Chapter Minutes

June 12, 2007

Chapter Members Present:
John Anderson, Robert Black, Marianne Culver, Phil Debush,  Marcus Hall, Fran Holliday, Fran Horn, Sharon Johnson, Richard Kelly, Cathe McEnerney, Ron Mui , Joy Rogers, David Stanford, Elsa Vaintzettel. 

Also Present:
Bruce Barber, George Culver, Emily Jane Knaus, Cecilia Mowatt, Tom Patterson, Chris Plotner, Peter Siwek, Chip von Weise, Roger McCarron, and Andy Roscoe.

Absent:
Jessica Abell (excused), Jackie Lynn, Judith Mason, Bishop William Persell

FORMATION

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with an opening prayer offered by The Very Rev. Joy Rogers. Those present shared thanksgivings and prayer requests.

INFORMATION

Provost’s Report

Joy Rogers reported that she has been visiting with people in the diocese to establish stronger ties to the Cathedral and to discover what is needed from the Cathedral. She will meet with Bishop Persell on June 11^th to discuss his hopes and plans for the Cathedral.

Seabury Financial Aid for Tyrone Fowlkes

Peter Siwek led the Chapter in a brief discussion about financial aid for seminarians from the Cathedral.  In December 2006, the Chapter approved an expenditure of $671.00 to cover a part of seminarian Tyrone Fowlkes’ discernment weekend expenses. Tyrone will enter Seabury Theological Seminary in the Fall of 2007.  Tom Patterson commented that, in the past, it has been the Cathedral’s practice to contribute $1,000.00 per year toward tuition.  Elsa Vaintzettel reminded the Chapter that there is a 2007 budget of $2,000.00 for seminarians.  It was decided that the Executive Committee will draft a policy for Chapter approval.

Related to the discussion, it was reported that Cathedral member and Seabury Theological Seminary trustee, John Bross, has requested a donation from the Cathedral to Seabury. Elsa Vaintzettel said that there is a 2007 budget of $2,000.00 for that purpose.

Business Manager Report

Tom Patterson read a letter of thanks for a gift given by the Cathedral to the TEAM Conference in Africa in the name of former Presiding Bishop Griswold. Tom showed a flyer that will be sent by mail to publicize and raise funds for Summer in the City. Tom reported that the sound system in the nave is being repaired. He also announced that the photo directory has been sent to the printer.

DISCUSSION

Redevelopment Proposal

Tom Patterson introduced members of the Redevelopment Committee, architect Chip von Weise, and representatives of Project Management Associates. Copies of the revised budget project schedule were distributed. Tom Patterson presented a proposal that would give authorization to proceed with the planned renovations of the Undercroft, Narthex and Guild Hall, subject to the condition that there would be no change in the plan to proceed with the Related Midwest/Canyon Ranch tower project and that the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) submissions fall within 10% of the proposed construction costs indicated in the budget. Also, that the Chapter would delegate to the Redevelopment Steering Committee the authority to commit work within the scope covered by the plans and budget and would have the authority to delegate the approval of expenditures within the approved plan. Work is scheduled to begin in August, subject to the Chapter’s approval. Discussion took place.  Redevelopment Steering Committee member Chris Plotner said that the Steering Committee sees the redevelopment as the right project to undertake because of its ability to open up new ministries..

Chip von Weise spoke briefly about some of the pricing changes which, for the most part, are due to structural challenges and city codes.  For instance, the elevator being proposed in the narthex to connect the undercroft, narthex, nave, and guild hall is $100,000.00 higher than anticipated because of the inner structure of the wall between the narthex and the nave.  Marianne Culver asked for the Steering Committee’s plan in the event that Related Midwest would pull out mid-project. Tom Patterson explained Related Midwest’s contractual obligations and said that the Steering Committee feels strongly that the project will go forward.

George Culver presented additional financial information. There was a discrepancy between those numbers and the budget presented by Chip von Weise and Project Management Associates. George and PMA will work together to eliminate the discrepancy and a new set of numbers will be e-mailed to the Chapter within the next week.

By July 16^th, the Cathedral will receive a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the project from the contractor. Because that date falls after the next scheduled Chapter meeting, the Chapter’s July meeting will be held one week later than scheduled, on July 17^th at 5:30 p.m. to make a final decision about the redevelopment projects and to approve the budget. 

Proceeds Discernment Task Force Report

Ron Mui and Fran Horn presented the report. Their recommendation is that the redevelopment project go forward as planned, using the proceeds from the real estate deal with Related Midwest, and that a capital campaign be launched in the near future to support the maintenance of the new facilities.

DECISION

Rush Hour Budget Adjustment

Bruce Barber presented the request from Rush Hour Concerts to increase their budget by $12,407 to $116,585. Through June 12, 2007, the Rush Hour Board has raised $133,422, with an additional $11,300 pledged, for a total of $144,722.  Approximately one-third of individual donors and half of donations from individuals come from Cathedral members (33 donations totaling $29,775).  A long discussion took place. Questions were raised about the appropriateness of a budget this size in relation to the other ministries of the Cathedral and why the budget needs to grow so much when the number of concerts and the size of the audience has not increased in the past two years.

Marianne Culver moved to table the decision until the July Chapter meeting; David Stanford seconded; the motion was unanimously approved.

Housing Allowance for The Very Rev. Joy E. Rogers

On motion made, seconded, and passed, a housing allowance of $5,000 was approved for The Very Rev. Joy E. Rogers. (Attached hereto and made a part of these minutes)

Signatories for DeKoven Fund

On motion  made, seconded, and passed, it was resolved that the signatories on the Cathedral of St. James DeKoven Fund, account #16076116 at J. P. Morgan Chase Bank will be Joy E. Rogers and Tom Patterson.

Approval of May Minutes

The minutes from the May meeting were approved with a correction to the spelling of Cathe McEnerney’s name.

Receipt of Financial Reports

On motion made, seconded, and passed, the May 2007 financial reports as presented by Elsa Vaintzettel were received.

Dinner Volunteer for July Meeting

Jessica Abell will provide dinner for the July meeting.  Fran Horn will provide for the August meeting.

Marianne Culver thanked the entire group for its diligent discussion concerning the redevelopment and for the extra time spent this evening.

Cathe McEnerney moved to adjourn, Robert Black seconded, and it was unanimously approved at 9:37 p.m.