FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY
PARISH MEETING MINUTES
MADISON, WI June 3, 2007
ATTENDANCE
86 members signed the attendance lists.
OPENING
Michael Schuler opened the meeting by reminding us that we live in a democracy and we must work in community and consider all viewpoints that are presented. Our seven-year process to meet our facilities needs has led to a good result. Democracy is a process and it is our fifth principle. It is important to put it to work.
CALL TO ORDER
First Unitarian Society President Pat Anderson called the meeting to order at time 1:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- The minutes from the May 7, 2006 Parish meetings were introduced.
- It was MOVED and seconded to approve the minutes. The motion CARRIED unanimously
- The minutes of the October 1, 2006 Parish meeting were introduced.
- It was MOVED and seconded to approve the minutes. The motion CARRIED unanimously.
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
- The slate of nominations introduced by Paula Alt.
- It was MOVED and seconded to approve the slate. The motion CARRIED unanimously.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Sue Radtke presented the Treasurer’s report. The past year’s budget was balanced and the results have been mailed to all members.
The 2007-2008 Budget is not balanced. Pledges are coming in slowly. We are about ninety pledges short of last year. Those who have pledged have been more generous. We are counting on those who have pledged slower than previously to come through.
Our parking income will have a deficit for coming year. The other item with a deficit is the building rental because it is under construction and cannot be used. Consequently, we have a shortfall in revenue from this item. We also don’t know how other fund raising such as Cabaret will go this coming year during construction. All of these shortfalls have made balancing the budget a challenge.
In response to a question it was pointed out that general expenses include program expenses that are not staff expense. Computers and software are in this item.
We have left in staff raises but they are modest. We changed insurance plans to maintain staff benefits and the change saves $52,000.
A question was asked about the housing expense. It was explained that this is another part of the minister’s compensation. It is separated out for tax reasons. This is a standard item and the tax laws drive it.
Various cutbacks have already been made in the expenses. These cutbacks have been across the board as a percentage of expenses to make them more equitable. Childcare arts and crafts have been cutback. The teen program will be affected because of the reduction of the expense for food.
There was a request for further information about the housing allowance. Jim Jaeger and Vicky Jones offered comments about the rationale for this based on the ministers being self-employed and we allocate a portion of their pay to housing to get a tax-free income credit for housing.
A suggestion was made to have earmarked contributions. This proposal has merit and will be looked at but it does not replace getting in annual pledges that members are expected to contribute.
A MOTION was made by Nancy Vedder-Schultz to reinstate $6550 for the religious education budget. John Schweitzer seconded the motion. In the discussion it was observed by Rebecca Bernstein that only a few parents were present and they would want to have a voice in this issue. Elizabeth Barrett voiced support for the motion. A request was made to have past year budget figures when considering the annual budget. The question was called. The call of the question carried. The motion FAILED.
Nancy Vedder Schultz asked Dan Broner where the $2700 music program cut came. It was part of the overall cut in the program, which each program has been asked to make.
Tom Boykoff asked about the possibility of using our designated pledges to make up the deficit instead of sending them out of our congregation. Michael pointed out that the designated pledges have increased our plate offering and not only help others outside the congregation but they also increase the plate offering that helps the congregation directly.
Comments were made that each member has areas about which they are passionate. We need to be creative with fund raising and to have others offer to assist with the annual campaign so that we have broad support for the annual campaign.
Pat pointed out that our goal today is to pass the budget knowing that it could include a deficit. We all have concerns about the state of the budget and the cutbacks. However we need to pass a budget.
A MOTION was made by Nancy Webster and seconded by Janet Stonecipher to accept the budget.
Sue Radtke described the specific expenses that are included in the general expenses category in response to the earlier question (information was obtained by staff while the preceding discussion occurred).
The question was called and seconded. The call of the question carried.
The motion CARRIED with one vote against it.
NOMINATIONS
Paula Alt presented a correction to the slate of nominations. Pam Johnson and Nick Schweitzer were inadvertently left off the slate as initially presented. Also Ann Pooler will be starting a new two year term. This is a correction to the slate that was approved.
- Mike May MOVED for approval of the corrections and a second was made.
- The motion CARRIED.
FACILILTIES UPDATE
David Weber described the work on the new construction. The asbestos abatement is occurring in the loggia. The biggest surprise is that there are extra walls in the office walls that we surmise were added for sound insulation. The history is unknown. In the C wing we have now given away over four tons of recyclable material.
The current capital campaign total is at approximately $5,057,000 collected and pledged.
In response to a question, David said the treated wood on the Beacon Street West (the walkway between the trailers) will also be given away when the construction is done.
Michael May gave an update from the preservation committee. The air venting work is well underway. The lighting has been chosen and it was pointed out to the attendees of the meeting. Other miscellaneous work for preservation was described. A question was asked about whether the new lights will have the buzzing sound because it is distracting during meditation. Unfortunately this sound is an aspect of this type of light and the light meets our other criteria such as light quality and energy efficiency. We are going to have to adapt to the buzzing. A question was asked about refinishing the floors. Not addressing that issue this summer. There was a question regarding air conditioning the auditorium. It will not be added. We will just add air movement equipment. A fan system can be used to input warm air in the event of a failed floor heating system. The thinking was that the new auditorium, which will be air conditioned will be sufficient.
LAY MINISTERS
Michael Schuler presented the names of lay ministers for parish approval. Lay ministers perform weddings in the name of FUS. We do this in part to relieve ministers of an unwieldy burden. The individuals who are presented for approval include Janet Stonecipher (2 years), Lori Creswell, Wendy Cooper, Barb Nels-Lowe, Vicky Jones, Nancy Vedder Schultz and Kate Ihus.
- It was MOVED and seconded to accept these lay ministers.
- The slate of lay ministers was unanimously APPROVED.
THANK YOU AND FINAL COMMENTS
Pat Anderson thanked the congregation for its support of her as President.
CLOSING
EXHIBITS
1. Parish minutes from 5/7/2006
- Parish minutes from 10/1/2006
- Slate of nominations
- Treasurer’s report including operating budget
- Friends of the Meeting House Annual Report
