Members Present: Sheri Barker, Pastor Ron Hovick, Mark Lechner, Pat Milliken, David Perez
Members Absent: Mark Becerra, Juanita Celis, Mike Collins, Alicia Saenz
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 Pastor Ron, seconded by Mark Lechner: To approve the minutes of the April 19, 2012 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Financial Reports
Treasurer Diane Flint Wages reported that Income continues to be blessed with the generosity of our congregation. Income from Envelopes is up $17,000 over this time last year; total income year to date is $182,500. At this point, budget is being exceeded. Salaries and Benefits are within budget and slightly less than a year ago. The $5,000 special Benevolence to the Synod approved at the April Council meeting has been paid. The reserve fund is at $81,000, down from last month because of an insurance payment.
Budget Update
Brett reported that the congregation appears satisfied with the 2012 budget.
Old Business
Boy Scouts – David advised that the Boy Scouts have a campout planned. Eight boys and three adults will participate. All proper paperwork has been filed for the trip. There are now 10 boys in the Troop.
Congregational Meeting – Discussion took place regarding plans for future budgets to be sustainable; alternative stewardship options; and the Wednesday night praise service. Mark Lechner pointed out the need to have the Nominating Committee approved by the congregation. In conclusion, a short congregational meeting was set for Sunday, May 20, immediately after services. Mark pointed out that in preparation for the Annual Meeting, a check list of things to be accomplished needs to be developed. He took responsibility for developing that checklist and a timeline, and will have it ready for approval by July.
Photo of Church Council Members – Council members are to provide a photograph or be available for a photograph on June 3rd. Photos will be posted on the Website and hung in the narthex.
Movement of Spanish Language Service – Brett reported that the Areumdaun Church is willing to adjust its meeting time to accommodate the Spanish language service beginning at 11:00 in the sanctuary. He will move forward with exploring the idea. An implementation target date was set for July 1, 2012. It was pointed out that the nursery hours will have to be extended.
Realign Committee Assignments – Tabled
Update: Fingerprinting Staff – Brett recommended that the Personnel Committee take responsibility for setting and approving a policy regarding fingerprinting and background checks on employees and volunteers. After the policy is set, he will take responsibility for implementing it.
Motion by Mark Lechner, seconded by David: For the Personnel Committee to develop and approve a policy for fingerprinting and/or background checks in time to support Vacation Bible School. Motion passed unanimously.
Request to Move Council Meeting Day & Time– No action needed at this time.
Revisit Fees for Lutheran High School Use – A discussion took place regarding the St. Mark’s Guidelines for Facility Use and criteria used to determine the fee for Lutheran High School’s use of Jacobson Hall.
New Business
Potential Large Donation – There is a need to set up a procedure for establishing prioritized approach to use of such funds, but the item was tabled at this time.
Pastor’s Report
Pastor Ron held a meeting with Diane and members of the staff to discuss staff’s role in developing the budget. A meeting with staff regarding time cards also took place. A discussion regarding the role of the bookkeeper in the budget process was suggested for the June meeting. Policies and procedures need to be clarified.
Spanish Language Service Report – Sheri had an e-mail message from Alicia stating that there were 18 people in attendance at the Spanish language service on Sunday. This group is excited about moving their service into the sanctuary and to a later time slot.
Director of Operations Report – Nothing further to report.
Committee Reports –
Worship Committee – Sheri reported that the Worship Committee has established a sub-committee to redesign and revitalize our live band worship service; this may include day and time of the service, worship format, and strategies to increase participation in order to make this a viable mission activity.
Property Committee – Brett pointed out that a screen is still needed for Jacobson Hall. He also recognized the work of Bob Dreesen, Dave Barker and other members of the Property Committee who spent several days cleaning out the Z Room and backstage areas in Jacobson Hall.
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Patricia Milliken
Secretary