The regular meeting of the Vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia, was held on Tuesday, May 16, 2006. The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius, Rector, presided, opening the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Vestry members present were Greg Brauer, Scott Curtis, Nelson Durden, Charlie Edmonson, Bettyrene Pope-Junior Warden, Whit McKinney, Sanford Pankin and Bob Wind. John Chiasson, Bill Forinash, Ben Ferris, Bob Harper- Senior Warden, Connie Heath- Treasurer, Kay Olson, and Chuck Zimmerman were absent.
Donna- Mae Siderius opened the meeting with prayer.
Program Donna-Mae Siderius introduced Terry O’ Neill, Director of Planning for the City of Hampton and he in turn introduced Jessica Norgren, Senior Planner, and Ted Henifen – Director of Public Works. They presented the Downtown Hampton Master Plan as it impacted St. John’s – the Franklin Street corridor. Questions were asked that had been compiled by the vestry committee. Copy is attached.
Floor was opened to those in attendance for further questions.
A brief recess followed. The vestry members then convened the vestry meeting.
Greg Brauer gave the devotions.
A committee of Frank Edgar, Jack Pope, Bob Harper, and Ron Quinn will be asked to meet with the city planners. The purpose is to keep the conversation flowing between the “partners”- city and St. John’s concerning the Downtown Hampton Master Plan.
Minutes
The minutes from the April Vestry meeting were reviewed. Whit moved their approval. The motion carried. Discussion ensued concerning the highlights of the vestry meeting printed in the Epistle. Charlie moved that the highlights of the vestry meetings be emailed to everyone for approval before publication. The motion carried. Action taken: The Vestry highlights will be emailed for approval before publication in the Epistle.
Treasurer’s Report
Charlie Edmonson presented the Treasurer’s report. Members were encouraged to look at the Income/Expense Statement, the Special Accounts Report, and the Balances of Designated Accounts Report.
Charlie reported that the checking account balance, as of May 4th, was $43,157.93. Income for April was $34,616.33. Expenses were $41,687.18. Whit moved the approval of the Treasurer’s report. The motion carried.
Charlie asked that the existing terms of the current composition of the Finance Committee be extended through June 30th. Whit moved the approval of this motion. It carried. Action taken: The current members of the Finance Committee whose terms are due to expire will continue In their positions until June 30th.
Areas of Ministry
Donna- Mae Siderius asked that vestry members in charge of named areas of ministry sign up to meet with her to discuss goals and priorities. A sign-up sheet was passed around.
Unfinished Business
Discussion about the letter of agreement from the Archaeological Dig people will be tabled until the June 13th meeting. They want to address the Vestry in person.
Bettyrene Pope brought to the attention of the Vestry that Linda Serwatka was concerned that the Library was not always available to the congregation on Sundays. Donna Mae Siderius gave assurance that the Sunday Sexton would be apprised of the situation and that task would be added to his job description.
New Business
Concerns have been voiced to the clergy concerning the intrusion into the church services of an inebriated person, and others and approaches have been made to parishioners in the parking lot for money. This matter was discussed at the Ushers/Greeters meeting and guidelines are being developed. Donna-Mae reiterated that people should feel safe going and coming to church. God has put these people in our path for a reason. The need to make everyone feel comfortable is the desired outcome.
Tacky Light Awards
Charlie Edmonson passed the Vestry Tacky Light to Bettyrene Pope. Sanford Pankin passed the Vestry Tacky Light Award to Whit McKinney.
The next Vestry meeting will be Tuesday, June 13th.
Donna-Mae Siderius closed the meeting with prayer.
Bettyrene Pope Acting Registrar