IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes
September 11, 2006

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Gathering

Mike called the meeting to order @ 7:05 p.m.  John provided opening devotions.

Preparing

MOTION by Dan Landry, SECONDED by  Gregg Vicary

Adopt the agenda as written.

Motion Carries, Unanimously Approved.

Review of Previous Council Minutes:

MOTION by Gregg Vicary, SECONDED by  Den Graeber

Approve the August 14, 2006 Council Minutes.  Approved with changes to spelling of Lions Club.

Motion Carries, Unanimously Approved.

MOTION by John Van Hoesen, SECONDED by  Gregg Vicary

Approve the August 14, 2006 Council Minutes.  Approved with changes.

Motion Carries, Unanimously Approved.

Changes proposed:  IRS Tax Forms 990C or T may be filed by the Church Treasurer.  MSHDA should be spelled out.  Clarify the potential financial obligations that may be significant.  If the Parsonage “passes” inspection, but the projected expenses are $1000 more than that budgeted, seek additional approval from the Congregation.  Clarify in Option 1 that the family would have to vacate the property on or before 12/30/05.  Correct Marlaine’s opening of the meeting as a “prayer.”

Treasurer's Report: 

Pat supplied the Treasurer’s report but was unable to attend.  Highlights of the Report are as follows:  The General Fund balance was ($3020.78).  The Building Fund Balance $4259.48. 

MOTION by Gregg Vicary SECONDED by Teresa  Barcy

To approve the Treasurer’s report as written.

Motion Carries, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Committee Reports: 

Health Ministries: No written report, no Council action required.

Management: Written report, no Council action required.

Discussion of the Kitchen Use Policy by Council.  Marlaine and Teresa recused themselves from the discussion.  The Management Committee minutes speak to the tax implications of the use of the Church Kitchen by Teresa.  A Council Member indicated that several individuals had approached them about the kitchen and its use.  They contacted Bishop Hansen and he directed them to David Ulrich under the ELCA’s counsel for tax issues.  He advised that the local tax assessor would be the final authority on state issues.  The local tax assessor is given the power to interpret state tax laws.  Based upon general inquiries, the local assessor advised that MCL 211.8, 8a, 8b and 9a – 9e have direct bearing on this matter.  The matter will be referred to Management to work through the state tax issues identified above and return to Council for the October meeting if possible.

Outreach: Written Report.  Crop Walk is October 8th at 2:00 pm, no Council action required.

Parish Education: No written report, no Council action required.

Property: No written Report.  

Roof Repair Report given by Mike Proper.  Received an updated bid for the short-term roofing issues, just received by Mike this afternoon.  Information will be forwarded to Council shortly with specific Property Committee recommendations and comments.  Due to the late nature of the notice, Property Committee will meet as quickly as possible and a special Council Meeting may be necessary to prevent any additional delays.  Fall clean-up is scheduled for October 21 and will be in the Manger.

Discussion of the Council’s philosophy on the bid process and adjusting our process to account for the lack of additional bidders and the prioritization of the needed repairs.  Marlaine indicated that she asked two different, knowable people in the industry and two different opinions about the propriety of re-bidding.  Also, we discussed the appropriateness of moving forward with only one bid.  Mike advised that Property Committee is very comfortable with the recommended work.

MOTION by Dan Landry, SECONDED by Gregg Vicary

Allow the Property Committee move forward with the roof repairs if the Committee approves the revised bid.

Motion Carries, 1 member opposed

Stewardship: No written report, no Council action required.  Stewardship Sunday will be planned for Hanging of the Greens Sunday.

Worship: No written report, no Council action required.

Youth: No written report, no Council action required.

Memorial & Special Gifts: No written report, no Council action required.

Pastor Rick’s Report: Written report (July/August), no Council action required.

MOTION by Dan Landry, SECONDED by Teresa Barcy

Allow Pr. Rick to have the weekend of October 15^th off as vacation time.

Motion Carries, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Discussion of future Sabbatical for Pr. Rick.  He would like to take time in Summer 2007 (tentatively July/August).  He would like to perform some mission work and travel and study as renewal.  There is no current contract that includes the specifics of how this would work.  This will be worked out with Management and presented to Council for review.

Serving

Correspondence:

Review of Clark/Showers preparations – Marlaine advised that there is some flexibility with Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and the Section 8 Voucher program.  The contact at MSHDA indicated that they need a contract by the end of September, but that the start date could be up to December 1, 2005.  It may not be extended beyond that date though.  Marlaine will make the contact with MSHDA if necessary to extend the time frame.  The congregational meeting is scheduled for 9/17/06 and a Resettlement Support Group meeting will be scheduled within a couple days to continue moving forward with the family’s plans and obligations.  Voting will be by secret ballot.

Bylaws Revision:

The Congregational Meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2006.  This topic will be addressed prior to the Clark/Showers matter.  All comments received through August 27, 2006, including those from the informational meetings in July and August have been reviewed and incorporated as appropriate.  The final informational meeting is scheduled for September 13, 2006 at 7:00.  Notice was included in the letter to the Congregation.  Voting will be by secret ballot.

Church Planning Calendar:

• Preparation of the 2007 Budget Recommendations

• First Communion Celebration:  October 1, 2006

• Crop Walk:  October 8, 2006

• Fall Clean-up : October 21, 2006

Next Monthly Council Meeting: October 9, 2006 at 7 pm.

Closing

We closed with the Lord’s Prayer @ 9:44 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.