Chapter Minutes

July 11, 2006

Present
Jessica Abell, Robert D. Black (Junior Warden), The Rev. Debra K. Bullock, Marianne Culver (Senior Warden), Tom Eley (ex-officio), The Rev. Frances M. Holliday, Frances E. Horn, Sharon Johnson, Richard H. Kelley, Cecilia Mowatt, Ronald Mui, Christopher Plotner and Elsa Vaintzettel (ex-officio) 

Absent
The Rev. Dr. Robert B. Clark (excused), Marcus Hall (excused), The Rev. Sunny Lopez (Deacon), The Rev. Jackie Lynn (Deacon), Phillip Mantle (unexcused), The Rev. Judi Mason (Deacon)and The Rt. Rev. William Persell (Bishop).

Also Present
Bruce J. Barber, II (Director of Cathedral Music), Tom Patterson (Acting Business Manager) and The Rev. Peter C. Siwek (Vicar).

Formation
The meeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. by Marianne Culver.  A few moments were taken in which those present could share aspects of their life: offering things for which they were thankful and, at times, making prayer requests. 

Rev. Siwek offered a prayer and blessing over the meal provided by Ronald Mui.

Information
Culver reviewed a one-page document titled Procedures for Meetings that outlined an agenda format she would like to use for Chapter meetings moving forward.

Siwek briefed Chapter regarding recent thefts that have occurred on the property, and reminded each of us to be alert to any activities that seem out of the ordinary.

Sharon Johnson, Richard Kelley and Christopher Plotner, members of the Provost Search Preparations Task Force, presented draft copies of the Church Deployment Office’s Parish/Institution Search Request and an updated Congregational Profile.  These documents were prepared after considering input from the bishop’s office, the treasurer and members of Chapter.  After brief discussion, the Task Force was asked to set a future date at which no further comments would be accepted (14 July 2006), and then forward the completed Request to the bishop’s office and the Profile to the Cathedral’s webmaster.

Robert Black, representing the Arts & Music Ministry and the Diocesan AIDS Task Force, provided an informational report about The Kieskamma Altarpiece.  Parishioner Michael Leppen offered $10,000 as a matching gift if the St. James community could raise an additional $10,000 (not from the current operating budget), which would cover the cost of displaying this rare piece between 20 August and 20 September 2006.  Black will coordinate the efforts between St. James, the AIDS Task Force, the bishop’s office and public relations officials as St. James moves toward an event that fulfills goals to enhance Worship, Hospitality and Outreach.

Tom Patterson reported that a number of resumes had been received in response to the job postings for a part-time production assistant and temporary data-base assistant.  He hopes to make decisions and fill the slots in the new few weeks.

Patterson provided a description for an accessibility improvement grant offered by the Retirement Research Foundation.  St. James submitted an application on 30 June 2006 for a $30,000 award; grant award notification should be within five months.

Patterson reported that the Cathedral Counseling Center completed negotiations on their new space, which will be located in the Garland Building (111 North Wabash Avenue).

Patterson is working with members of the bishop’s office on a transition plan for any staff affected by the Redevelopment of 65 East Huron.

Jessica Abell provided a summary statement on Keeping God’s People Safe and three alternative timelines for offering training opportunities.  After a brief sharing of ideas, Chapter was asked to forward any observations/opinions about the proposal to Abell via e-mail, copying other members as appropriate.  Additionally, Siwek asked that Abell review her work with The Rev. Canon Randall Warren in the bishop’s office.  Chapter members were asked to consider the matter for discussion during the meeting scheduled for 8 August 2006.

Plotner recommended that members of Chapter forward their e-mail addresses to Tom Patterson for “white listing” with our Internet service provider.

Discussion
In response to Chapter’s request, Patterson provided members with a Redevelopment Expense | Revenue report that summarizes financial transactions relating directly to the property redevelopment project.  Additionally, Patterson provided a statement of Projected Development Net Proceeds to St. James after space in the new building is bought back, built out and furnished, about $4.8 million, including re-location costs from the developer of approximately $750,000.  Further information will be gathered by Patterson, either via calls to members of the community or through a survey that will be distributed at the parish meeting planned for 16 July 2006.  Prior to the 8 August 2006 meeting, Patterson will provide members with a summary of data gathered.

How St. James uses any proceeds gained from the Redevelopment project was discussed.  The item was deferred to the 8 August 2006 meeting, at which time Chapter will decide if a task force should be utilized in making recommendations to the entire Chapter for the use of any proceeds.  Additionally, members should consider who they would like to see doing the work on this task force.

Decision
Culver presented a list of candidates for the Provost Search Committee, and asked that by 31 July 2006 members of Chapter provide her with any additional names of those who might serve in this role (making certain to check with the individual before a name is offered).  Culver proposed that Chapter grant the Wardens authority to determine membership of the Provost Search Committee.

On motion made by Debra Bullock, seconded by Richard Kelley and carried, Chapter authorized the Wardens to determine the membership of the Provost Search Committee.

Treasurer Vaintzettel presented the Profit & Loss Statement for the period ending 30 June 2006: Year-to-date, Income exceeds Expense by $46,624.  Expenses are running under projections, and this is reflected across most spending lines.

Vaintzettel submitted the current Balance Sheet and Pledge Analysis as of 30 June 2006.

Plotner asked for a periodic report from the Investment Committee.  Culver will coordinate this item for a future Chapter meeting agenda - possibly following the close of business in September.

On motion made by Marianne Culver, seconded by Jessica Abell and carried, the Treasurer’s Report as presented was received and approved.

Patterson advised that the Cathedral had received notice of a bequest from the Eric Oldberg Marital Trust and that a resolution to accept this gift was needed.

“BE IT RESOLVED, that the gift to The Episcopal Cathedral of St. James under the Eric Oldberg Marital Trust is herby accepted by this organization.  It is further RESOLVED that Thomas G. Patterson, acting as the Acting Business Manager of this organization, is authorized to: (1) accept payment, (2) execute receipts and other documentation, and (3) receive notices, make and communicate decisions as necessary to facilitate administration of the Trust.”

On motion made by Jessica Abell, seconded by Cecila Mowatt and carried, the resolution was approved as shown.

Copies of the minutes for the 13 June 2006 meeting were distributed.

On motion made by Robert Black, seconded by Jessica Abell and carried, the minutes for the 13 June 2006 meeting were approved.

Meeting adjournment.

On motion made by Marianne Culver, seconded by Cecilia Mowatt and carried, the meeting was called to a close at 8:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Richard H. Kelley
Secretary