The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on April 21, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Present were: Senior Warden Charlie Edmonson, Junior Warden Bettyrene Pope, Greg Brauer, Dan Clark, Denine Miller, Doug Perry, Stephen Rous, Ruth Simmons, Registrar Emily Klotz, Treasurer Linda Curtis, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, and The Reverend Mark Riley. Absent, excused: Youth Representative Darius Rowe. Note: This vestry meeting was conducted via Zoom, in keeping with the diocese’s mandate for social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting opened with prayer.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda reported that actual income to date is still above budgeted income, however this will certainly change in April. Some items of note include the rebate from the microphone upgrades and the pledge payment to the diocese. Linda also explained that she applied to the Payroll Protection Program, but the funds had already run out. She will resubmit the application for a second round of the program.
February minutes were approved. March minutes were corrected and approved.
Rector’s Report, Samantha Vincent-Alexander
Online Services: Services are now being broadcast live from the church on Facebook. St. John’s also has a You Tube channel. Samantha would like to continue to video services even after restrictions have been lifted, as the videos provide access to those who are unable to attend.
Website: The St. John’s domain is being transferred to the new web host, and once transfer is complete, the website will be up. This should be around April 26.
Playground: The playground construction is still on schedule for May. It will not be opened for use until restrictions are lifted.
Sabbatical: Samantha will not be taking a sabbatical as previously planned. She may split her time, and take leave for one month this summer, and then two months at a later time.
Communications Position: Darlene’s last day was last week. The position will remain vacant for now, as Shannon has learned some of Darlene’s duties, and Deborah has also stepped in to put together the order of service.
Assistant Rector’s Report, Mark Riley
Mark has been responding to needs as they come in.
Senior Warden’s Report, Charlie Edmonson
Bid Policy: We will look at our bid policy during the next meeting.
Signs: Charlie received a proposal from Archbell Signs to renovate three exterior signs and create two removable “summer hours” hanging signs. After discussion, vestry determined that the parish house parking lot sign should also be refurbished. Motion by Charlie Edmonson, seconded by Dan Clark: The vestry approves the sign proposal with the addition of the parish house parking lot wall sign, not to exceed an added $500. Motion approved unanimously.
Junior Warden’s Report, Bettyrene Pope
Bettyrene reported that all toilet seats in the parish house have been replaced, and the funeral bell has been fixed.
PortaPotty: Bettyrene received notice that Spivey’s cost will increase, so she suggested that we switch companies to Eure, which will cost $115 per month with a $35 delivery fee. Motion by Charlie Edmonson, seconded by Bettyrene Pope: Switch portable restroom company to Eure. Motion approved unanimously.
Endowment Fund Committee
Samantha informed vestry that Rick Bagley would be leaving the endowment committee, and the vestry needed to submit a replacement. Motion by Doug Perry, seconded by Denine Miller: The vestry recommends Val Bowen be appointed to the endowment committee. Motion approved unanimously.
Outreach Committee: Doug reported that St. John’s has several volunteers that are making lunches for H.E.L.P. to distribute on Fridays. He would like to add Tuesday if he gets another volunteer.
The meeting concluded with prayer and adjourned at 8:10 p.m.