Members Present: Sheri Barker, Mark Becerra, Pastor Ron Hovick, Mark Lechner, Pat Milliken, Alicia Saenz
Members Absent: Juanita Celis, Mike Collins, David Perez
Non-Voting Members Present: Brett Perkins, Diane Flint Wages
Council President Sheri Barker convened the meeting at 7:10 p.m. and called on Pastor Ron for meditation and prayer.
Motion by Mark Lechner, seconded by Pastor Ron: To approve the minutes of the May 17, 2012 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
FINANCIAL AND BUDGET REPORTS
Treasurer Diane Flint Wages reported that income continues to be ahead of budget in Envelopes and Loose Offerings; total income is above budget approximately $16,000. General Administration Expenses are below budget. Benevolences are above budget, but all other Programs are within budget. Net Income year to date is positive $21,39l.08; in 2010, it was negative $20,727.08 for the same time period. Diane noted that donations peaked in February and have declined every month since then.
Discussion took place regarding the operation and funding of Project Hand since the City of Chula Vista has withdrawn funding and Lutheran Social Services have decreased their staffing support by 1/3.
PASTOR’S DESIGNATED COMPENSATION PACKAGE
Sheri related that the Personnel Committee had held meetings with Pastor Ron regarding his designated compensation package, working with him on Synod recommendations. She explained the clergy is treated differently under the Tax Code. In accordance with the Synod recommendations to discuss and document the designated housing allowance and salary distribution of the pastor on an annual basis, the Personnel Committee approved and forwarded the following motion for Council consideration.
Designation of Housing and/or Furnishings Allowance by Congregational Council
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to designate $71,700 of the annual cash salary effective July 1, 2012 to be paid to the Rev. Ron Hovick as a housing/furnishings allowance in response to the pastor’s request and acknowledgement that the allowance so designated does not exceed the fair rental value of his home, furnished, plus the cost of utilities. Therefore, cash salary shall be $0 and the housing allowance shall be $71,700. (Signed and dated by Sheridan L. Barker and Pastor Ron Hovick on June 21, 2012.)
Motion by Mark Lechner, seconded by Pat: To approve the Designation of Housing and/or Furnishings Allowance by Congregational Council agreement. Motion passed unanimously with Pastor Ron abstaining.
OLD BUSINESS
Photo of Church Council Members – Sheri has not received everyone’s photo; we would like to include photos of Council members on the website and in the Gathering Space (Narthex) in order to improve communication.
Checklist for Annual Meeting – Mark Lechner presented a draft of a checklist for the annual congregational meeting to ensure that all critical tasks are completed in a timely manner, and that nothing is accidentally omitted. He asked for input from Council members. The updated checklist will be presented for approval at the July meeting.
Council Meeting – June 21, 2012 – Page 2
Nominating Committee – The Nominating Committee (Karl Larsen, Ann-Marie Pering, Russ Stover, and Frank Carson) was approved at the Congregational meeting on May 20, 2012.
Movement of the Spanish Language Service – In order to leave the Glory and Areumdaun service times unchanged, Alicia agreed to move the Spanish language service to 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary.
Realign Committee Assignments – It was determined that all committees are currently covered by a Council member.
Fingerprinting of Staff – The Personnel Committee has not yet taken action to develop a policy on this item. All new staff have completed fingerprinting and background checks as recommended by the insurance company,
Street Sign Designs – Sheri reviewed the Communication & Marketing Team proposal for the design of the large marquee sign on Hilltop using the new logo. The final draft for the project will be presented at the July meeting. There is interest in increasing the size of the monument sign on the corner of Hilltop & I Street. Frank Carson will be asked to research this possibility.
NEW BUSINESS
Estate Donation – Council members brainstormed initial ideas for using a large estate donation from a member, keeping in mind St. Mark’s Mission, Vision and Core Values.
Annual Strategic Plan Review and Update – The meeting will be held Saturday, October 13, 2012. A church health survey and strategic plan survey update will be developed. Attendees will include those who attended previous meetings as well as those who are new to the congregation and others who may not have been available to participate in previous meetings.
Work Project Day – The possibility of a work project day was discussed. Projects would be in coordination with recommendations from the Property Committee.
PASTOR’S REPORT – Nothing to report.
SPANISH LANGUAGE SERVICE – Alicia reported the cost of the TEEM (Seminary) Program that is required to for her to keep her Synod license and become an ordained pastor: approximately $900 per course, 15 courses over a three-year period. Alternative financing was briefly discussed. Alicia was also encouraged to complete a FAFSA and work with the seminary to see if she can obtain grants or scholarships to cover all or part of the program. Pastor Betty Chin of Glory Lutheran was ordained under this program. Pastor Ron will be Alicia’s mentor through the process.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS REPORT – Brett reported that he is working with Russ Stover on the Stewardship Committee and they are looking for a third person to serve on the committee. They are currently working on a Time and Talent questionnaire, and discussing other strategies to improve our financial health over time.
Mark Lechner suggested developing an annual church calendar for strategic events, such as major church celebrations and community events for planning purposes. Discussion took place on how many strategic events there should be and what should be considered a strategic event.
Brett reported that the new screen for Jacobson Hall wall cost approximately $800; Glory Church has volunteered to cover half the cost.
Brett related that an employee had requested that St. Mark’s consider the possibility of providing health insurance. The matter was referred to the Personnel Committee. However, the Personnel Committee will need time for research. Council agreed that it is an important issue, and one that would have to be part of the 2013 budget considerations.
COMMITTEE REPORTS – There were no committee reports.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Patricia Milliken, Secretary