Members Present: Nancy Dreesen, Tony Torres, Raidel Cubero, Gabby Gutierrez, Alecia Saenz, Billy Cox, And Skip Knudsen.
Guests: Chris Lewis and Barbara Atwood.
Meeting was called to order by Council Pres. Nancy Dreesen. Opening prayer.
Chris Lewis read the letter presented to Areumdaun Church regarding their use of the St. Mark’s facilities. In response, Aremdaun replied in a letter to Nancy outlining their acceptance of our proposal. A rate of $1500.00 per month, use of facilities and hours of operation were included in Aremdaun’s proposal. Council discussed the agreement. A motion to accept agreement was made and seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Gabby presented a financial report for the month of December. Motion for acceptance by Council was made and seconded. Unanimously accepted.
Barbara Atwood presented a proposed budget to the Council for discussion. Adjustments were made and accepted by Council through motion and vote. Nancy indicated that the software utilized for managing the contributions by congregation needs to be updated. Budget will be reviewed and adjustments will be made in July 2018. It was pointed out that St. Mark’s has not fulfilled its obligation regarding our contribution to the Pacifica Synod for two years. A motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to send $10,000.00 to the Synod. A motion to accept the 2018 budget, as amended, was made and seconded. The vote was unanimous for approval.
Discussion was held regarding the financial responsibilities needed for the interim pastor and call for a permanent pastor. Council reviewed the Pacifica Synod recommendations for the hiring of a new pastor. The interim pastor will be instrumental in leading us through the process.
Nancy indicated that two Council members are needed to officially accept marketable securities donated to St. Marks. Billy Cox and Tony Torres volunteered.
Discussion was held regarding our mortgage payments to Mission Investments. We are presently making full monthly payments and our financial situation is good enough to continue to make a full payment. Council will revisit mortgage payment and our financial status in six months to determine feasibility of continuing full payment as authorized.
Termites – Lloyd’s will be assessing the situation in the worship area which is currently experiencing heavy evidence of termite activity. Lloyd’s has a 12:00 to 2:00pm appointment time window on January 15. Available Council members are invited to be present.
We have received a gift of $5,000.00 from St. Mark’s Thursday Quilter’s Designated Fund. The money is to be used to reduce our mortgage principle. Many thanks to our quilters!
Billy Cox read a letter in response to a request from Chuck Mitchell to relocate and rejoin St. Mark’s. Mitchell is a convicted arsonist who tried to torch St. Mark’s. He has been incarcerated, rehabbed and is due for release in the near future. Billy’s response to Mitchell’s request was eloquently rejected and endorsed by entire Council. Letter will be forwarded to Mitchell.
Nancy reported that we have a lighting situation that may require the replacement of ballasts plus bulbs in our church lighting system. An initial estimate is for $2,451.90. Further action on this situation will be taken. We have two new thermostats for the heating system.
Pastor Gloria has agreed to remain as our supply pastor through Easter. Pastor Gloria, Nancy and others met to plan for the Easter worship activities. Services for Lent and Easter have been arranged and will be communicated to congregation.
A congregational report to the National Lutheran Church regarding financial information and congregational support will have to be prepared and sent by Feb. 15.
Meeting was ended with prayer at 9:30pm.