Chapter Minutes

June 13, 2006

Present
Jessica Abell, Robert D. Black (Junior Warden), The Very Rev. Ralph T. Blackman (Dean), Debra K. Bullock, Marianne Culver (Senior Warden), Tom Eley (ex-officio), Marcus Hall, Frances E. Horn, Sharon Johnson, Richard H. Kelley, Phillip Mantle, Cecilia Mowatt, Ronald Mui, Christopher Plotner and Elsa Vaintzettel (ex-officio)  

Absent
The Rev. Dr. Robert B. Clark (excused), The Rev. Frances M. Holliday (excused), The Rev. Sunny Lopez (Deacon), The Rev. Jackie Lynn (Deacon), The Rev. Judi Mason (Deacon), The Rt. Rev. William Persell (Bishop) and The Rev. Peter C. Siwek (Vicar, excused).

Also Present
Bruce J. Barber, II (Director of Cathedral Music) and Tom Patterson (Acting Business Manager).

The meeting was called to order at 6:43 p.m. by Ralph Blackman.

Dean Blackman offered a prayer and blessing over the meal provided by Sharon Johnson.

Minutes of Previous Meetings
Copies of the minutes for the 9 May 2006 meeting were distributed.  Two typographical errors were noted; additionally, Cecilia Mowatt was to be listed as a member of the committee that was to plan the farewell luncheon celebrating the Dean’s ministry at St. James.

On motion made by Richard Kelley, seconded by Sharon Johnson and carried, the minutes for the 9 May 2006 meeting were approved as amended.

Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Vaintzettel presented the Profit & Loss Statement for the period ending 31 May 2006: Year-to-date, Income exceeds Expense by $24,926.  Expenses are running under projections, and this is reflected across most spending lines.

Vaintzettel submitted the current Balance Sheet and Pledge Analysis as of 31 May 2006.

On motion made by Robert Black, seconded by Phillip Mantle and carried, the Treasurer’s Report as presented was approved.

Vaintzettel and Dean Blackman advised that the Cathedral had received notice of a cash bequest from the Susanne E. Larsh Trust, funds to be used in the memory of Jack A. Larsh.  The following resolution was made:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the cash bequest to The Episcopal Cathedral of St. James under the Susanne E. Larsh Trust shall be placed in the Cathedral Endowment to be used “in memory of JACK A. LARSH.”

On motion made by Cecilia Mowatt, seconded by Debra Bullock and carried, the resolution was approved as shown.

Vaintzettel advised that it was necessary to update signatories on the Cathedral’s checking account; a standardized resolution to effect this was submitted for approval.

Vaintzettel indicated that the names to be listed as approved to sign on the account are:  Elsa Vaintzettel, Treasurer; Tom Eley, Assistant Treasurer; Marianne Culver,Sr. Warden and Robert Black, Jr. Warden.

On motion made by Phillip Mantle, seconded by Cecilia Mowatt and carried, the resolution was approved to modify signature authority to include those listed above.

Vaintzettel and Blackman advised that it was now necessary to update authorized membership on the Cathedral’s Investment Committee; a standardized resolution to effect this from Smith Barney | Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. was submitted for approval.

Vaintzettel and Blackman indicated that the names to be listed as approved to transact business on the investment accounts are:  George T. Culver,Chairman; Elsa Vaintzettel, Treasurer and Tom Eley, Assistant Treasurer.

On motion made by Cecilia Mowatt, seconded by Marianne Culver and carried, the resolution was approved to include Investment Committee members as listed above.

Tom Eley briefed Chapter that contractors working on the Deanery’s roof discovered the insulation was inadequate and he requested approval to increase same.

On motion made by Robert Black, seconded by Debra Bullock, and carried, approval for increased insulation was given.

Dean’s Report
Ralph Blackman reported that the funds were largely available for Summer in the City, and that the program would not require a great deal of support from Cathedral funding.

Blackman presented The 2005 Report of Episcopal Congregations and Missions According to Canons I.6, I.7, and I.17 - otherwise known as The Parochial Report - for review and requested certification by the Chapter.

On motion made by Debra Bullock, seconded by Marianne Culver and carried, the Report was approved as presented.

Requests for a grant of $1,000 from Lawrence Hall Youth Services and Episcopal Peace Fellowship were presented by Blackman for consideration by Chapter, acting in its capacity as the Tithing Committee.

On motion made by Cecilia Mowatt, seconded by Chris Plotner and carried, funding of a $1,000 grant for each organization was approved.

Wardens’ Report
Marianne Culver and Robert Black presented the Mutual Ministry Agreement that outlines specific responsibilities for the Wardens and Senior Staff during the search for a Provost.  Discussion was held on publication of this document.

On motion made by Jessica Abell, seconded by Marcus Hall and carried, approval was granted to post the Agreement on the Cathedral’s website, with an executive summary of the document.

Culver reminded members that work should be progressing between Chapter Connects and members of the Missions and Ministries.  Meetings should be held to organize the Mission and identify necessary leadership.  Culver will follow-up by re-sending information on this topic to members of Chapter.

Acting Business Manager’s Report
Tom Patterson briefed Chapter members on a request for authorization of two expenditures (SJP07 [$6,000] and SJP08 [$6,000]) from von Weise Associates for revised architectural drawings of the undercroft and Cathedral offices.

On motion made by Cecilia Mowatt, seconded Richard Kelley and carried, the expenses for von Weise Associates were approved as outlined above.

Discussion concerning the reporting of income and expenses for the 65 East Huron Redevelopment project was held.  Patterson will work to provide Chapter with a report that details expected transaction activity as it relates to the project.

In preparation for the upcoming Community Meeting on 16 July 2006, Patterson presented a summary of proposed changes for the Cathedral and a proposed questionnaire that might be used to gauge support for components of the proposal.  Additionally, Robert Black provided members with a summarization of conversations about the proposed changes that were held between Chapter members and folks in the community.

Patterson provided Chapter with a copy of position descriptions for a part-time production assistant and a temporary (three to four weeks) database assistant.

Warden’s Report (continued)

Ralph Blackman left the meeting at 8:15 p.m.  

Culver reported that the Wardens had met with The Rev. Canon Clarence Langdon about initial steps necessary in the search for a Provost.  Two tasks are required immediately: completing a Parish Search Request form and revising St James’ Parish Profile.  The Wardens and Canon Langdon agreed that a small group might update the Profile and complete the Request quickly, and the Executive Committee has asked that Sharon Johnson, Richard Kelley and Chris Plotner staff a task force to accomplish these two responsibilities.  The task force will make every attempt to finish their work prior to the 11 July 2006 Chapter meeting.

Plans are well under way for the Dean’s leave-taking.  A budget for the catered luncheon was discussed.

On motion made by Robert Black, seconded by Jessica Abell and carried, Chapter voted to approve costs for the luncheon - not to exceed $3,000.

Ronald Mui agreed to provide dinner for the 11 July 2006 meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Richard H. Kelley
Secretary