by debbie | Jun 27, 2020 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 10:00am by President Sheri Barker
Members present: Sheri Barker, Bob Lechner, Diane Wages, Sherri Coughlin, and Rachael Perez, Pastor Alicia
Absent: Pastor Dan, Freddie Lacarra, Michael Marquez
Action Items
Decision on Term of Lease Sale & Affirm Process for Congregational Vote. Whether Council should consider 30 year, 50 year, or 99 year lease with Tower Point. Most members were supporting the 99 year term, which would pay us $375,000.00.
New information: After 3 years, if Verizon vacates the property and TowerPoint cannot replace them, St. Mark’s can unilaterally terminate the easement agreement.
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SINGLE ITEM AGENDA: TOWERPOINT PROPOSAL and PREPARATION FOR CONGREGATIONAL VOTE
- • Motion to Recommend that the congregation sell Verizon Lease to TowerPoint for a term of _____ years, in return for a lump sum payment of $_________________.
- • Key Question: What is the term that is most likely to get a YES vote from the majority of the congregation?
- • We will hold the vote this next week–sending out the ballot link via newsletter, Facebook and on the website starting tomorrow at 6:00 PM. We will mail ballots to the 23 members who receive snail-mailed bulletins once a month and call to follow up. All votes will be due by next Sunday, July 5, at 1:00 PM. That will allow us to advise Dick on the direction of the congregation regarding finalizing negotiations with TowerPoint.
Motion was made (Sheri B.), seconded (Bob L.), and unanimously approved to recommend the 99 year term to sell the Verizon lease to Tower Point. This motion will be forwarded to the congregation for a congregational vote, June 28 – July 6. Members will vote online, mail in ballot or call in to the church office.
Meeting adjourned at 10:47 AM
Next Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 27th (Zoom)
Submitted by Rachael Perez
by debbie | Jun 22, 2020 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:08 P.M. by President Sheri Barker
Members present: Sheri Barker, Bob Lechner, Diane Wages, Michael Marquez, Pastor Alicia Saenz, Pastor Dan Cole, and Sherri Coughlin
Absent: Rachael Perez, Freddie Lacarra
Opening Prayer
Devotion and Prayer led by Bob Lechner
Action Items
- May Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members. One correction was made. Changed the word “purse” to “pursue” under “Motion: Approve Dick Bolin to Purse Tower Point Letter of Intent”.
- Motion was made (Michael M)) and seconded (Diane W.) to approve the May 18, 2020 minutes as corrected and unanimously approved.
- Treasurer Diane Wages reviewed the May Financial reports with Council.
- Due to a number of errors in the May Financial reports, Diane requested time to correct the errors and resubmit the reports for approval at the next Council meeting.
- Diane reviewed the Profit & Loss statement with Council and pointed out that our total Income is very close to budgeted amount. We should be at 50% at the end of June. She noted that this is very commendable under current circumstances.
- Decision on Term of Lease Sale & Affirm Process for Congregational Vote.
Lengthy discussion held on whether Council should consider 30-year, 50 year, or 99-year lease with Tower Point. Most members were supporting the 99-year term, which would pay us $375,000.00. Diane shared her analysis which supported the 50-year term, giving us $350,000.00. She pointed out the percentage differences between 30-year versus 50 year (16% increase) and 50 year vs. 99 years (only 7%).
Sheri then informed Council that she has been recently contacted by two other companies that are interested in purchasing our Lease. She has referred one of the requests to Dick Bolin for review and follow up. She is waiting to hear back from the second company for a written request.
Discussion was then held on whether or not to postpone this Sunday’s Congregational vote on accepting Tower Point’s proposal. It was concluded and agreed that we should postpone the vote to allow us the time to investigate the additional offers, and be able to present the best possible deal for our church to the Congregation.
- SMC commitment for Mission Support.
Sheri Barker presented a document from the Synod which was provided to make a commitment for the next twelve months. We have already make a 25% increase from 2019 ($15,000) to 2020 ($20.000). Diane reported that we have paid $5,000.00 for the first quarter and requested that our second payment is due this month.
Motion was made (Diane W.) and seconded (Michael M.) to make the second payment of $5,000 to the Synod prior to June 30th and unanimously approved.
- Re-opening St. Mark’s for in-person worship.
- Pastor Dan is suggesting that we possibly re-open in August and hold services outside in the courtyard, at least for a couple of months.
- On-line services will continue.
- Aurundaum plans to begin in-person worship on July 5th.
- Pastor Alicia is considering re-opening Spanish Services on July 19th.
Discussion Items
Updates:
- Roofing & Repair of Upper Campus buildings project is completed.
- Dennis C. & Bob B. will be re-staining the pews in the sanctuary this week.
- Funding has been received for the Stimulus Payroll Protection Plan application.
- Synod grant for COVID 19 support in the amount of $1,000.00 has been received and a Go Pro camera was purchased.
Reports
- Preaching, busy delivering items to those in need.
- Met with the Worship Committee
- Making phone calls to members
- Pastor Alicia-
- Preaching, planning services, calling members.
- Personnel Committee-
- The committee met on Saturday and made the following decisions:
- It was agreed to increase Maryury’s hours from 20 hours to 24 hours per week. She was sent a letter informing her of the increase and giving her options to create a new work schedule
- It was also agreed to expand Jason’s independent contractor role. He also received a letter confirming his expanded roles and the decision to maintain the additional $75 per week he has been receiving to provide increased leadership in worship and music design.
- Bob Lechner closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M.
Next Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 27th (Zoom)
Submitted by S. Coughlin
by debbie | May 18, 2020 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:06 P.M. by Sheri Barker via ZOOM meeting
Members present
Lay Leadership: Bob Lechner, Diane Wages, Sheri Barker, Sherri Coughlin, and Rachael Perez
Ministers: Pastor Dan Cole and Pastor Alicia Saenz
Absent: Freddie Fran Lacarra, Michael Marquez
Guests
Dick Bolin
Opening Prayer
Devotion and Prayer led by Sheri Barker
Action Items
• April 27, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.
• Motion: Approve to the April 27, 2020 minutes. Motion by Sherri C., second by Diane W. Unanimously approved.
• Tower Point Purchase of the Verizon Cell Tower Contract Information is being gathered and reviewed by Dick Bolin. This is for the current Verizon tower and an additional space of 250 sq. feet. The next step is to get a Letter of Intent from Tower Point. Once that is received, Dick will insert an addendum with a Non-Binding Agreement. Tower Point is offering a lump sum payment of $375,000 for a 99-year term lease, or a 50-year term lease for $350,000 payment, or 30-year term lease for $300,000 payment. In addition, St. Mark’s receives 60% of any lease income when Tower Point Sub-leases space of our tower. Dick will review any Tax implications, and research Previous Contracts with other companies to gather data. There will be an Informational Zoom meeting with the Congregation on May 31, June 4 and 14, 2020. A final opportunity to ask questions will be available both via Zoom and in person at church on Sunday, June 28, 4:00 – 5:00 PM. The congregation will vote Yes or No to selling the lease on June 28 or 29. Members will be offered a method to vote online during the week of June 23 – June 28. Final paper ballots are due to the office by Monday, June 29 by 1:00 PM.
Next steps:
- Move forward with Discussion
- Research additional Information about TowerPoint
- Review Tax Liabilities
- Keep Congregation informed
- All Zoom meetings with the Congregation will be recorded and available online.
- Congregation meeting and vote on Sunday, June 28. If the congregation votes to approve the sale of the Verizon lease to TowerPoint, Attorney Dick Bolin will actively negotiate the Letter of Intent and the Lease Purchase Agreement on behalf of St. Mark’s.
Motion: Approve Dick Bolin to Pursue Tower Point Letter of Intent, motion by Diane W. , second by Sherri C. Unanimously approved.
▪ CA Board of Equalization: Dick Bolin is in contact with the State of CA. regarding the California Board of Equalization (CBE) notices and has been speaking to different representatives. Dick suggests that St. Marks re-write the Articles of Incorporation based on the recommendation of the CBE representatives.
▪ Treasurer Diane Wages reviewed the April Financial reports with Council.
Motion: Approve the Financial Report as presented. Motion by Sherri C. and seconded by Diane W. Unanimously approved.
- Contract with A & M Rehab for Roofing Project gutters need to be replaced. Sheri B. recommends proceeding with this project, there is money set aside to pay for this.
- Motion: Approve A & M to replace the Gutters. Motion by Diane W. and Second by Bob L. Unanimously approved.
- Approve The Re-hire of Angelina and Eduardo Garcia for Nursery Staff. Motion by Bob L. And Second by Sherri C. Unanimously approved.
Reports:
Pastor Dan
- Pastor Dan is continuing devotions, prayers, phone calls, and sermons
- Music Committee Planning
- Reinstate Worship Committee
Pastor Alicia
- Pastor Alicia is planning a worship service for the Spanish service “Day of the Dead Celebration.”
- Property Committee
- Refining Policies
- Document Job descriptions, put packet together for Diane Nissen
Leadership Development: Discussion of 17 Efficiency Management Principles during This Crisis: Spiritual Leadership Podcast by the Reverend Paul Chappell.
⁃ Focus on the Power of Prayer – Trust in God – Go to the Need
⁃ Next steps for Council: Follow up with everyone – how can we better care for our members?
What have we learned during these past two months?
- We are anxious to get back to church
- We ARE the church – Christ to each other
- Our connection with the Holy Spirit
- Phone calls have increased member connection and caring
New Business:
- ELCA Grant of $1,000 to off-set the cost of the GO-PRO camera, Tripod.
- Project Hand donation from Paseo Del Rey Church
- Masks Ministry donations have been made for purchasing additional fabric and supplies.
- Motion: To approve grant for $1,000. Motion made by Bob L. and second by Sherri C.
- Pending Opening of the Nursery (unlikely before Fall): Clean and organize the Nursery. Clean and replace toys for the Nursery.
Sheri Barker closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:34 P.M.
Next Council meeting will be Monday June 22, 2020 6:00 – 8:00 PM via Zoom
Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary
by debbie | Apr 27, 2020 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:06 P.M. by Sheri Barker
Members present
Lay Leadership: Bob Lechner, Diane Wages, Sheri Barker, Sherri Coughlin, and Rachael Perez
Ministers: Pastor Dan Cole and Pastor Alicia Saenz
Absent: Freddie Fran Lacarra, Michael Marquez
Guests
Dick Bolin
Opening Prayer
Devotion and Prayer led by Sheri Barker
Action Items
• March 23, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.
• Motion: Approve to the March 23, 2020 minutes. Motion by Sheri B., second by Diane W. Unanimously approved.
- Approve Diane Wages and Sherri Coughlin as continued authorized signers on bank accounts. And add Sheridan Barker as an authorized signer. Unanimously approved.
• Tower Point Information is being gathered and reviewed by Dick Bolin. The council will be updated as Dick learns more. Dick has discovered that Verizon has not been paying $180.00 each month to St. Marks for the past 3+ years.
Motion: Approve Dick Bolin to request a Retroactive amount of $180.00 per month for the past 3+ years from Verizon, motion by Bob L. , second by Diane W. Unanimously approved.
▪ Dick Bolin is in contact with the State of CA. regarding the California Board of Equalization (CBE) notices and has been speaking to different representatives. Dick suggests that St. Marks re-write the Articles of Incorporation based on the recommendation of the CBE representatives.
▪ Treasurer Diane Wages reviewed the March Financial reports with Council.
Motion: Approve the Financial Report as presented. Motion by Bob L. and seconded by Alicia S. Unanimously approved.
- Contract with A & M Rehab for Roofing Project Approved by email with 7 Yes votes and 0 No votes on April 18, 2020.
- Stimulus Payroll application Approved by email with 7 Yes votes and 0 No votes on April 14, 2020.
- Motion: Approve the Ministry Site Profile on 4/23/2020. Motion by Diane W. and Second by Sherri C. Unanimously approved.
- Approve Sheri Barker & Sherri Coughlin as authorized signers on the St. Mark’s accounts held at Union Bank. Unanimously approved.
Reports:
Pastor Dan
▪ Pastor Dan is continuing devotions, prayers, phone calls, and sermons
Property Committee
• A&M Rehab Construction continues to work on the roofing repairs and expects to be finished soon.
Leadership Development: Discussion of 17 Efficiency Management Principles during This Crisis: Spiritual Leadership Podcast by the Reverend Paul Chappell.
⁃ Focus on the Power of Prayer – Trust in God – Go to the Need
⁃ Next steps for Council: Follow up with everyone – how can we better care for our members?
New Business:
Sheri Barker closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:11 P.M.
Next Council meeting will be Monday May 18, 2020 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary
by debbie | Mar 23, 2020 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:06 P.M. by Sheri Barker
Members present Bob Lechner, Diane Wages, Sheri Barker, Sherri Coughlin, and Rachael Perez Minister: Pastor Dan
Guests Dick Bolin
Opening Prayer Devotion and Prayer led by Rachael Perez
Action Items
• February 25th 2020 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.
• Motion: Approve to the February 25th 2020 minutes. Motion by Diane W., second by Bob L. Unanimously approved.
• Bob Briggs was contacted by Tower Point regarding the Use of the Verizon Tower. Tower Point would like to pay St. Marks $375,000 to purchase the lease of the tower for 99 years; Tower Point would then lease out the tower to other carries to make a profit, a portion of each sub-lease would return to St. Mark’s. We currently receive $20,400/year from the Verizon contract.
There could be Capital Gains as well as Property Tax Implications in this sale. Dick Bolin is reviewing and will provide the council with more details as he finds them out.
▪ Dick Bolin researched the Property Tax of Equalization notice for the state of CA. and spoke to Yen, a Representative. This is an ongoing topic and Dick is staying in contact with The Board of Equalization.
▪ Treasurer Diane Wages reviewed the February Financial reports with Council.
▪ Motion: Approve the Financial Report as presented. Motion by Sherri C. and seconded by Bob L. Unanimously approved.
Reports:
Pastor Dan
▪ Pastor Dan is investigating how to use our puppets to enhance his online sermons
▪ Good Friday On-Line Service at 5:30pm
▪ Palm Sunday On-Line Service – Pastor Alicia
▪ Easter Service On-Line- Pastor Dan
Property Committee
• Bob Lechner shared information regarding the work that will need to be done around St. Marks. A&M Rehab Construction has provided an estimate for the roofing of Jacobson Hall and the upper campus buildings.
• Due to the budget shortfall and the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, Diane Wages recommended that we wait 3 months and then re-evaluate budget stability before contracting with A&M to do the roofing. Council agreed.
• Sherri C. suggested a capital campaign to fund the roofing project when we are worshipping together again in the sanctuary. Council agreed.
• Council asked Bob Lechner to follow up with Bobb Briggs and Chris Lewis to determine the necessary/ immediate jobs in priority order. One of the first areas needing attention as soon as possible is Jacobson Hall’s roof.
Leadership Development: Discussion of Leading Through a Crisis – Spiritual Leadership Podcast by the Reverend Paul Chappell.
⁃ Focus on the Power of Prayer – Trust in God – Go to the Need
⁃ Next steps for Council: Follow up with everyone – how can we better care for our members?
New Business:
▪ Melissa Tierra will be resigning 4/16/20
Rachael Perez closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 7:43 P.M.
Next Council meeting will be Monday April 27, 2020 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary
by debbie | Feb 25, 2020 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:34 P.M. by Bob Lechner
Members present
Bob Lechner, Diane Wages, Sheri Barker, Sherri Coughlin, and Rachael Perez Minister: Alicia Saenz
Guests Dick Bolin
Opening Prayer Devotion and Prayer led by Bob Lechner
Action Items
▪ January 21st 2020 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.
▪ Motion: Approve to the January 21st 2020 minutes. Motion by Diane W., second by Sherri C. Unanimously approved.
▪ Bob L. opened up the election of church council roles
▪ Motion: Accept the Church Council roles for 2020 as described in the agenda.
Motion by Sherri C., second by Diane W. Unanimously approved.
▪ Dick Bolin researched the Property Tax of Equalization notice for the state of CA and spoke to a Representative. The information provided by Dick indicated that while St. Marks is generally considered a non-profit religious organization, there are two relatively small exceptions due to 1) Verizon Cell tower on the property which is a for-profit company, as well as 2) Lutheran Social Services, our tenant which is not considered a religious organization. So St. Marks must continue paying a small amount of property taxes for the present time.
However, pending further study by Dick Bolin, St. Marks may need to update/ modify the Articles of Incorporation in order to reduce exposure to property taxes. Dick will continue to explore options to minimize taxes with this CA Board.
▪ Treasurer Diane Wages reviewed the January Financial reports with Council.
Motion: Approve the Financial Report as presented. Motion by Sherri C. and seconded by Sheri B. Unanimously approved.
Reports
Pastor Alicia
▪ Alicia asked for more publicity and assistance with the Easter Egg Hunt festivities to draw more children in.
▪ Bishop Andy was very impressed when he attended the Hispanic Service at his last visit on 2/16/20.
▪ Ash Wednesday services will be held 2/26/20. 5:30 p.m. English, 7:00 p.m. Spanish.
Property Committee
▪ Bob Lechner shared information regarding the work that will need to be done around St. Marks. There is a contractor willing to do the work, but due to the budget, the property committee will determine the necessary/ immediate jobs in priority order. One of the first areas needing attention is Jacobson Hall’s roof.
Leadership Development: Discussed the Introduction of Brene` Brown’s Dare to Lead
New Business:
▪ Lenten Potlucks begin 3/4/20 at 5:30pm each Wednesday evening in Lent through 4/1/20.
▪ Kitchen up-keep, cleaning being done, need to speak to other groups using it. Sheri will follow up with representatives of other congregations regarding monthly deep cleaning.
▪ Hall Rental fee being reconsidered. A team will be formed to review costs and appropriate rental rates for members and non-members.
▪ Musicians are booked through Easter, after that a Worship Team will need to review.
▪ Sheri Barker closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:31 P.M.
Next Council meeting will be Monday March 23, 2020 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary