Meeting called to order at 6:08 P.M. by President Sheri Barker

Members present:   Sheri Barker, Bob Lechner, Diane Wages, Michael Marquez, Pastor Alicia Saenz, Pastor Dan Cole, and Sherri Coughlin

Absent:   Rachael Perez, Freddie Lacarra

Opening Prayer

Devotion and Prayer led by Bob Lechner

Action Items

  • May Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.     One correction was made.    Changed the word “purse” to “pursue” under “Motion:   Approve Dick Bolin to Purse Tower Point Letter of Intent”.
  • Motion was made (Michael M)) and seconded (Diane W.) to approve the May 18, 2020 minutes as corrected and unanimously approved.
  • Treasurer Diane Wages reviewed the May Financial reports with Council. 
  • Due to a number of errors in the May Financial reports, Diane requested time to correct the errors and resubmit the reports for approval at the next Council meeting.
  • Diane reviewed the Profit & Loss statement with Council and pointed out that our total Income is very close to budgeted amount.  We should be at 50% at the end of June. She noted that this is very commendable under current circumstances.
  • Decision on Term of Lease Sale & Affirm Process for Congregational Vote.

Lengthy discussion held on whether Council should consider 30-year, 50 year, or 99-year lease with Tower Point.  Most members were supporting the 99-year term, which would pay us $375,000.00.  Diane shared her analysis which supported the 50-year term, giving us $350,000.00.  She pointed out the percentage differences between 30-year versus 50 year (16% increase) and 50 year vs. 99 years (only 7%).  

Sheri then informed Council that she has been recently contacted by two other companies that are interested in purchasing our Lease. She has referred one of the requests to Dick Bolin for review and follow up. She is waiting to hear back from the second company for a written request.

Discussion was then held on whether or not to postpone this Sunday’s Congregational vote on accepting Tower Point’s proposal.  It was concluded and agreed that we should postpone the vote to allow us the time to investigate the additional offers, and be able to present the best possible deal for our church to the Congregation.

  • SMC commitment for Mission Support.

Sheri Barker presented a document from the Synod which was provided to make a commitment for the next twelve months.  We have already make a 25% increase from 2019 ($15,000) to 2020 ($20.000).  Diane reported that we have paid $5,000.00 for the first quarter and requested that our second payment is due this month.

Motion was made (Diane W.) and seconded (Michael M.) to make the second payment of $5,000 to the Synod prior to June 30th and unanimously approved.

  • Re-opening St. Mark’s for in-person worship.
  • Pastor Dan is suggesting that we possibly re-open in August and hold services outside in the courtyard, at least for a couple of months.
  • On-line services will continue.
  • Aurundaum plans to begin in-person worship on July 5th.
  • Pastor Alicia is considering re-opening Spanish Services on July 19th.

Discussion Items

Updates:

  • Roofing & Repair of Upper Campus buildings project is completed.
  • Dennis C. & Bob B. will be re-staining the pews in the sanctuary this week.
  • Funding has been received for the Stimulus Payroll Protection Plan application.
  • Synod grant for COVID 19 support in the amount of $1,000.00 has been received and a Go Pro camera was purchased.

Reports

  • Pastor Dan-
  • Preaching, busy delivering items to those in need.
  • Met with the Worship Committee
  • Making phone calls to members
  • Pastor Alicia-
  • Preaching, planning services, calling members.
  • Personnel Committee-
  1. The committee met on Saturday and made the following decisions:
  2. It was agreed to increase Maryury’s hours from 20 hours to 24 hours per week.   She was sent a letter informing her of the increase and giving her options to create a new work schedule
  3. It was also agreed to expand Jason’s independent contractor role.  He also received a letter confirming his expanded roles and the decision to maintain the additional $75 per week he has been receiving to provide increased leadership in worship and music design.
  • Bob Lechner closed the meeting with Prayer.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M.

Next Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 27th (Zoom)

Submitted by S. Coughlin