Vestry Minutes
May 21, 2007 – 6:00 p.m.
Present: Father Gary Gilbertson; Sara Welch, Sr. Warden; Debbie Hall; Todd Jacobs; Bev Wharton; Brian Gloe; Jim O’Hara; Dan Bednarczyk; Lindsay Mohn; Swede Beckstrom; Treasurer; Ann Bingham, Vestry Clerk
Absent: Jack Britton, Jr. Warden; Cal Cormack; David Laverick; Gaile Varnum; Dave MacKay
Guests: Mother Lisa Senuta; Steve Adams, N.E. Convocation; Debbie Kremers, Search Committee
Father Gary called the meeting to order. Debbie Kremers, representing the Search Committee,
expressed her appreciation to the Vestry for being appointed to this committee. The Parish Profile is
being compiled and hopefully will be completed in the next week or two. The C.D.O. (Church
Deployment Office) profile is also being prepared. Both will be presented to the Vestry for final
approval before they are submitted. The Committee plans to be pro-active in their search by contacting
clergy currently employed elsewhere. Plans are to have video clips featured on the church web page
which will further illustrate our community at St. Michael’s.
Father Gary distributed the agenda packet which included the five tasks of transition, suggestions for
working toward consensus, and discernment listening guidelines. Vestry members are encouraged to
continue to study and absorb this information.
The minutes of the April meeting were approved as printed.
Treasurer and Finance Report: Swede Beckstrom expects the parish audit
to be completed by the end of June. The heating and air conditioning costs are over budget, but this is
because of extensive repairs that had to be made. It is expected that the over-all savings on energy costs
will pay for these repairs in the future. It was noted that lawn maintenance is now a line item. Prior to
this year it had been a donated service. The web site development is also a new line item in our budget.
Currently, the pledged income is down by about $41,000 for the year. The good news is that income
has been higher than our expenses.
Swede made a motion that the following items from the Finance Committee be accepted by the Vestry.
Motion carried.
- For the record, the church has addressed the recommendations made by the Mission Police Dept. after their security inspection of the church building and grounds. Some changes have been made, some are in progress, and some will not be done based on cost.
- The Finance Committee recommends the church give its lawn tractor to Tom Byron in exchange for him paying for the repair of the church’s small lawn mower. The lawn tractor is no longer suitable for mowing the church property.
- The Finance Committee has reviewed the proposed wedding fee changes and recommends the
Vestry accept the new fee schedule. The new fee will be $1,200 for use of the church, clergy, organist,
sexton, and altar guild. Compensation paid to clergy and staff for wedding related activities will be paid
as additional compensation and reported on annual W-2 forms.
Father Gary reviewed a packet of information for the education and benefit of the Vestry members.
Steve Adams has also done some research on the internet and added a printed analysis of corporate sized
parishes listing names of rectors who had served between 5 and 15 years.
The Bishop recommends that the Vestry meet with an “outside” facilitator to conduct discussion
regarding national church issues and any other issues that might affect a Vestry members’ choice for a
new rector. Sara will e-mail Vestry members for suggested dates for that meeting once a facilitator has
been found.
Steve Adams reported on the NE Convocation meeting held on May 5, 2007. Nominations will be
presented at the June 30 meeting for Council of Trustees and General Convention Deputies and
Alternates. Steve asked that Vestry members make recommendations for these openings at the next
regular Vestry meeting.
Senior Warden Report: Sara Welch read a thank you note from Swede for courtesies extended
following the death of his mother.
A special meeting of the Vestry will be held on Wednesday, June 6 at 6:00 pm. to review the Parish
Profile and the C.D.O. Profile. An advance reading of these profiles will be made available prior to the
meeting.
Junior Warden Report: In the absence of Jack Britton, Brian Gloe gave the following report: (1) Thanks to Damon Matthew for finishing the repairs to the church bell.(2) a new concrete “entrance/exit ramp” has been installed at Cloud Chapel(3) a new concrete ramp for exiting the storage shed on the west side of the building was constructed. A new holly bush has been planted to replace the burning bush removed last year, giving the “main” west entrance a fresher look (4) we have NOT had water problems during the recent heavy rains thanks to frequent gutter cleaning (5)Anthony, Inc., our new HVAC contractor has finished making various repairs to the heating & air conditioning equipment, particularly in the new addition to Spencer Hall and the kitchen area. We should realize some significant savings on our utility bills.(6) We have contracted with 5 Star Electric to undertake repair to the outdoor lighting, etc. on the west lawn. Most of this work is completed (7)Jim Albrecht & Jack Britton reviewed the church security system with a representative from Honeywell Security Monitoring. Four new “motion sensors” are being installed.(8) Dixie & Rob Junk of Junk Architects are working on preliminary plans for the new unisex handicapped bathroom(9) we have hired Van Liew’s Home & Garden to repair the pump on the Kirk Fountain. Phil Kirk will continue to assist in financing the cost of repairs.
Interim Rector Report:Father Gary reported that the Ascension Day service was held last
week and led by Mother Lisa. The recent official visit by the Bishop went well. There were 21
confirmed at the 8:45 service and 6 adults received or confirmed at the 10:45 service. The Deacons will
each preach one Sunday at 8:45 and 10:45 this summer. The interim Rector will be present when the
Deacons preach as a sign of support. Father Gary will be away from June 1 – June 9.
Mother Lisa reported that there will be a change in the Vacation Bible School this year. It will be held
in the evening, with classes for the young people downstairs, and four classes for the parents on the main
floor of the church.
There being no further business, meeting was adjourned with a prayer led by Mother Lisa.
Next regular meeting will be June 18, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
Ann Bingham
Vestry Clerk