Vestry Minutes 15 May 06

Present: Melissa Cox, John Burleson, Gerry Locher, Buddy Atkins, Brian Shaw,
	Paula Cushman, Gretchen Walden, Roger Crockett, Bob Glidden, Bob de Maria, Jerry Nay, Cindy Mullen, Buddy Atkins, Jonathan Webster, Daniel Brinson, Nick Gorham, Rhonda Wheeler, Kay Horner.
Guest Farris Hotchkiss (Search Committee), David Oakland (VMDO)
Opening: Melissa Cox called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.
Worship: Daniel Brinson opened the meeting with a hymn. Jonathan Webster led the
	worship.
Minutes: Melissa Cox asked for approval of the minutes from the April meeting.
	Jerry Nay wished the minutes to reflect his abstention on the Youth DCE or Deacon discussion. The motion to approve was passed with this addition.
Search Committee – Farris Hotchkiss
	Farris reported that the Search Committee met with the Reverend Gene Anderson, Diocesan Transition Officer, who recommended that our web site needs to be updated to reflect our current information and the fact that we are looking for a permanent Rector. Kay Horner pointed out that she is working with the staff and Lloyd Goad to update the information so it can be uploaded by mid-June.
	Farris noted that the Committee’s general mindset is to work quickly, but that The Rev. Mr. Anderson recommended that we proceed slowly (after the summer months). Farris stated that the committee was further along and wished to expedite the process.
	Farris noted that the Bishop wants parishes to invite a candidate to visit and meet with members of the Search Committee. Farris asked if we could send members to the candidate’s parish rather than following the recommended process. Mr. Anderson responded that if this is our wish we will need to discuss this with the Bishop.
	Farris also noted that the Committee will meet with different church committees and groups to discuss the qualities they seek in the new Rector, as they feel that they have a good broad view of the parish’s thoughts.
	Bob Glidden stated that both a visit to a prospective rector as well as the candidate coming to Lexington is necessary and that this process should satisfy the Bishop. Brian surmised that we need to visit directly with the Bishop to discuss this option.
Steeple – David Oakland VMDO
	There was discussion of the desire and need for a columbarium in the near future. After discussion, Brian moved that the Columbarium be moved from Phase II to Phase I of the campaign. The motion passed without dissension or abstention. Melissa asked for consensus to continue looking into the establishment of a columbarium. All agreed.
	David reported that the preliminary plans for the steeple should be ready during the next two weeks. During construction and erection the parking area will be closed. There will be an area available up to the atrium to facilitate use by the disabled.
	David reported that we will use traditional materials as agreed and the steeple will be faced in copper. The timber framing will be done on site rather than having it trucked in. Construction will take two to three months.
Yellow Brick Road - Paula Cushman
	Paula reported that the next Yellow Brick Road meeting will be Wednesday, May, 17. She moved that the lease between Yellow Brick Road and RE Lee be extended until December of 2007. After discussion, the question was called and the motion was passed without dissension or abstention.
Finance Committee and Treasurer’s Report- Buddy Atkins.
	Buddy reported that the Finance Committee will meet on May 16. They will ask for budget requests and materials by the end of the month in order to develop a budget by August 31, so that it might be presented to the Vestry at the September meeting. This next budget will be zero based. Each committee will outline what their needs are for the next year and the associated costs. This will assist the Stewardship Committee in setting a goal before beginning the Every Member Canvass.
Endowments Committee – Bob Glidden
	Bob reported that he, Mo, Brian and Buddy met with the Investment Committee and it was suggested at that time that the Endowments Committee and the Investment Committee be merged into one committee known as the Endowment and Investment Committee. The members will include three from the Vestry and three non-Vestry parishioners. Hank Humphreys will be an ex-officio member as Chair of the Planned Giving Committee. Bob moved that the Endowments and Investment Committees be merged and include ex-officio members from other committees as needed. The motion was seconded and passed without dissension or abstention.
	Bob asked that the Vestry pass a resolution commending the service of long standing members of the Investments Committee for their long standing service to the church. They include John Knapp, Tom Silk, Julia Littlefield, Jean Roper and Dick Weede. The motion was passed without dissension or abstention.
Property Committee - Gerry Locher
	Gerry reported that he had to have a wrench made for repair of one of the restroom sink faucets. He will be getting figures on painting the ceiling of the restrooms on the second floor. The hole in the drive way has been repaired.
Administration/Personnel Committee – Brian Shaw
	Brian reported that the job description for the DCE/YM position has been sent to seminaries on the east coast. It has also been posted on the parish, Diocesan and national church websites. We have already received some applications and hope to bring candidates in by the first week of June.
Wardens Reports
	Melissa called attention to the Vestry Papers given to each vestry person, and recommended that we look at the articles on General Convention. Bishop Neff Powell will visit RE Lee on June 28 to speak to the Augusta Convocation upon his return from Convention. Rhonda noted that during the Christian Education hour on June 4 Barry Miller will lead a special session to highlight the issues of General Convention. That day is also Pentecost and the church school picnic.
	Melissa said that the bylaws that the Vestry has adopted on a non-binding basis for a year will be reviewed by Don Ellis, John Mirabella and Louise Moore.
	Brian asked if we have a consensus that we speak with the Bishop about the way we wish to conduct the Rector search in light of the Diocesan recommended process. The Vestry concurred.

Jonathan Webster closed with a prayer.
The meeting adjourned at 6:13 PM