Members Present: Sheri Barker, Mark Becerra, Mike Collins, Mark Lechner, Pat Milliken
Members Absent: Juanita Celis, Pastor Ron Hovick, David Perez, Alicia Saenz
Non-Voting Members Present: Brett Perkins, Diane Flint Wages
Change Leadership Team Meeting
A quorum was not present and the Change Leadership agenda was tabled.
Council Business
A quorum was established at 7:10 p.m. and President Sheri Barker convened the meeting with prayer.
Motion by Mark Lechner, seconded by Mark Becerra: To approve the minutes of the February 16, 2012 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Financial Reports
Diane Flint Wages provided the Financial Report. February was a very good month. Giving in general increased, special gifts to help close the 2012 budget gap, and a donation designated for loan repayment were received. The reserve funds were at $85,567 and the loan balance at $552,000. Expenses look better than last year because the annual insurance payment has not yet been made. Salaries and Benefits remain approximately the same as do Administration Expenses. Mark Lechner asked that a line item be added for the 2012 rebuilding fund to support work required on the classroom buildings and Jacobson Hall.
Budget Update
Brett reported that $15,000 had been received specifically for closing the 2012 budget gap and that the insurance premium had been reduced by $2,000 due to the decrease in the value of the property and the removal of the youth van. He was confident that the remaining gap would be filled. While these generous gifts ease the immediate financial situation, he noted that Council promised the congregation a plan for long-term financial stability.
Old Business
Mexican Fiesta – The fiesta has been delayed and not rescheduled. A recommendation was made that planning begin as soon as possible, so the event can be advertised to VBS families June 11-15, 2012.
Jacobson Hall: Black walls – The black wall will be draped or covered in some way in order to create a more welcoming worship space for the Spanish ministry and Glory Lutheran. It was noted that the interior of Jacobson Hall also needs a fresh coat of paint. Brett is leading a team to accomplish these tasks; he will be working with the Property Committee.
Jacobson Hall: Replacement of screen – The location of the screen and its size need to be determined. Brett will convene a group of concerned parties to resolve this issue.
YMCA Usage of Facilities – The item was tabled.
Budget Gap – Sheri opened the discussion by announcing that Pastor Ron and Penny have offered to help close the budget gap, both short-term and long-term, by reducing his total compensation package by $250 per pay period or $500 per month. He also offered to reduce his combined annual Continuing Education and Professional accounts by a total of $1,000 for an annual combined annual reduction of $7,000.
A lengthy discussion followed where it was pointed out that circumstances, the economy, responsibilities, and the congregation’s expectations have changed since Pastor Ron came to St. Mark’s in 2008. In an effort to create a more sustainable, long-term operational budget, Council will continue to assess all ministries, responsibilities and salaries over the next 6 months.
Motion by Mike seconded by Pat: To accept Pastor Ron’s offer to reduce his defined compensation package by $250 per week or $500 per month and the Combined Education and Professional accounts by a total of $1,000 annually for an annual total of $7,000 effective July 1, 2012 ($3,500 in 2012 and $7,000 in 2013). Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion followed regarding the duties of the Pastor.
Motion by Pat, seconded by Sheri: To complete the assessment of the Pastor’s job description (that was begun in October, 2011) and align it with his defined compensation package in collaboration with Pastor Ron. The Pastor’s duties and responsibilities are to be approved by June 1, 2012, to allow enough time for the annual personnel review. Motion passed unanimously.
New Business
Committee on Personnel – Mark Lechner pointed out the need for appointments to the Committee on Personnel.
Motion by Mark Lechner, seconded by Pat: To appoint Mark Becerra and Mike Collins to the Committee on Personnel for 2012. Motion passed unanimously.
Congregational Meeting – Although Council has already closed the $20,000 budget gap for 2012, a review of the timeline indicated that April 1 is Palm Sunday and several Council members will not be available for the Congregational Meeting originally scheduled for that date. As a result, the Congregational Meeting to present the revised 2012 budget was re-set to April 15, 2012.
Nominating Committee – Brett will present names for the Nominating Committee to be approved at the April 15, 2012 Congregational Meeting.
Memorial Endowment Committee – Brett will recruit members of the Memorial Endowment Committee who will be approved at the April 15, 2012 Congregational Meeting.
Praise Service – A brief discussion took place regarding the future of the Praise Service on Wednesday evenings.
Motion by Mark Lechner, seconded by Mark Becerra: To have a recommendation from the Worship Committee on the Praise Service by October 1, 2012. The goal of this motion is to increase attendance and effectiveness as a ministry. Motion passed unanimously.
Change Leadership Team and Council Meeting Time – The time for the Change Leadership Team and Council meeting was changed to 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. in order to accommodate some Council members’ work schedules. The Change Leadership Team report will be limited to two Teams per month.
Pastor’s Report – There was no report.
Spanish Language Service Report – There was no report.
Director of Operations Report
Brett reported that he is exploring the concept of a day care center to increase day-time use of the facilities.
Boy Scout Troop – Mark Becerra advised the Council of the leadership difficulties within the Boy Scout Troop. Mark, along with several other Troop leaders, has reluctantly left the Troop. Pastor Ron has sent an email to Council with his report regarding the difficulties in the troop, and the issue has been referred to BSA District leadership for further investigation.
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