IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes
October 10, 2005

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Gathering

John called the meeting to order @ 7:05 p.m.  Dan (Outreach Committee) provided devotions.

Preparing

Review of Previous Council Minutes:

MOTION by Dan Landry, SECONDED by Matt Cermak:

TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 2005 COUNCIL MINUTES AS WRITTEN.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Treasurer's Report:

Nathan reviewed the September 2005 Treasurer's Report, and noted that our deficit is now down to $7,627.07.

MOTION by Mike Proper, SECONDED by Bob Carter:

TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 2005 TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Larry Kruth pointed out that Management Committee will be trying to combine some of the line items before the end of the year in an effort to make this statement easier to read. 

MOTION by Mike Proper, SECONDED by Matt Cermak:

TO COMBINE HEIRLINES, CO-PILOTS, YOUTH GROUP, ROAD RULZ AND YOUTH RETREAT LINE ITEMS INTO ONE LINE ITEM TO BE TITLED “YOUTH GROUP.”

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Further discussion on the current line item “Youth Convention.”  According to Larry, this fund was established years ago when there was a surplus in the budget!  The purpose of this line item is to make funds available to the youth, with the understanding that they may use it as matching funds to whatever fundraising they accomplish.  However, current administration was unaware of the “matching” provision.  We decided that we would encourage the youth to continue in their fundraising efforts (currently there are 5 fundraisers planned), and, if necessary, we can elect to release the funds currently in this line item.

Committee Reports:

Parish Education:  No written report, no Council action required.  Requesting to transfer remainder of VBS line item ($809.17) to the general fund. 

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

Management:  Written report (budget), Council action required. 

Outreach: Written report, no Council action required.   

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

Property: No written report, no Council action required.  A reminder that fall cleanup day is scheduled for November 5 – rain date of November 12.

Stewardship: Written report, no Council action required.

Youth: No written report, no Council action required.  

Worship: No written report, no Council action required.

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

Pastor Rick: Written report.  New member classes are in progress, and there will be 4-5 family units joining our congregation.  He requested that we designate Thanksgiving offerings.  Traditionally we designate them to GLEAP. 

MOTION by Mike Proper, SECONDED by Orv Erickson:

            TO DEDICATE 2005 THANKSGIVING OFFERINGS TO GLEAP.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Serving

Habitat for Humanity

Pat Gabriel advised us that Thrivent is willing to contribute 70% ($70,000) of a $100,000 “Lutheran build,” to occur in January 2006.  They are looking for commitments from Lutheran area churches to complete this project.  Thrivent is also looking for one-half of all labor hours to come from Lutheran congregations.  Typically, University Lutheran contributes most labor hours as well as financial assistance.  Pat is looking for our support, through bulletin notices, perhaps youth group assistance in creating posters to publicize around the town, newsletter publication, etc.  Outreach would like to see this small group ministry continue, and there is currently $100 in the budget for Habitat for Humanity.

MOTION by Orv Erickson, SECONDED by Dan Landry:

THAT IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH SUPPORT THE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY LUTHERAN BUILD.  THIS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED BY PLACING INFORMATION IN THE BULLETIN, ENCOURAGING DESIGNATED OFFERINGS, ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE HOUSE, AND AUTHORIZING PAT GABRIEL TO CONTACT A&W TO SET UP SPAGHETTI DINNERS AND OTHER FUNDRAISERS.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

2006 Budget Evaluation

Larry gave a brief overview of the budget process, indicating that each committee very carefully reviewed their proposed expenses, to the point that this is one of the most efficient budgets ever generated.  It was noted that we would HAVE to make our budget in 2006, as there isn’t an excessive amount of "extra."

Orv suggested that we have a system in place to monitor income and expenditures, versus what is actually donated or offset.  For example, coffee hour would be a good example to demonstrate these costs.  We will work with Nathan to see if we can accommodate this request.

Larry went through each committee/line item, explaining how the budgeted amounts were derived.

In the management line item, Larry noted that they used “cost of living” increase of approximately 3% for staff.  According to the information that the Management Committee used, we are underpaying Pastor Rick approximately $4,000.  They want to continue to offering increases to the pastoral position, so that when he ultimately retires, we can offer a similar salary to a new pastor.

Larry feels strongly that we need to offer a 3% cost of living increase to staff, as he doesn’t believe we pay our staff appropriately.  Others commented as to their feelings regarding the need/desire to pay the staff as to what has been suggested by Management Committee.  Consideration was given as to the current economic condition of the community, as well as the overall financial health of our congregation.

MOTION by Teresa Barcy, SECONDED by Orv Erickson:

TO PRESENT THE 2006 BUDGET AS WRITTEN TO THE CONGREGATION.

6 in favor.
3 opposed.

MOTION CARRIED.

Updated Kitchen Policy

Donna Gibbons distributed a draft policy for kitchen use.  The intent is for it to be simple, one page, and easily read for all users of the kitchen.  She worked on this with Bev Becker.  It is also their intent that our Vision Statement be included.  Donna asked for our input.

MOTION by Bob Carter, SECONDED by Mike Proper:

TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSED KITCHEN POLICY AS WRITTEN. MAINTENANCE CONCERNS WILL BE ADDRESSED BY THE PROPERTY COMMITTEE, AND ALL OTHER QUESTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE CHURCH OFFICE.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Immanuel Parsonage Informational Sheet

John reviewed the document created by Marlaine Teahan regarding the parsonage usage.  This document is not a contract and does not require signatures, other than acknowledgement by Leland and Rose that they have received and reviewed it.  It was pointed out that there will be one contact person who will serve as an intermediary between Immanuel and the Showers-Clark family.  Doug Scoggins has agreed to be that contact person, and Denise Proper is a backup. 

Restructure Review/Planning

John advised that the November date for a congregational meeting is “overambitious,” and not realistic.  Management Committee is reviewing the proposed Bylaw changes.  It was agreed that we would notify the congregation that we would be having informational meetings regarding these changes after the November Council meeting when Council has had an opportunity to review the proposed changes.

Property Evaluation Taskforce

Bob advised that he has obtained bids from three different contractors to perform basic roof repairs and maintenance.  There are some slight variations between the three estimates, but overall the anticipated cost for these changes is approximately $15,000-$18,000.  Bob recommends to Council that Brett Sabin builders be considered for this work.  Because the cost is in excess of $1,000, it needs to be presented to the congregation for their approval.  We will request from the congregation authority to pursue these repairs, with a contractor to be determined.

MOTION by Orv Erickson, SECONDED by Teresa Barcy:

TO ADD AN AGENDA ITEM FOR THE NOVEMBER CONGREGATIONAL MEETING TO REQUEST APPROVAL AND FUNDING/FUNDRAISING FOR THE ROOF REPAIRS.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Other discussion centered around the remaining sloping that needs to be accomplished, in order to complete the repairs.  Bob will determine the final costs needed to bring in the remaining dirt and complete the grade, along with the estimated cost of repairs.

Reference to church planning calendar for October and November 2005.  Outreach Committee has Council devotions and announcements at the 10:30 service on communion Sundays and a communion assistant for October, and the Property Committee has the same responsibilities in November.

Our next regular meeting is scheduled for November 7, 2005.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

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