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Chapter Minutes
March 13, 2007
Present: Jessica Abell, John Anderson, Robert Black (Junior Warden), Debra Bullock, Marianne Culver (Senior Warden), Phil Debush, Marcus Hall, Fran Horn, Sharon Johnson, Richard Kelly, Cathe McEnerney, David Stanford, Elsa Vaintzettel (Treasurer)
Absent: Ron Mui (excused), Fran Holliday (excused), Jackie Lynn (deacon), Judith Mason (Deacon), William A. Persell (bishop)
Also Present: Bruce Barber (Director of Cathedral Music), George Culver (Assistant Treasurer), Emily Knaus (Secretary), Peter Siwek (Vicar), John Bross, Richard Hoskins, Chris Plotner.
FAITH FORMATION
Opening prayer was given at 5:45 by Rev Peter Siwek, Cathedral Vicar, and the Senior Warden invited prayers and thanksgivings from the group.
INFORMATION
Provost Search Committee Report
The Senior Warden called the group to order at 6:00pm. Chris Plotner, who came to speak on behalf of the Provost Search Committee announced that the Bishop has chosen the Rev. Joy Rogers to be the Provost and she has accepted the call. Jessica Abell asked for additional suggestions for how to welcome her. Robert Black reported that the Provost will begin work May 15, 2007, and that her first day presiding at a Sunday Eucharist will be Trinity Sunday, June 3rd. The Search Committee Chair and Senior Warden will send a letter to the congregation on Wednesday, March 14th. Other communications will go out starting Thursday, March 15th by e-mail, website, pulpit announcement, and a press release. The Senior Warden requested that those present at the meeting continue to keep the information confidential until Thursday, March 15th. Marianne Culver commented on the good work of the Search Committee and had the Secretary read the committee’s definition of consensus as a model for future work by groups at the Cathedral.
Proceeds Discernment Committee
Fran Horn was invited to speak on behalf of the Committee for Use of Proceeds from Redevelopment. She listed the names of those who have been invited to be on the committee and also suggested that the new Provost be involved in the process. The first meeting will be in April and they will finalize a work plan by April 30th. Jessica recommended that the date be moved into May in order to more fully involve the Provost. The Senior Warden, speaking to the point that the Committee will consult the Cathedral community, urged the Committee to not build up expectations within the community for any one particular use of the proceeds.
Rush Hour Board and By-Laws
Bruce Barber was asked to report on proposed Rush Hour Concerts by-law amendments and board members. Most of the proposed by-law changes and were requested by the IRS to more clearly identify the Rush Hour Concerts subsidiary relationship to the Cathedral. Also, the bylaws would be changed to increase the number of members of the board from 3-6 to 7-11. The Senior Warden pointed out that the new by-laws would require that a majority of the board members be members of St James. These changes are to be voted on at the next month’s Chapter Meeting. The second issue is the list of seven potential additional board members, four of which were listed within the distributed packet, which will also be voted on at the next Chapter meeting. Sharon Johnson asked whether the Provost will be a part of the board. Marianne and Bruce answered that St. James Cathedral is the “sole member” of Rush Hour and that the Dean has been designated as the authorized representative for all matters that come before the Rush Hour board except that budget, board members, and changes to the bylaws must come before Chapter. The Provost, as Priest-in-Charge, will assume the role designated to the Dean and be an ex-officio member of the Rush Hour Board. The Director of Cathedral Music is also an ex-officio member. Richard Kelly and Sharon Johnson asked why a larger board is necessary. There was discussion that a larger board can be helpful for fund-raising. The Senior Warden pointed out that a majority of Rush Hour board members must be members of St. James Cathedral and that she has been working with the Rush Hour board chair to make sure that the names given to Chapter for approval are presented before the candidates are asked to serve. The Senior Warden then asked for this discussion to be continued next month, once the Chapter has had the chance to review the materials.
Governance Committee Report
John Bross, former Senior Warden, spoke on behalf of the Governance Committee (now called the By-laws Committee). He reported that the committee’s work was postponed for most of 2006 because the Chapter was occupied with other matters, but they are ready now to continue their work. He listed the following recommendations for changes to the Cathedral by-laws: 1) Elect wardens from the Cathedral membership at large, not just from Chapter membership; 2) elect two Wardens for 2-year terms, staggered by year; 3) eliminate the requirement that the nominating slate for Chapter membership have three more candidates than there are positions available. Another idea the By-laws Committee has discussed, but for which no recommendation is being made at this time, is whether the Cathedral Chapter should be separated into a Vestry to deal with parish matters and a Chapter to deal with diocesan matters. There was discussion at the Chapter Meeting about which changes affect the by-laws and which changes affect the constitution. Richard Hoskins, former Chancellor for the Diocese and a member of the By-Laws Committee, explained the general differences between the two documents. Changes to the by-laws can be approved by the Chapter. Changes to the constitution require approval of Chapter and a majority of the members of the Cathedral. Richard Hoskins suggested that members of the Chapter read the by-laws and make recommendations for clarity. Marianne Culver asked that any further information be distributed by John Bross through Debra Campbell, administrative assistant for the Cathedral.
Building Redevelopment Report
Tom Patterson reported on the building redevelopment. There will likely be another extension requested by the developer, beyond the current April 30, 2007 deadline to give us a six-month notice before closing. If another three-month extension is requested, demolition of 65 East Huron would occur sometime in January 2008. Since Tom reported to Chapter in October 2006, more accurate construction costs for the Undercroft, Narthex and Guild Hall have been obtained, based on more detailed architectural drawings and findings. The total estimated cost for the scope of the project, as now conceived, is $4.8 million.
George Culver took the Chapter through a financial report that shows best and worst-case scenarios for the Cathedral, assuming (best case) that the redevelopment of 65 East Huron goes through, or that the deal does not take place (worst case). The best case scenario would bring net proceeds to the Cathedral of approximately $4 million.
Tom Patterson presented the Chapter with three alternatives to consider: 1) continue moving forward with pre-construction planning, design, and permitting as if the deal will go through, making us ready to begin remodeling of the Cathedral spaces as soon as the developer gives us the 6-month notice before closing; 2) Continue moving forward with just enough of the pre-construction planning, permitting, etc. to obtain “guarantee maximum” pricing for the projects; or 3) stop the design and planning as soon as practical and reevaluate the scope and timing of each of the Cathedral projects, including the cost and impact of a more phased-in development of needed.
Robert Black asked about the status of the Cathedral’s agreement with the Cathedral Counseling Center concerning our commitment to contribute $250,000 to them over 10 years, pending a go-ahead on the redevelopment deal. The letter of commitment they have does say our commitment is contingent on the deal going through, as Chapter had voted in 2005. Tom Patterson has spoken with the Executive Director. A letter of clarification will be sent to the Counseling Center for sign-off.
The Senior Warden asked for a special meeting later in March in order to discuss the redevelopment issues in depth. A meeting was set for March 26th at 5:30 p.m. It will be possible for members who cannot be present in person to join the meeting by telephone.
Discernment Report
Vicar Peter Siwek presented a letter from Anna Brawley with an update on her discernment process. He encouraged Anna to keep the Chapter informed of her progress, especially since her circumstances are out of the ordinary. Peter explained that Chapter’s role is primarily to affirm that Anna’s discernment committee has its support in the process.
DISCUSSION
Jubilee Ministry Center
Marianne Culver initiated a discussion about the Cathedral seeking application to be designated as a Jubilee Ministry Center, a suggestion made at the last month’s meeting. The Cathedral already fits the requirements, but there is some concern that the designation might be seen as a “pat on the back” that may or may not be deserved. John Anderson suggested that the number of projects already set forth may be too numerous at present and that the discussion should be conducted in one year’s time; The Senior Warden suggested that this designation would allow for greater access to other Jubilee Centers, and that the Cathedral should set an example for other congregations. Debra Bullock suggested that this decision be shifted to the Outreach Ministry. Rev Siwek suggested that perhaps the designation is undeserved at this time, which was echoed by others. Marcus Hall moved that the application be sent to the Outreach Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Committee on Proceeds; seconded by Debra Bullock; unanimously approved.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes from the meeting of January 9, 2007 were approved with two abstentions.
The minutes from the meeting of February 10th were approved with two abstentions.
The minutes from the meeting of February 25th at which the Chapter received the Provost Search Committee’s recommendations for Provost were approved with six abstentions.
Financial Report
Elsa Vaintzettel presented the Financial Report. For the two months ending February 28, 2007, there was a deficit of $44,931 but that was because the Cathedral had cash on hand and did not need to withdraw funds from the endowment. The budget-to-date showed an additional $40,735 draw under income. Richard Kelly moved to approve; Debra Bullock seconded; John Anderson asked about the issue of automatic payments for pledges. Tom Patterson said we are looking into the possibilities. The financial reports were received by unanimous vote.
Redevelopment Expenditures
Tom Patterson presented a request from the Redevelopment Steering Committee for three expenditures totaling $22,700 for additional pre-construction work on the undercroft, narthex and guild hall projects. Marianne Culver asked if a decision to approve these particular expenditures might be postponed until after the special meeting on March 26th to discuss the redevelopment. Robert Black said in his opinion that the most pressing concern is not being fully prepared to begin construction and that the recommendation was being made by the Redevelopment Steering Committee because the committee believes pre-construction work should continue at this time. Tom Patterson said that the approval of these expenditures does not necessarily mean that the work to which they apply will start before we make any decision otherwise about the status of the redevelopment projects. Richard Kelly moved to approve the expenditures; Debra Bullock seconded. Marianne Culver called for discussion. Sharon Johnson expressed concern about the new construction estimate of $4.8 million for the three Cathedral projects. The motion was unanimously approved.
Adjournment
Marianne Culver urged all to attend the Leadership and Ministry Fair. Richard Kelly volunteered to host dinner for next meeting. Richard moved to adjourn; Debra Bullock seconded; unanimously approved.
Adjournment at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Knaus
Chapter Secretary
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