President Bob Lechner called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.

Present: Bob Lechner, Marcia Salvestrini, Sheri Barker, Jean Gerber, Pastor Alicia, Billy Cox, Diane Wages, Laura Ortiz, Chris Lewis, Freddie Lizarraga, Bob Petrin, and Skip Knudsen.

Pastor Alicia led the opening prayer.

Minutes of the November Council meeting were read and approved as amended.

Legacy Committee: Marcia Salvestrini, from the Legacy Committee, reported changes to the bylaws by the Committee.  Sheri Barker moved that we accept the changes and forward the revised policy to the Congregational Meeting in January for approval.  Seconded by Skip Knudsen and unanimously approved.

Freddie Lizarrage will become a member of the Legacy Committee representing San Marcos.

Treasurer’s Report:  Diane wages gave the status of the budget. We have a total cash balance of $76,000.  Our expenses are at 80% of our budget. We are a bit below last year’s income, but December is usually a good month for giving and we hope to break even.   If we end the year with a surplus of funds, monies will be transferred to the Property Committee to meet property needs. Billy Cox moved to accept the financial report, seconded by Chris Lewis.  Unanimously approved.

Diane presented a proposed 2020 budget for St. Mark’s.  The budget established an income goal of $318,000. Discussion was held regarding a person to operate our visual media for Sunday services.  It was suggested to offer a paid position to a Southwestern student at the rate of $50 per Sunday, for 50 Sundays, to operate the computer and sound system.  Motion to adopt proposed budget as adjusted was made by Billy Cox, seconded by Bob Petrin and unanimously adopted.

A motion to make our Benevolence payment to the Synod was made by Billy Cox, seconded by Diane Wages and unanimously approved.

Property Committee:  Council received a budget proposal from the Property Committee.  Discussion ensued. Proposal will be forwarded to the 2020 Council for possible action. 

Transition Committee:  Discussion was held regarding the lack of Second Service member on the Call Committee.  Pastor Alicia is working on securing an additional alternate to serve on the Call Committee.  Additional alternate will need to be approved at the Congregational Meeting in January.

Pastor Alicia:  Pastor Alicia is working to increase the attendance of San Marcos congregation.  Pr. Alicia also announced that the children will present the Christmas program to Glory Lutheran on Sunday the 22nd.  Pastor Alicia will also be doing the Christmas Eve Service since Pastor Boye will be absent.

Next meeting of the Council will be January 21, 2020.  There will also be an inservice retreat for the new incoming Council on February 8, 2020.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:35.

SK