St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
Council Minutes
November 17, 2011
Members Present: Sheri Barker, Mark Becerra, Mike Collins, Pastor Ron Hovick, Karl Larsen, Mark Lechner, Pat Milliken, Ann-Marie Pering, Alicia Saenz
Members Absent: Frank Carson
Non-Voting Member Present: Brett Perkins
Guests: Crystal Clumfoot, Karen Martin, George Stallard
The meeting convened at 6:10 p.m. with prayer by Pastor Ron.
Change Leadership Team Meeting – A date for the annual congregational meeting was discussed and the date set for January 22, 2012. Informational budget meetings will be held on January 8 and 15, 2012.
The Strategic Plan 2020 is nearing completion. Copies of Draft #3 will be available until the new graphic design and logo are completed and the brochures printed. Hopefully, everything will be completed for the annual meeting.
Council Business –
Motion by Mark Becerra, seconded by Pastor Ron: To approve the minutes of the October 20, 2011 meeting as corrected. Motion passed unanimously.
Financial Reports – Karen Martin provided the financial reports. She projected that the year would end with a $20,000 deficit. The benevolence of $4,500 has been received from Glory Church. She reviewed the proposed 2012 budget and answered questions. Approval of the 2012 budget was tabled for the December meeting. She noted there is $30,000 in non-designated funds and $47,000 in designated funds.
Old Business –
Re-roofing project on out-buildings – George Stallard reported that he had obtained an estimate of $34,000 to have the out-buildings re-roofed with composite shingles. He also had a bid of $106,000 to stucco the buildings. Discussion took place on replacing boards and repainting to improve the looks of the buildings until a decision can be made regarding financing and moving forward with the project.
A discussion took place regarding replacing the glass in the windows at the back of the sanctuary. Several suggestions were discussed and George will follow up on ideas and costs.
Stewardship Committee – Mark Lechner reported that he is trying to resolve the problem. A discussion took place regarding where Stewardship should be placed within the Strategic Plan.
Spanish Language Service – Karl reported that the issue with Bishop Finck over the Spanish language service had been resolved. Alicia thanked the Council for its support. Council will help Alicia get the word out about the Spanish language service.
Statement of Giving – The statements of giving have been mailed out.
Clearwire – Karl received a letter from Clearwire stating that St. Mark’s is still listed as an active site, but, based on a phone conversation, that may change soon. They may drop us as a possible site.
New Business –
Drainage Repair Work – George explained that the outside drainage problem began last year with water flooding the equipment room. The problem reoccurred with the recent rains. A plumber was called in to help determine the cause of the flooding. It was determined there was blockage in the underground drainage system. George provided drawings showing the layout of the system, where the blockage was found, and the repairs that were made. The plumber worked on the drainage system for nearly a week and the cost was $4,660.00. It was suggested an annual inspection of the drainage system be made in order to find blockages before they become a problem.
Debit Account for Youth – Pastor Ron explained that Youth Director Lee Wagenblast had asked for a debit account so that he could pay for expenses for youth group activities. Discussion took place on the best way to accommodate his request.
Motion by Sheri seconded by Mark Becerra: To approve a strategy to provide the Youth Director with funds for use to support youth activities with a checking account, debit card, or prepaid card in the amount of up to $1,000. Motion passed unanimously.
Youth Van – Brett reported that it was decided that the youth group’s van was not in condition to take the group on a trip to Indio and rental van was used. The insurance on the youth group van has been paid ($800.00). Discussion took place on whether the cost of operation of the van was cost effective. Brett will monitor how often the van is used and a decision will be made in the future regarding keeping it.
Thrivent Choice Dollars – Efforts will be made to alert members of the congregation who have Thrivent accounts of the availability of Choice Dollars and ask them to designate St. Mark’s as the recipient of their Dollars.
Lutheran Retreats Camps and Conferences (LRCC) – Karl received a letter from LRCC requesting a donation. The consensus of the Council was to not make a donation.
Council Term Updates – Karl surveyed the Council to see who would be returning to Council in 2012. A discussion took place regarding possible Council candidates.
Proposed Modifications to Worship Space – At the Town Hall meeting held on November 13, it was suggested that the altar be modified to make it possible to be moved back to allow more space for performances. Options were suggested, but no action was taken. It was noted that a congregational vote would be required for approval.
Pastor’s Report – Pastor Ron asked for approval to be gone (vacation) December 25 (after services) until December 31. Council approved.
Director of Operations Report – Brett reported that Glory Lutheran had paid its benevolence and he had a discussion with Pastor Betty regarding Glory’s future.
Personnel Committee- Personnel evaluations have been completed.
Conversation – Conversation took place with Crystal Clumfoot, a member of the community, regarding St. Mark’s youth program. Although she lives in the community, she and her family attend church in El Cajon. While she would like to become a member of St. Mark’s, she thought her children received better religious education at the El Cajon church. She thought the activates at St. Mark’s were good, but the education part was lacking.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. with the Lord’s Prayer.
Patricia Milliken
Secretary