First Unitarian Universalist Church – Austin, TX
Minutes – Board of Trustees – July 20, 2010
In Attendance:
Trustees: Eric Stimmel, President, Chris Jimmerson, Vice-President, Nell Newton, Immediate Past President (Ex-Officio)), Margaret Borden, Eric Hepburn, Brendan Sterne, Susan Thompson, Michael West, Laura Wood
Executive Team: Sean Hale, Executive Director
Visitors Present: John Keohane
Call to Order
The President called the meeting to order at 6:40PM.
Adoption of Agenda
The Trustees present adopted the agenda
Motion: Brendan Sterne—adopt the agenda
Second Michael West
Discussion: None
Vote: All Affirmative
Reading and Lighting of the Chalice
Visitor’s Forum
John Keohane announced that his Committee is seeking additional members to the Denominational Affairs Committee.
Consent Agenda Items
The Trustees had read the consent agenda items prior to the meeting.
Motion: Chris Jimmerson—Adopt the agenda
Second: Brendan Sterne
Discussion: None
Vote : All Affirmative
Process Evaluation
Michael West speaks on Process Evaluation:
- Presented a matrix for process evaluation of board meetings. He will mark verbal behaviors. Purpose to give each member feedback and to ensure a more productive meeting.
Settled Minister Search Committee, by Michael West
Board Liaison Committee Chairs: Sharon Moore, Michael Kerry
- Financial needs mentioned.
- Between now and October, we will need to have a compensation package; we also will need a contract.
- A negotiating team will be needed by November. One board member, one non-board member will comprise the team.
Chris Jimmerson motioned, Brendan Sterne seconded to adopt Values-Mission-Ends statement.
- Approved.
Recommendation to adopt governance philosophy:
- Motion to adopt by Eric Hepburn, seconded by Susan Thomson.
- Affirmed
Recommendation to adopt Policy Based Governance as the model the Church will pursue for Our Governance:
- Motion to adopt by Eric Hepburn, seconded by Susan Thomson.
- Affirmed
Report on request for consultant-coordinator.
- Sean suggests Walter Pearson, District Consultant, to visit to discuss staff salaries.
- Request for invitation to Walter Pearson from the board.
- It was decided that we should try to wait for Ed Brock’s presence before Walter Pearson conducts any workshops.
Report from General Assembly.
- Chris Jimmerson: Highlight was developing deeper relationships with other church members. We have a lot in common with other UUs.
- Nell Newton: Empowered by so many UUs in one place. Most interesting workshop was on racism. “Bless Those Who Serve” a book for military, developed by UUs, had a special recognition ceremony.
- Sean Hale: We confirmed a lot of things we’re doing right, a lot of strategies for the future. Paid volunteer coordinator is on staff for larger congregations.
- Eric Stimmel: Attended Board Presidents’ meetings. Spoke with other congregations about best practices. We’re in relatively good shape. A membership coordinator on staff is highly recommended. Thank you to church for sending him to General Assembly.
Linkage Discussion / Governance Team – Susan Thompson
- How much time is the Board willing to commit to?
- Chris Jimmerson suggested the idea of “linkage launch”
- Sean Hale cautioned against the use of jargon (i.e. “linkage”) as being alienating.
- The use of surveys was also discussed.
- No decisions made.
Discussion of Governance Made – Brendan Sterne
- Not making a decision tonight.
- Some ideal broad characteristics were outlined.
- The consensus is that effective teamwork is more important to the growth of a congregation than a “rock star” minister.
Process Evaluation – Michael West
- 211 “verbal observations”
- First half of meeting – 51% verbal interactions were questions
- Second half of meeting: fewer questions, building on ideas that other people had proposed.
Draft Covenant of Healthy Relations for the Board and the Executive Team was read aloud by the group.
With no further discussion, the meeting adjourned before going into executive session at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Wood
