The January meeting of the Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order by the Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius at 6:40 pm.
Present were Bob Harper, Senior Warden, Bettyrene Pope, Junior Warden, Kay Olson, Registrar, Jay Hogg, Nick McMahon, Youth Representative, Betsy Clark, Dave Foster, Ruth Simmons, Kevin Van Sloten, Peggy Hayes, Bill Rhode, John Chiasson, and Sukey Stephens. Also present Connie Heath, Treasurer, and Bill Boyer, Financial Secretary.
Donna-Mae welcomed the new vestry members to the meeting.
Reverend Siderius provided refreshments and the devotion, a You Tube video titled “Where is God in the Haitian Earthquake”. With heart wrenching pictures of the people and devastation of the Haitian people, not as sinners being punished, but as children of God. The Rev, Siderius suggested that perhaps St. John’s will look ahead to helping to rebuild an Episcopal Church in the region.
Minutes of the December meeting were approved as corrected.
The Treasurers report was approved as printed.
September 25 has been set as the day for a parish wide celebration utilizing Laura Stephen’s proposal. An historical aspect of the parish will be included in the event.
Jay Hogg is going to get in touch with HRT about renting a trolley for the Signature July 10 and 11 celebrations to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Bill Boyer gave a review of the 2009 budget and a report on the budget for 2010 and the financial outlook for the parish.
The budget is based on the performance of past budgets and can be adjusted if finances deem it necessary. Bill also praised Bettyrene and Jack Pope and John Chiasson for saving the parish money by doing repairs to the buildings without compensation. Jenny Brown, our administrator, has been instrumental in getting a new copy machine contract that saves around $850.00 a year on rental expenses.
He also praised the office volunteers for all they do to save the parish money in salaries.
Bob Harper made a motion that $30,700.00 of the salary of the Rector be designated for Housing. Betsy Clark seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Action Taken: Bob Harper made a motion that $30,700.00 of the salary of the Rector be designated for Housing. Betsy Clark seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Jay Hogg made a motion to ask the Endowment Fund to pay the Insurance premium for the parish and the Maintenance/Utilities fees as outlined in the 2010 budget.
Ruth Simmons seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Action Taken: Jay Hogg made a motion to ask the Endowment Fund to pay the Insurance Premium and the Maintenance/Utilities line item in the 2010 budget. Ruth Simmons seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Charlie Edmonson, Chairman of the Charitable Trust, presented, in print, the Charitable Trust 2009 Annual Report to the Vestry of St. John’s Church. A copy of which is attached to these minutes.
Endowment Fund: Dr. Ted Gray’s term on the Endowment board is completed. The Vestry gave thanks for the service of retiring Fund member, Dr. Ted Gray. Bettyrene Pope made a motion to appoint Bill Rhode to fill the position on the Endowment Board . Jay Hogg seconded the motion. The motion passed by acclamation.
Action Taken: Bill Rhode has been appointed by acclamation by the vestry to the Endowment Fund Board of Directors.
Renovation committee Report: The Renovation Committee met on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at 5pm with nine members present. An update on the stained glass window work, painting of windows and doors and carpentry on trim replacement was given. The weather slowed all work but with better weather on the forecast work should be completed in the next two weeks. Gene Higgins (the owner) was here last week and gave the workmen a list of things he felt were not up to his standards. He is doing quite a bit of work he is not charging us for. He will give the church CD’s of the before and after work upon completion of the contract. A ten year warranty comes with his work. He recommends acleaning of the windows every five years.
On going maintenance checks will be made yearly.
Change orders ( a copy is attached to these minutes) requesting an additional amount of $2,870.00 for window repairs was received. The vestry voted by email to accept the change order with additional costs to submit to the Edward and Mary Williams Trust.
Brickwork: _ Contact will be made with owner of Conley Brothers to send invoice for work completed. They have not been as responsive as they were at first and we are seeking new brick masons to complete the additional work that needs to be done.
A questionnaire was given out to those who contribute to Sunday worship and received back from the committee. Each member was asked to review the comments by January 27 to be reviewed at the next meeting February 10.
The year 2010 will be utilized by the committee for planning, prioritizing, and phasing necessary work to begin in 2011.
Junior Warden’s Report: The past month was a quiet one. Light bulbs were replaced where needed. The nursery rooms are being updated. New light fixtures have been installed. Mini Blinds have been replaced. The smaller room (where the cribs are) is being painted. New carpet will be installed Wednesday and Thursday of this week.
Senior Warden’s Report: The vestry has been approached concerning the sale of a painting of the church the artist wants to sell and wants the vestry to see if it will be willing to find a buyer. Bob Harper welcomed the new vestry members who were present, Bill Rhode, John Chiasson and Dave Foster and thanked those members who were retiring at the end of January, Kevin Eley, Betsy Clark, and Charlie Edmonson.
Rector’s Report. Donna-Mae Siderius thanked the vestry for the donation given to the school in Belize on behalf of the Staff. She has visited parishioners to offer communion and is continuing the visits each week.
The Lenten program will be held with the other four Episcopal churches in the area that St. John’s had a part in establishing. The programs will consist of a simple meal and a history of the founding of each church; beginning with St. Marks on the 24 February, Emmanuel Hampton, on March 3rd, St. Cyprian’s on March 10, St Paul’s on March 17, ending at St. John’s on March 24.
Vestry Days with the Bishop will be March 13, 2010. More information will be -forth coming:
Tacky Lights: The Dr. Chuck Light was given to Bill Rhode by Charlie Edmonson and the Mission Light was given by Sukey Stephens to Bettyrene Pope
Submitted by Kay Olson, Registrar
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