Members Present: Sheri Barker, Mark Bacerra, Frank Carson, Mike Collins, Pastor Ron Hovick, Karl Larsen, Mark Lechner, Pat Milliken, Ann-Marie Pering
Members Absent: None
Non-Voting Member Present: Brett Perkins, Diane Flint-Wages
The meeting convened at 6:15 p.m. with a prayer from Mike Collins.
Change Leadership Team Meeting – Sheri presented a draft of the 2011-2012 Action Priorities. Each Core Strategy was finalized and three Action Plans were prioritized for each Strategy. Monitoring and updates are essential to keeping the Plan moving. Deferred maintenance needs were discussed as well as potential financing arrangements. Mark Lechner will work with his Sustainment Team to develop a budget to be presented for Council approval and then presented to the Congregation for approval at the Annual Meeting in January. A Town Hall Meeting was set for November 13, 2011. The agenda items for the meeting will be 1) Emergency Property Concerns and 2) Prioritized Action Plan.
Council Meeting –
Motion by Frank, seconded by Pastor Ron: To approve the minutes of the September 15, 2011, meeting as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
Financial Report – Diane called attention to the negative year-to-date figure of $31,762.91 (Net Income), 2011 compared to 2010. She recalled that in 2010, the decision was made to transfer $16,500 from savings to meet budget. As a result, the year ended about even. She projected that 2011 will be from $15,000 to $20,000 short. Since 2007, the reserve account has dwindled from $103,000 to $42,700. The specific decisions were made to use the extra money in reserves to enhance our Mission. Diane cautioned that we cannot continue to draw down the reserve account and difficult decisions will have to be made when looking at the 2012 budget. She noted that the problem is income; expenses are under control. She will review income for November and December 2010 and make a better year-end projection report to Council at the November meeting.
Old Business – Pastor Ron and Brett have approached leadership at Glory Lutheran Church regarding increasing their benevolence. Glory leadership is discussing the matter with their congregation.
Mark Lechner has been exploring a stewardship committee and the possibility of a stewardship drive. Sheri pointed out that expenses resulting from the Action Plan need to be considered in any fundraising efforts.
A discussion took place regarding the issue of the cemetery plot at Glenn Abbey that was recently donated to St. Marks.
Motion by Sheri, seconded by Frank: To sell the plot at Glenn Abbey. Motion carried with one no vote.
The cemetery plot will be listed for sale in the bulletin.
New Business – Bylaws were reviewed with regard to bringing Alicia Saenz on board Council. In conclusion, Council agreed to appoint her to Council as a member of the Spanish speaking service and to check with the Synod on her status as a Pastor.
Motion by Mark Lechner, seconded by Mark Bacerra: To bring Alicia Saenz on as a Council member with full voting rights until such time as her status as a Pastor has been verified. Motion passed unanimously.
Alicia was advised that she had been appointed as a Council member.
Pastor’s Report – Pastor Ron advised that he would be out of town on November 6 and that Pastor Bill Bengston would conduct services. He met with the new Youth Director, Lee Wagenblast, and discussed his long-term goals and philosophy. Pastor Ron provided information on the possibility of the youth selling shirts embroidered with “St. Mark’s” as a fundraiser. He advised that the Assistant Bishop will be at St. Mark’s on October 30 to observe the Spanish ministry and Glory Lutheran. Additionally, Alicia Saenz might be installed on that day.
Director of Operations Report – Brett advised that he and Karen have developed the 2012 budget and that they need to meet with the Budget Committee before the November Council meeting. The budget will be presented to the congregation at the annual meeting in January. Karl said that a time would be set for Diane and the Executive Committee to meet with Brett and Karen.
Committee Reports – Sheri reported that the Personnel Committee has completed employee evaluations for everyone except Pastor Ron.
Motion by Frank, seconded by Mark Bacerra: To adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Patricia Milliken, Secretary