First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
Congregational Meeting Minutes
May 6, 2007
The Spring Congregational meeting was held on May 6, 2007. The meeting was duly posted with notices sent in the newsletter and by mail to all members of the congregation, all in accordance with the bylaws. A quorum was present.
President Don Smith called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. Smith lit the chalice and provided opening words. He introduced members of the Board of Trustees, and timekeeper Gary Bennett.
Adoption of Congregational Rules
Don Smith presented the Congregational meeting Rules of Procedure. Upon a motion duly made by Sam Roberts, seconded and passed as follows:
RESOLVED, that the congregational rules are adopted as presented. (Exhibit A)
Minutes
President Don Smith presented the minutes of the December 3, 2006 congregational meeting. Upon a duly made motion by Sam Roberts and seconded and the minutes were approved. (Exhibit B)
President Don Smith presented the minutes of the May 6, 2007 congregational meeting. Upon a duly made motion by Bill Reid and seconded and the minutes were approved. (Exhibit C)
Reports
President Don Smith asked if there were any questions on the reports. There were none.
President?s Report is attached as (Exhibit D).
Interim Preacher?s Report is attached as (Exhibit E).
Acting Director of Religious Education Report is attached as (Exhibit F).
Treasurer?s Report is attached as (Exhibit G).
Business
FAMP
Henry Hug presented proposed changes to the Financial Asset Management Policy. The changes clarify distributions from the Memorial/Endowment Fund. This document must be presented and approved at two consecutive congregational meetings prior to implementation.
A motion was duly made by Finance Committee Chair, Henry Hug to approve the proposed changes to the FAMP (2nd vote). The motion passed. (Exhibit H)
Nominating Committee Recommendation
President Don Smith introduced the officers, trustees and Nominating Committee member recommended by the Nominating Committee. (Exhibit I)
President Mark Kilpatrick
Vice-President Sheila Gladstone
Secretary Beverly Donoghue
Treasurer Mary Jane Ford
Trustee 2007-2008 Cindy Raab
Trustee 2007-2010 Derek Howard
Trustee 2007-2008 Nancy Groblewski
Nominating Committee Jean Davison
Upon a motion duly made by Becky Moon, seconded and passed as follows:
RESOLVED, that the slate is approved as presented.
Bylaw Amendment
President Don Smith presented the proposed Bylaw amendment.
The six-year limitation for serving on the Board of Trustees, contained in the Constitution and Bylaws, Article VI, Section 3: Vacancies and Term Limits, applies only to the time spent serving on elected, full terms as officer or other Board member. Time spent finishing out another individual?s uncompleted term does not count toward the six-year limit.
Upon a motion duly made by Ed Nichols, seconded and passed as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Bylaw amendment is approved as presented.
Questions and Concerns
Issues presented include:
- Ron Turner requested that Cindy Raab?s term as a trustee recorded as 2007-2010. She has agreed to serve for one year however the term is for three years.
- Henry Hug objected to the Treasurer’s use of the term “Board Discretionary” to describe the Long Range Fund. He said the fund is to be used for long-range projects and seed money for a capital fund campaign. Treasurer Mary Jane Ford explained the word “discretionary” indicates that the Board of Trustees may use money from the fund if necessary without a congregational vote.
- Ron Turner said that the church board is not allowed to spend over $10,000 in a year in excess of the annual budget for any purpose, from any fund without a congregational vote. Mary Jane Ford explained that the church policies and Bylaws are not clear on this issue and should be reviewed and revised for consistency.
- Margaret Roberts thanked President Don Smith for his service on the Board of Trustees.
- Barbara Denney thanked Margaret Roberts and Cindy Raab for all their work on the Sparkle Plenty Fundraiser.
- Vice President Nancy Groblewski announced the volunteer recognition party she will host at the church on May 20th.
These minutes are not official until approved at the December 2007 Congregational Meeting
Exhibits
The reports listed as exhibits to these minutes are currently available in the church office during normal business hours.
