The regular meeting of the vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, VA was held on May 16, 2000. The Rev. Richard L. Vinson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and the registrar was present.
Those present were Letia Drewry, Richard Hayes, Dan Clark, Vestal Lewis, Frank Edgar, Lew Vermillion, Leo Vaisvil, Marian Blount, Keith Hatch, Nancy Adams, Linda Eanes, Mary Ellen Sawyer, Hansi Haufler, Nelson Durden, Bob Harper, and Ann Ward, Assistant Treasurer. Also present was Molly Durden, 2010 Committee.
Absent were Connie Heath, Rick Harman, and Jane Heiby.
Richard Hayes gave the devotions.
Review ofMinutes and Agenda: The minutes of April 11, 2000 were approved. The agenda was reviewed.
Registrar’s Report: No report.
Treasurer’s Report: The bank balance is $44,552.20. The Income and Expense Statement, Special Accounts Report, and Hoffman House Report for April were handed out. A request was made to mail the financial reports with the minutes prior to the Vestry meeting and this will be done.
2010 Committee: Molly Durden reported that Robert Claiborne and Bill Mace are continuing to develop plans for the plantings in the Cemetery. The committee would like to obtain architectural plans of the parish house and Hoffman House so that the needs of the parish and usage ofbuildings can be determined. The 2010 Committee needs to be able to receive funds for planning. A motion was made and seconded to give the 2010 Committee the ability to receive donated funds. The motion passed. The funds will be administered as a special account.
Wardens’ Reports: Senior Warden Letia Drewry spoke about successful organizations, which have vivid and long-term visions. And she encouraged the vestry to “fly”.
Junior Warden: Lew Vermillion reported the Hoffman House’s roof had a leak, which is now repaired. The repair to the copper flashing on the Church is near completion.
Search Committee: Forums are now being held. Over 200 surveys have been returned.
Interim Rector’s Report: Nominations for vestry officers are being accepted. Warren Spratley announced his retirement. Rick Vinson will be meeting with Rick Harman, Finance Commission, to discuss an interim treasurer. Installation of the new vestry will be June 4, 2000 at both services.
Due to several office staff being out at the same time, Rick requested temporary help from Pat Saunders, who retired from Emmanuel. This request was approved.
Robert Claiborne has sketched two plans for a handicap ramp into the Parish House. $1,000 has already been donated to build the ramp. It was moved and seconded to obtain specific cost analysis for the construction. The motion passed.
Other Business: A new model for the Commission system will be discussed at the vestry retreat.
The Horseman House is for sale. It is 4,500 square feet and includes all the parking spaces. The asking price is $330,000 and the city appraisal is $254,400. The pros and cons were discussed:
- Pros- recently painted, flooring on the second floor is from Cedar Hall, last piece of property available, more parking, can control who our neighbor will be, can always resell, we are relatively debt free, other than the Hoffman House, can be part of the 2010 capital campaign, more space is needed, both loans could be consolidated into Orie.
- Cons- rising interest rates, usage?, buying before hiring a new rector. A letter from Jim Tormey was distributed.
It was moved to empower the finance committee to explore purchasing the Horseman Building and investigate methods of financing. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
The length of time between vestry terms was discussed. The canons say there must be one year between terms. If there were a three year wait, more new people may run for vestry and it would be more inclusive. On the other hand, the one-year limit allows for a mixture of experienced vestry members. The outgoing vestry could encourage people to run for vestry.
Good of the Order: Richard Hayes invited the vestry and guests to a covered dish supper at his home Wednesday, May 24, at 6:00 PM.
Rick Vinson was commended for remembering Church members who died over the past year at the Annual meeting.
The concluding devotion was given.
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM.
Nancy Adams, Registrar