IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes
August 27, 2006

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Gathering

Marlaine called the meeting to order @ 11:05 a.m.  Marlaine provided opening devotions.

Preparing

Adoption of the agenda: 

MOTION by Elizabeth Ayoub, SECONDED by Den Graeber:

TO APPROVE THE AGENDA FOR THE August 27, 2006 SPECIAL  COUNCIL MEETING AS WRITTEN.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Serving

Clark-Showers Usage of the Parsonage:

Larry Kruth represented Management Committee for presentation of the information to council.

1.   Discussion of the potential tax implications of “renting” the parsonage to the family.  Based upon the City Assessor’s direct review of the property, the potential tax liability is approximately $4700.  This is determined by the occupants/use as of 12/31/2006.  Planning/tax forms may be filed by the Church Treasurer.

2.   Discussion of MSHDA time limits.  MSHDA does require that the lease term be at least one year, but that may be ended upon mutual agreement of the parties.  MSHDA does provide that tenants covered under the Section 8 voucher program may be required to pay for utilities.  There is a concern about a potential MSHDA inspection of the facilities requiring substantial upgrades to the property. 

3.   Discussion of the long term outcomes.  Generally, the best option for the family would be to find a long term solution that would be “home,” but we are working within the constraints of the September 29, 2006 deadline imposed by MSHDA.  The bottom line question is whether the Church is willing to allow a one year contract for the family to find more permanent housing. 

4.   Recommendations to the Congregation.

Option 1:

• One year commitment from and with the family through September 2007.

• The lease agreement will be contingent upon a positive inspection from MSHDA.

• The lease payments from MSHDA would cover the costs for utilities and taxes.  Utilities include: gas, electric, water, sewer, and trash removal.

• The family would be expected to contribute funds to an individual development account through MSHDA as preparation for moving forward.

• If the family finds another home prior to 12/30/2006, then we would release them from the lease agreement at their request.

Option 2:

• If the family can make arrangements to take occupancy of a home on or before 12/30/2006, the Church would allow the family to continue to occupy the Church property under the current agreement.

• The family shall vacate the Church property on or before 12/30/2006.

MOTION by John Van Hoesen, SECONDED by Elizabeth Ayoub:

TO SEEK THE CONGREGATION’S APPROVAL AT THE SEPTEMBER 17, 2006 SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING FOR COUNCIL’S RECOMMENDATION TO PRESENT BOTH OPTIONS TO THE FAMILY.

            UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Bylaws Discussion:

1.      Informational Meeting & Other Input Discussion

Ex-Officio Discussion

• Past practice has been that ex-officio members were not given votes unless they were an approved member of the committee.

• Concerns about ramifications of allowing a staff member to vote on matters that come before a particular Resource Team. 

• Recommendation is to provide language that states that the staff will serve in an advisory capacity without a vote.

• Additional references to non-elected ex-officio representatives shall be updated to reflect the advisory capacity.  This capacity will not provide the individual with the right to vote.

Appendix Revisions

• Many of the recommendations deal primarily with clarifications of particular terms in the appendix. 

• Use specific language about Ministry areas as listed in the By Laws.

• These will be corrected and/or updated to reflect those necessary clarifications.

Treasurer’s Report & Other Reports/Information

• Clarify that report is updated on a regular basis.

• Copies of all reports are available to members upon request.

MOTION by Elizabeth Ayoub, SECONDED by Den Graeber:

TO MAKE THE DISCUSSED CHANGES TO THE PROPOSED BYLAWS FOR FINAL PRESENTATION TO THE CONGREGATION.

            UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Closing

Special congregational meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2006 at 6:15 p.m.

We closed with a prayer from Den Graeber @ 12:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Copies of committee minutes and reports, as referred to in the Council Minutes, can be obtained in the church office.

Questions related to council meetings can be directed to council by sending an email to: council@immanuel-gl.org.  Questions also can be directed to any member of council by contacting them directly using information published in the church directory.