Members Present: Sheri Barker, Mark Becerra, Frank Carson, Mike Collins, Pastor Ron Hovick, Karl Larsen, Mark Lechner, Ann-Marie Pering, Alicia Saenz
Members Absent: Pat Milliken
Non-Voting Members Present: Diane Flint-Wages, Brett Perkins
Guest: Sue Connors, Rick Connors, Herb Geier
The meeting convened at 6:05 p.m. with prayer by Pastor Ron.
Financial Report –
Diane Flint-Wages reviewed the December and Year-end financials. She noted that December donations were greater than expected and as a result the year end deficit of $18,153.32, was less than originally anticipated. Diane explained that the December 31, 2011 offerings were deposited in January and the $5,000 gift designated to the Loan Repayment will show in January as well. Diane reported our account has a reserve of $61,000 which is approximately 1.5 months expenses based on the 2012 budget. She explained the copier buyout and the monies received would be used towards the monthly payment for the new machine until the funds were exhausted.
The loan balance is at $556,000 and $21,700 was paid towards the loan repayment as a result of honoring requests that funds received be specifically applied towards this account.
Diane presented a “Reserve Fund Analysis” to council and stated that this will become a monthly handout for council. Discussion took place regarding the cash balances and the difference of $13,000. Diane will discuss the difference with Karen Martin and report back to council in February.
Discussion took place regarding the Attendance Analysis and it was requested that all groups meeting at St. Mark’s be included, i.e. Upper room and Fellowship. Pastor Ron will ask Melody to add this to the weekly bulletin.
Change Leadership Team Meeting –
Update on St. Marks Logo/Graphic Design – Sheri distributed a sample copy of 3 logos, all in black and white to be presented to the congregation. She stated there is a survey link on the St. Marks website and ballots will also be distributed to the congregation to vote for their favorite design.
Discussion took place on the need for a “Tag Line” and any ideas regarding this are welcomed.
Preparation for Annual Meeting –
Karl discussed the agenda order for the Annual Meeting being held on January 22, 2012. Diane was asked to give an overview of the financials for 2011.
Karl thanked Brett for his budget presentations on January 8th and 15th and shared some of the concerns (decrease in our benevolence, $20,000 deficit, shrinking cash balance and thoughts that there were flaws in our thinking and decisions being made) that were shared during these meetings.
Karl opened the discussion to guests who attended the Council meeting to express their concerns.
Sue Connors shared her concerns regarding payroll and feels that maintaining a 65-67% payroll would resolve the $20,000 deficit. Her thoughts in meeting this goal would be obtained through cutting the Wednesday night Praise Services. Discussion took place regarding the numbers in attendance and who is actually attending these services.
Diane Flint-Wages recommended that people’s concerns be heard and addressed and work towards a remedy to resolve the budget deficit.
Herb Geier – Was concerned with a footnote regarding December 2011 on the financial handout distributed at the budget presentations. It was explained that the bookkeeper put the comment on the report because the official bank statement had not arrived at the time the report was printed, so the amounts listed did not include interest received.
Herb also expressed his discontent over the decrease in benevolence which has fallen from 9% to 3%. He also expressed the need for more volunteers and less paid help. He is extremely concerned with the downward trend the church is headed. Herb’s concerns were addressed and discussions took place regarding the meaning of benevolence, lack of volunteers and the gains which St. Mark’s has had over the past year.
Guests left and Karl resumed with the Annual meeting agenda.
Discussion resumed regarding the Budget and the understanding we will be met with opposition at the annual meeting.
Motion by Mark Lechner, seconded by Frank: That the Budget be presented as a “Conditional Budget” at the annual meeting with input from the Congregation in ways to help close the budget gap and submit the revised budget by the end of the first quarter.
Motion passed unanimously.
Pastor Ron went on record stating that we need to generate other means of income and not limit our campus use strictly to non-profit groups.
Karl provided the slate of Council nominees: Sheri Barker, Juanita Celis, David Perez and Alicia Saenz. He also noted the exiting members: Frank Carson, Karl Larsen and Ann-Marie Pering.
Sheri suggested that Alicia’s Spanish Ministry Report be added to the annual report. Sheri will forward a copy to Melody and request 100 copies be printed.
Sheri recommended that each Strategic Plan leader speak on a couple of their key highlights.
Mark Lechner discussed his Property Sustainment proposal to gain funds for the two major property projects (Out building Roofing and Stucco) and the 3 options available to us at this time: take out a loan, Fundraising drive or Do Nothing at this time. This will be presented at the Annual meeting and Mark would like for a vote to be taken at the Annual meeting.
Motion by Pastor Ron, seconded by Frank: To offer the 3 options for the Property Sustainment projects, with the Councils recommendation of Option 2 – Building Fund Drive over a 3 to 4 year period to collect the funds. Passed unanimously.
Frank suggested we have a brief discussion as to the responses received as a result of the Budget. He shared members concerns with staff salaries and suggested this be an area to look into next month as the budget is reviewed.
Old Business
YMCA Usage of Facilities – Tabled until February
Debit Account for Youth – Details regarding this type of account are still being researched. Brett and Lee are working together as funds are needed.
Synod Funding for Alicia – The Pacifica Synod Latino Ministry Endowment Fund Application has been completed. Copies of the Strategic Plan, Annual Report and 2011 and 2012 Budgets need to be submitted. The application is due by January 31st. When approved, the application will fund $500 per month towards Alicia’s salary.
Mexican Fiesta – Will take place March 24th , from 4 – 6 p.m. Free tacos and entertainment will be offered. Further details will be forthcoming.
Black Walls in Jacobson Hall – Tabled until February
Memorial Endowment Scholarship – Mark Lechner stated that the Memorial Endowment Committee will cover costs for 3-4 people to attend the PALLMM Class for Spanish Speakers. Alicia will notify Mark who the check should be made payable to.
New Business
Status of Boy Scout Troop 855 – Pastor Ron and Mark Becerra discussed a situation taking place within the Troop Leadership. There appears to be a lack of communication and procedures not being properly followed by the Scout Master; and tension, as a result of these issues, between the Scout Master and Committee Chair. Pastor Ron, Mark Becerra, the Scout Master and the Committee Chair have had several meetings to discuss the issues and ultimately towards resolving them. Pastor Ron asked for Council’s support in handling the situation further, which may result in asking the Scout Master and/or the Committee chair to step down.
Pastor’s Report – Pastor Ron had nothing further to report.
Spanish Language Service Report – Alicia received the application for the TEEM Program. She reported that the PALLMM classes will start next month now that scholarships have been received from the Memorial Endowment Committee.
Director of Operations Report – Brett is maintaining the calendar and otherwise had nothing to report.
Committee Reports – There were no committee reports.
Motion by Mark B., seconded by Sheri: to adjourn at 9:20 p.m. The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Ann-Marie Pering