Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia

                                                           Board of Trustees

                                        Minutes of March 20, 2013 Meeting

Attendance

Trustees present were:   Ann Johnson (President), Ivy Coleman (Co-President Elect), Robin Scherer (Co-President Elect), Linda Brennison (Treasurer), Bob Whitaker (Secretary); Members at Large: Buzzie Kelly, Caroline Eastman, Elizabeth Harris, Phil Turner; and Ex-Officio Members: Michael Sullivan (Finance Committee Chair) and Neal Jones (Minister).  Also present were Walter Patterson, Brian Dudick and Kevin Eason (partial attendance).

Call to Order and Establishment of Quorum

The meeting was called to order by Ann at 6:31 PM. She noted a quorum was present.

Reading and Check-In

Ivy read a poem by Kenneth L. Patton entitled “This House”.  Buzzie volunteered to provide the reading for the April Board meeting. All present gave brief personal updates to check in.

Approval of Minutes

On a motion by Phil, seconded by Ivy, the minutes of the February  20, 2013 Board meeting were unanimously approved. 

Executive Session

On a motion by Robin, seconded by Phil, the Board voted unanimously to go into executive session to discuss a request made by a member for information regarding our Line of Credit and contracts for the most recent building renovations. The executive session began at 6:52 PM and ended at 7:19 PM.

Consent Agenda

The Minister’s, DRE’s, and Administrator’s Reports were received on the consent agenda.

Treasurer’s Report

Linda provided summaries showing the current values of stocks in the Mohr Family Fund portfolio, the balances in the UUFC Endowment Fund, and explained the terms of the current UUCC mortgage loans.  Discussion followed of the possibility of looking into refinancing early during this time of relatively low rates.  Linda and Ann will contact BB&T for information in this matter.

Linda’s monthly variance report for the month ending February 28, 2013 showed that at this point in the year pledge payments are slightly ahead of projected, plate collections continue to be strong, but general fundraising is down, as is building rental income.  Total revenues are $13,372.95 ahead of budget and expenses are $1,813.35 over budget, which yields a positive variance of $11,559.60 Year-to-Date, in contrast to last month’s positive variance of $17,840.96.

Following discussion of the need, Linda moved and Robin seconded a motion to issue a credit card with a $1,000 limit for the use of the DRE to replace the current cumbersome system of reimbursement. The motion was unanimously approved.

Finance Committee Canvass Update

Michael Sullivan reported that 77 pledges have been received so far, bringing us to $113,743, or 49% of our 2013/2014 pledge target of $230,000.

Discussion of New Door Locks for UUCC

Brian Dudick, Kevin Eason and Walter Patterson summarized the three bids received by the Building and Grounds Committee for new locks and panic bars for the building. After careful consideration of the bids and the bidders, the committee recommended that the Board contract with Vista Locksmith for the work.

Caroline moved and Elizabeth seconded a motion that the Board contract with Vista Locksmith to install the new locks at a maximum cost of $5,564, to be paid from  the $2,500 in the Betty Glad Fund (designated for building improvements) and the remainder from the Board Reserve.  Further the motion provided that the Building and Grounds Committee will provide a final accounting to the Board when the work is completed.  The motion was unanimously approved.

Strategic Plan Discussion

Robin and Ivy led the monthly Board discussion of the Strategic Plan (SAP). Buzzie reported her discussion with the Membership Committee and their suggestion of delaying further action to establish covenant groups until after the summer break.  Phil reported contacting the co-chairs of the Social Action Committee and discussed the success of Transitions, Harvest Hope and Shelter volunteer efforts in deepening connections among and between congregation members as well as providing important outreach to the community. The Outdoor Group’s recent noted success in drawing significant interest and participation by members was also noted, as was the smooth operation of Adult RE this past year.

Leadership Development Committee

The recommended replacement for the Board Member vacancy was discussed and the member will be contacted.  Discussion followed regarding recommend- ations to replace two resigned Leadership Development Committee members.  The Board unanimously agreed that the recommended new Board Member and LDC members be asked to serve.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Bob Whitaker, Secretary