of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Columbia SC 12 January 2004
Members Present: Joe Kyle, Pat Mohr, Sej Harman, Sandy Chubon, Beth Crawford, Donald Griggs,
Don Thacker, Tom Turnipseed, Sharyn Walters, Jonathan Watterson, Jessica Porter, ex
officio.
Member Absent: Jessica Kross.Guests: Carita Barr, Regina Moody, Isabel Oake, Judy Turnipseed.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Joe Kyle at 6:20 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the December 8 meeting were approved with minor corrections of
typographical errors.
FINANCIAL STATUS UPDATE
Jessica Porter presented data indicating that our unencumbered monies total $23,810
compared to $11,711 on June 30. Giving has increased. We will need to consult with
members of the fellowship about how to handle the surplus. It was suggested that the
numbers be reported in the Unigram.
ANTI-RACISM CONFERENCE
Don Thacker reported on the progress made in preparation for the conference. He distributed
brochures to board members. He reported that on January 14 they will be showing a movie
and having dinner at the fellowship in preparation for the conference. The keynote speaker on
Saturday night of the conference will be free. Don Griggs has set up a mechanism to allow
people to register for the conference via the internet.
REPORTS
Administrator There was some discussion about the request from the depression support
group that they be allowed more time before we expect a gift in kind for their use of our
facility. There are 4-10 people attending the meetings. Don Thacker moved that we allow
them to meet for 6 more months and the review the situation. Pat seconded the motion which
was approved.
Isabel had prepared some suggestions for raising rental fees. Sej proposed that we have a task
force work on a more concrete proposal. We will plan to make a decision at the next board
meeting. People who want more information may contact Isabel.
Religious Education Report was approved.
There was some discussion about an incident at a recent youth event. Regina pointed out that
the TJ District web site has some interesting information about protection for youth groups.
They include sample permission forms and incident reports, etc.
RENOVATION PROPOSAL
The board reviewed the proposal submitted by Audrey Muck for establishing a task force to
develop a plan for renovating the building. The proposal was approved.
There was discussion about the need to replace the stoves in the kitchen. It was agreed that
bids could be submitted to the board during the next month via e-mail. Don Thacker urged
that we replace the stoves before the Anti-Racism conference.
Sharyn reported that there are 9 tapes of services from the last year which are missing. People
apparently borrow them and do not return them. She said we need some kind of equipment to
copy tapes or a device to record CDs. Don Griggs will look into the problem and bring a
proposal to the board next month.
CHILD CARE ISSUES
Sharyn reported that school age children are left running in the building during the Forum on
Sunday mornings. One child came asking for a bandaid for an injury. Sej was not aware of
the problem and said no one has asked the child care staff to supervise their older children
during that time. Pat will make an announcement in the Forum.
CANVASS
Joe reported that the Finance Committee will take charge of the canvass this year. Jessica
Porter has volunteered to coordinate it. She is requesting help from the board because we
need to increase our pledge base and it may require hands on interactions with members
which might be done by board members.
BILL SINKFORD NOMINATION
Judy Turnipseed requested that our board submit a nomination of Bill Sinkford to lead the
UUA for another term. As far as we know, he is running unopposed. He needs to be
nominated by a certain number of congregations. Pat moved that we nominate Bill Sinkford;
Don Thacker seconded. The motion passed.
REVISION OF WELCOMING MESSAGE
Sharyn circulated a revision of the welcoming message read by board members during
Sunday services. Members accepted the revisions.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.
Minutes recorded by
Sandy Chubon
In the event of discrepancies the paper copy of the minutes as contained in 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