Chapter Meeting Minutes

April 12^th, 2005  

Members Present  - Robert Black, The Very Rev. Ralph Blackman (Dean), John Clarke, Marianne Culver, Marcus Hall, The Rev. Frances Holiday, Sharon Johnson, Pamela Lightcap, Ann Meuse, Cecilia Mowatt, Ronald Mui, The Rev. Jerry Ness, Christopher Plotner and Elsa Vaintzettel (ex-officio).  

Absent- Tom Eley (ex-officio) (excused) and Philip Mantle.

Also Present-Art Callaham, Bruce Barber, Brooks Davis, Lyle Roebuck, and The Rev. Peter Siwek (Vicar).

At 5:45 p.m. The Dean called the meeting to order and invited prayers and intercessions from those in attendance. At 5:55 the Vicar said an opening prayer.

Mr. Brooks Davis made a brief presentation regarding The Chicago Humanities Festival, its history with the cathedral and how better participation from cathedral members in this world-class cultural event might benefit our attempts at outreach. The Chicago Humanities Festival is held annually in Chicago, the first two weekends in November.

With corrections, on motion made, seconded and carried, the minutes of the meeting held March 10^th were approved.

Elsa Vaintzettel gave the treasurer’s report, including a review of the balance sheet and the profit/loss report through the end of the first quarter. All missions are currently under budget except Cathedral Resources. Pledge income is $10,000 under budget year-to-date. There was discussion of the budget detail and a request was made that henceforth an exact and current pledge total be provided to Chapter on a monthly basis. The Dean added that more than $7,500 has come in toward the costs of the Cathedral’s fiftieth anniversary. He invited those Chapter members, who have not already, to give.

Communications.  Ann Meuse reviewed minutes from the March 7^th Communications Committee meeting. Discussion focused on the cathedral acquiring a bulk mail machine, the forthcoming reincarnation of Tidings, the cathedral newsletter, and the website. Bruce Barber volunteered to get feedback from the Rush Hour leadership regarding how they communicate within the North Michigan Avenue community (i.e., the neighborhood) and then share the feedback with Charlene Thomas, Chair of the Communications Committee. It was reported that at least three people new to the cathedral have come to us via the new website.

The Rev. Jerry Ness made a brief presentation, which was a follow-up on the matter of pending municipal legislation that would impose landmark status on some city churches. The Bishop is opposed to this and Rev. Ness and the Dean reiterated the importance of individuals contacting their aldermen to voice their opinion.

Dean’s Report. After brief discussion and a brief testimonial from the Junior Warden, on motion made, seconded and carried a $1,000 grant proposal for Lawrence Hall was approved.

The Dean, together with the Wardens, gave a general outline for the upcoming April 17^th parish meeting. It will be presented as extension of Sunday spiritual time, where small groups with the help of facilitators reflect on how they would like their missions and ministries to fit in with the redevelopment plans. The architects and Tom Patterson, Internal Project Manager, will be on hand for the meeting to answer questions. A light lunch will be provided for those attending.

Chris Plotner mentioned that at a future Chapter meeting it is his intention to make a motion that some of the redevelopment revenue be applied to helping the city’s homeless.

The Dean called attention to Tom Patterson’s latest report on the redevelopment project. Tom is working very hard for the Cathedral and these written reports to Chapter will continue.

Other Business. Marianne Culver kindly volunteered to provide for a small supper at the May 10^th Chapter Meeting.

Following a prayer offered by The Rev. Jerry Ness, on motion made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

L.T. Roebuck                 
for  Pamela Lightcap, Chapter Secretary