Council Minutes January 16, 2014

Members Present:  Sheri Barker, David Perez, Mike Collins, Pastor Ron Hovick, Nan Stufkosky, Paul Ford.

Members Absent:  Mark Lechner

Non-Voting Members Present:  Brett Perkins, Kerri Wood, Alicia Saenz, and two congregational visitors.

 

Council President Sheri Barker called the meeting to order and Pastor Ron opened with Prayer.  The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m.   Because of the budget discussion, the study of Nehemiah was tabled.

 

Approval of Minutes:  Minutes of the December 18, 2013 meeting were approved as amended.

 

FINANCIAL AND BUDGET REPORTS

Treasurer Kerri Wood noted that the shortfall at the end of 2013 was $4,126.  She added that the end-of-year balance would have looked even better without the accounting recalculation of the youth expenses in 2013 and prior years that was completed in December.

 

Pastor Ron reminded Council to face the budget through a Theology of Abundance, rather than a Theology of Scarcity and Fear.

 

Based on congregational input from the two budget meetings, Council discussed the possibility of reinstating the music budget to $2,000 (from $492 in the draft version).

 

Motion by Paul, seconded by David.  To increase the music budget line item 74200 to $2,000.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

The Treasurer noted that because the end-of-year envelopes and loose offerings were higher than anticipated at the December 18 meeting of Council, our actual benevolence fell below our goal of 5.5%.  Council agreed to work to ensure a 5.5% benevolence in 2014.

 

COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION

Council went into Executive Session from 8:30 – 8:50 p.m. to discuss the budget for salaries.

 

When the non-voting members returned to the meeting, President Sheri Barker announced two salary changes to the 2014 budget:

  1. Council offered, and Pastor Ron accepted, the opportunity to restore Pastor Ron’s salary, relieving him and Penny from the $800 monthly benevolence they offered in 2012 to help St. Marks balance the budget.  After the recalculation of Pastor Ron’s salary, based on the adjustment of overpayments that accidentally occurred 2008-2012, Pastor Ron’s salary for 2014 was raised by $3,600.  This increase is perceived by Pastor Ron as a fair and equitable adjustment.
  2. After careful review of the hourly salaries, Council also restored the full 10 hours/week to the Choir Director.

 

Council reiterated that no hourly employee hours will be capped; they will have the hours needed to complete their work in 2014.   The goal of the budget is to create a more realistic projection of hours used.

 

Motion by Pastor Ron, seconded by Mike.  To approve the 2014 budget with the changes made on January 16, 2014.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

It was determined that Paul Ford will present the revised 2014 budget (that reflects the recommendations from the congregational budget meetings) at the Annual Meeting.

 

Motion by Paul, seconded by Pastor Ron.  To accept Mark Lechner’s Letter of Resignation from Church Council.   Motion passed with 3 yes, 2 no and Sheri abstained.

 

Annual Congregational Meeting planning for January 26, 2014

  1. 1.      Synod Assembly members:  St. Marks will not be represented at this Hawaii meeting unless a congregation member is already going to Hawaii and would like to represent us on their own.
  2. 2.      Church Council members:  (not more than 14 total)
    1. a.      Elect for the 2nd year of his 2nd term:  Mike Collins  (accidentally not elected last year.)
    2. b.      2nd Term election:  David Perez
    3. c.      1st Term election following interim position:  Paul Ford, Nan Stufkosky
    4. d.     Council is seeking up to 6 additional Council nominations from the floor.
    5. 3.      Nominating Committee:   Nominations will be requested from the floor for 1 year term, not eligible for consecutive reelection.
    6. 4.      Memorial Endowment Committee:  May need to elect someone to replace Mark Lechner.  David Perez will contact Mark to see if he will continue in this role.
    7. 5.      Approve Amendments & Reports:  Other than approve the minutes from the Congregational Meeting 2013, no other changes are being recommended to the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution or By-laws.

 

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS REPORT

Brett reported that he has updated MOUs and contracts with all tenets with respect to 5-10% increases in 2014.  Glory is working to put together a plan to pay St. Marks monthly, since they have already approved their 2014 budget.  Brett anticipates having Glory’s commitment by mid February.

 

SPANISH MINISTRY REPORT

Alicia will be unable to participate in the February TEEM meeting because her office is short-staffed at that time.   She is still lacking response from the Synod regarding funding assistance for her seminary program.

 

PASTOR’S REPORT

Pastor Ron requested the addition of mileage allocation for Alicia (as currently provided to Pastor Ron and Pastor John, since her work requires driving for hospital visits, Synod meetings and other events required by her role as Lay Minister.  No formal action was taken to make this adjustment due to the lateness of the hour.

 

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer at 9:50 p.m.

 

NOTE:  The next meeting will be Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 7 p.m.

 

Sheri Barker

Council President