. The Minister and RE Director reports were accepted.
Action Items:
1. Don Griggs will present to the Board a draft of how privacy issues will be handled regarding posting minutes on the web.
2. Mary and Don will present at the September 10 Board Meeting on more effective ways to welcome new members
3. During Patrick's sabbatical, Alice Leeper will act as supervisor for Susan, Joe will act as supervisor for Jill, and Kevin will act as supervisor for John and Laura.
4. Kevin will organize floor repair in September and Morgan will assist with the repair effort.
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