Finance Committee (Bob Glidden)

·         Bob noted that as of last week (November 12) we have received 113 pledges totaling $254,192.00, for an average of $2,248.00. Bob also noted that we had 72 parish units who had pledged last year who had not yet submitted pledges this year. Bob said that we know these people and he is sure that they will pledge if they haven't already.

·         We are $108,800 short but if these people pledge an average of $1,500.00 we will make our goal.

·         Actual revenues through the month of October were under by $26,000. 00 and our actual expenditures were under by $30,500.00.

·         Bob stated that it looks like we will end the year with a surplus because it looks like the pledge revenue will most likely come through.

·         Since the report came from a standing committee, Brian called for the question. Motion passed )10-0)

Columbarium (Dick Rathmell)

·         Dick noted that we have two separate issues, namely the “Scatter Garden” and the “Inside Columbarium”.

·         The intention of the committee is that both columbaria will be self supporting without any expense to the parish.

·          The plan for the Scatter Garden is to maintain the garden with slight improvements. The committee suggests that we have small name plates 1 ½” high x 7” long cast in bronze. The dimensions are smaller than the architect had earlier envisioned.  Each nameplate would include the person’s name, date of birth & date of death. 10 of these plates could then be affixed to a larger brass plaque with In Memoriam engraved at the top and the plaques would be located just behind the stone wall that surrounds the St. Francis garden. The plaques would be placed in the garden closer to the court yard at a slight angle to facilitate viewing. Dick noted that the plaque can be done for under $1,000.00. Since the report came from a standing committee, Brian called for the question. (Motion passed 10-0)

·         Dick then proceeded with the discussion of the columbarium that will be located at the rear of the church beneath the balcony. He displayed the drawing that showed 4 spaces to the left and 2 to the right as you enter the sanctuary, each space being 43" wide. He pointed out the $13,500 to build the first ark, the fixture that would house the cremains, is in hand. The cost of the second ark, placed on the left side of the door, will be $12,000. The committee hopes to negotiate a discounted price with Madison Spencer for purchasing both at this time.

·          Brian noted that we have more than enough allocated funds to pay for two arks at this time. The Rev. Mr. Crittenden asked if it would be advisable for people to pre-pay for their space in order for the church to afford subsequent arks. Dick requested, on behalf of the committee, that the purchase of two arks be approved. Before the vote, Brian asked the Committee to devise a pricing schedule for each drawer.

·         Brian noted that it will take three months for the construction of the arks and suggested a March dedication date. Bob Glidden stressed the need for architectural uniformity throughout the project. Brian called the question. Motion passed 10-0

Property Committee (Peter Fyfe)

·         Peter reported that the chimney needs to be removed per the report of the steeple contractor. Peter will contact the roofing contractor who is currently replacing broken tiles on the roof and ask that they remove the chimney and cover the holes with available tiles.

·         Peter asks that we have two half pews constructed and installed in front by the piano to restore symmetry to the church and to help provide additional seating .

·         Bob Glidden asked the Property Committee to look into the cost of replacing the pew seat cushions. Brian asked about the advisability of replacing the carpeting at the same time. The Rev. Mr. Crittenden replied that we needed to consider exposing more wood to improve the acoustics. He noted that there are many things in the church that need attention and the committee should approach the project list systematically. Brian asked about forming a sub-committee to examine the church to devise a plan. The Rev. Mr. Crittenden suggested that the Property Committee designate the formation of a small exploratory group of Peter, Tom and Daniel, to visit nearby churches for ideas and how we might implement them into the renovation and restoration of our sanctuary. The need to improve the acoustics in the chancel was also noted.

·         Peter added that there’s a need to repair or replace the carpeting in one of the Sunday School rooms. Bob Glidden thinks that the committee should take care of it soon.

·         Bob Glidden volunteered to investigate the replacement cost of the pew cushions.

·         Molly expressed concerns with the propane heaters in the narthex. The consensus of the Vestry present is that they should be removed and the committee should investigate an appropriate replacement.

·         Peter then presented the following deferred maintenance items for the Vestry’s information:

The following problems have been identified as projects beyond the normal budget allocations for upkeep and maintenance of church property that must be taken care of in the next five to, possibly, ten years. 

·         Leaded Windows in the Parish House - replace leading and recondition frames: $146,590.00 [approx.], 127 @$1210.00 per window.

·         Replace window panes and recondition frames, $810.00 per window for a total cost of $102,870.00.  John Raynal, who did previous work on the church windows says it is not an emergency now, but in five years or so it may become one. There are currently several broken panes, the windows are bowed out and the frames are very expensive to replace should it later be necessary. He would be happy to meet with us and explain.

·         Repair the plaster and repaint in the church and bridge where necessary.

·          Repair the wood trim around the old radiators; consider removing the radiators as someone once offered.

·         Repair the masonry, replace the mortar on the church and patio steps before it becomes more of a hazard; professionally strip and     repaint the front door railings; repaint the fences, though the corrosion is not as severe according to Jack Chaffee, Manley Brown Forge. [He would not be a bidder on the job.]

·         Replace the A/C under the chancel.  The duct work is there, but the unit is not fully functional.

·         Replace carpeting in the church, particularly in the chancel. Examine the flooring, possible re-staining the exposed portions. Replacement of seat cushions? All are worn, many are soiled.

·         The Ceiling in the men’s’ room on the second floor in the Parish House needs to be replaced as do some of the sub-standard fixtures.

Endowment Committee (Bob Glidden)

·         Bob distributed the annual report and addressed the extraordinary performance of the endowment this year. Bob reported that the American Fund garnered more than 19% last year. (from November to November)

·         The committee was asked to monitor funds containing companies that did business in or with Sudan. He consulted with the web site of Sudan Divestment Task Force which monitors such things. Our funds' involvement is extremely minimal and it would be very complicated to change anything within our portfolio.

·         As of Oct. 31 our portfolio amounted to $4,593,783,00 compared to  $4,400,000 last year. This is remarkable especially considering the expenditure of replacing the steeple.

·         Bob referred to the sheet containing our investment profile which showed the diversification of our portfolio and pointed out that it provides a good hedge against a prolonged market downturn.

·         Bob made a motion, on Anita Ramp’s behalf, to take two funds “Lunch and Live Music” and the “EYC” fund and move them into the Youth Education Fund. This is made merely for simplicity of accounting. (The Motion from a committee required no second and passed 10-0)

·         Cindy asked that we ask Anita to indicate on the spread sheet the purpose of each fund.

·         Bob said that it is up to the Vestry to make an appointment to the Gadsden Committee since Jean Wolfe and Elizabeth Harralson are rotating off.  The Trustees  are appointing Louise Moore and Bob made a motion that Myra Brush be the vestry appointment. (The Motion passed 10-0) Cindy questioned this process thinking that the Vestry should have at least a month to consider nominees before voting.

Wardens’ Report

·         Brian asked that we all look at the kitchen and appreciate the hard work that Tom Hart and Bob Glidden have expended on the project.

·         Next week the company who took care of the bat problem will return to seal the steeple to prevent pigeons from roosting.

·          The Bazaar proceeds have not all been counted but from all reports it was a success.

·         During the first week of December Yellow Brick Road should be fully moved into their new facilities. This will mark the first time in thirty or more years that the undercroft has been free for parish use and it will be up to next year’s Vestry to decide on the proper use of the facility.

·          December 2 is our Annual meeting and we have a fine slate of eight nominees running for the five Vestry seats.

Rector’s Report

·            The Crittenden family is moved into their new house but they are not totally unpacked.

·            Tom asked that the vestry consider an overnight retreat and that it be moved to January (either 18-19 or 25-26.)

The Meeting adjourned at 6:35 pm

Submitted

Robert J. de Maria, Clerk