Chapter Meeting Minutes
December 14^th, 2004

Members Present-Robert Black, Ralph Blackman (Dean), John Bross, Marianne Culver, Tom Eley (ex-officio), Pamela Lightcap, Doug Lyons, Ann Meuse, Cecilia Mowatt, Christopher Plotner, Anne Tuohy, and Elsa Vaintzettel (ex-officio).

Absent-John Clarke (excused), Jerry Ness (excused), Philip Mantle.

Also Present-Bruce Barber and Lyle Roebuck.

John Bross led an Advent bible study at 5:30 before pizza was served and the meeting began at 5:48 with the Saint James Cathedral prayer by the Dean and said by all.

On motion made, seconded and carried, the minutes of the meeting held November 9^th were approved.

On motion made, seconded and carried, the audit report, distributed at the November meeting, was officially received by the Chapter.

On motion made, seconded and carried, the Chapter authorized renewal for three years (to enjoy cost savings) with the current auditor, Knutte & Associates, P.C. with the proviso that there be a clause added to the agreement allowing for its termination for “Sarbanes-Oxley” reasons.

It was suggested that the diocesan treasurer’s office be contacted to double-check questions regarding conformity to regulatory issues.

Elsa Vaintzettel gave the treasurer’s report including a review of the Profit/Loss sheet. The question was raised and discussed as to the extent individual pledge amounts should be made known to Chapter (currently only the Dean, Peter and Lyle have access to this). The Dean gave a pledge update. Pledges for 2004 were $308,748.60. Pledges received to-date for 2005 are $291,082. The Dean noted that several key givers have not yet turned in a pledge for 2005.

The 2005 budget was presented for consideration and discussion. Questions were asked about the diocesan apportionment and how it has been/will be calculated. Marianne Culver, Elsa Vaintzettel and John Bross will meet before the January Chapter meeting to consider how some of the budget line items might be renamed to more accurately reflect the structure/governance paradigm. There was a recognition that an outreach committee needs to be formed to oversee the ministries that fall under “Saint James Outside the Walls.” The finance committee will meet before the January11^th Chapter meeting to further ready the 2005 budget for presentation at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 23^rd, 2005.

On motion made, seconded and carried, the Dean’s 2005 housing allowance was approved [copy attached to these minutes].

On motion made, seconded and carried, the Vicar’s 2005 housing allowance was approved [copy attached to these minutes].

At 7:47 Chapter went into executive session.

At 8:25 Chapter went out of executive session.

On motion made, seconded and unanimously carried, In accordance with the Cathedral Constitution, Article VI, Section 5 Ann Meuse’s term on Chapter will be extended for one year. Ann was elected to continue on Chapter and serve as Senior Warden from January, 2005 to January, 2006, subject to approval at Annual Meeting.

Nomination Committee report. Three new Chapter members will need to be elected at the Annual Meeting on January 23^rd. At least six people must be nominated. Marianne Culver and Charlene Thomas will run. The names of other congregants were discussed and over the next few weeks the committee will be gauging interest and asking people to consider running. People who agree to run should be aware of the time commitment involved. Interests were expressed in looking for people who would add to the diversity of Chapter as well as those who might be able to make particular contributions to the ongoing redevelopment project.

Other Business. Fran Holiday and Sharon Johnson were elected at last month’s Diocesan Convention as new Chapter Members. The Dean has welcomed them by letter already. They will join Chapter officially at the 2005 retreat, February 18^th & 19^th. Chris Plotner asked to be on the ballot to run as a delegate to Diocesan Convention, 2005. Other interested parties should make that interest known; the election takes place at the Annual Meeting on January 23^rd, 2005. Pamela Lightcap will continue to work with the Structure and Governance Committee to flesh out the ministry grid, so that it may be presented in more complete form at the Annual Meeting. Certain matters were identified as needing to appear on the agenda for the January 11^th Chapter Meeting: Investment Committee Report, Structure/Governance Report, Parking Matters, Final 2005 Budget, Final slate of candidates for 2005 Chapter and Diocesan Convention.

Following prayer, on motion made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

L. T. Roebuck  for
Pamela Lightcap, Chapter Secretary