Chapter Minutes

November 13, 2007

Chapter Members Present:
Jessica Abell, Robert Black, Marianne Culver, Phil Debush, Marcus Hall, Fran Horn, Sharon Johnson, Richard Kelley, Joy Rogers, David Stanford. 

Also Present:
Bruce Barber, Kevin Godsil, Jackie Lynn, Tom Patterson, Elsa Vaintzettel.

Absent:
John Anderson, Fran Holliday, Judith Mason, Ronald Mui (Excused), Bishop William Persell, Peter Siwek

FORMATION

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. with a scripture reading (Matthew 28:16-20). Those present shared personal reflections on the reading.

Provost’s Report

Joy Rogers outlined her ideas for Chapter re-organization. She would like to have the re-organization accomplished by the time the newly elected Bishop and new Chapter are in place in February 2008. The re-organization would create four Chapter commissions: Administration (chaired by Warden for Administration); Finance (chaired by Treasurer); Property (chaired by Warden for Real Assets); and Cathedral Community (chaired by Provost/Dean). The re-organization would also include re-establishing Parish Council, consisting of chairs of the various St. James ministries.   

Joy announced the installation service for 9 new Honorary Canons of the Cathedral, appointed by Bishop Persell, to be held on January 26, 2008. The Chapter must approve canons and the names will be submitted to the Chapter for its approval at the December 2007 chapter meeting. Joy also suggested that we consider appointing a Cathedral Chancellor.

The necessity for new, portable audio/visual equipment was addressed and Joy reported that she will be preparing a grant proposal for consideration by the Bishop’s Associates for equipment that will serve both the diocese and the Cathedral.

INFORMATION

Business Manager Tom Patterson announced staffing changes: part-time Cathedral database manager Jidith Tribbett has accepted a full-time positions with Aetna; Nursery Supervisor Christl Bishop is resigning. Database management will be addressed with the creation of a new support staff position. We will need to hire a new Nursery Supervisor.

Stewardship Report

At the time of the meeting, the Stewardship Drive had received 25 pledges 35 for an aggregate of over $90K and would be scheduling a “Call-A-Thon” to continue bringing in pledges.

Redevelopment Report

Tom Patterson reported on a new delay in the redevelopment project of 65 E. Huron. The developers have requested another extension and a new contract is being negotiated. We have asked for the immediate release of $2.7 million to begin renovation of Cathedral space in February 2008.  That amount is contractually owed to the Diocese and Cathedral. The Diocese would lend its share to the Cathedral to begin construction on the undercroft and west end, to be repaid out of the proceeds at the time of closing on the new tower. The Diocese is also negotiating an additional $1.8 line of credit; $100K per month in extension payments through October 2008; $150K to make minor repairs to the existing 65 E. Huron building; and continued maintenance by the developer of the Cathedral and 65 E. Huron HVAC system and elevator. There is a City of Chicago moratorium on street construction in the downtown area until January 15, 2008.

2008 Budget Report

Elsa reported that the 2008 budget will be presented to Chapter in December 2007 for discussion, with approval in January 2008. We discussed the possibility of a deficit budget and increasing the annual draw from endowment funds to invest in additional staff to support congregational growth.

There was an in-depth discussion on the possibility of making bank account debits and credit card payments available as a payment option for fulfilling pledges pf support to the Cathedral. Treasurer Elsa Vaintzettel will get more information and present a recommendation to the Chapter for discussion and approval in December 2007.

DISCUSSION

Nominating Committee Report

Ron Mui, a member of the Nominating Committee, presented a brief report. A slate is being developed to elect a Warden for Administration (2-year term); a Warden for Real Assets (1 year term to allow staggered 2-year terms for wardens under the new by-law changes); 3 Chapter members; 3 delegates and 3 alternates to the Diocesan Convention. A list of potential candidates was discussed. A final slate will be presented to Chapter for approval at its December 2007 meeting.

Joy Rogers proposed that we start electing Convention delegates on a staggered term basis.

DECISION

Approval of Minutes

On motion made by Robert Black and seconded by Marianne Culver, the minutes of the October 2007 Chapter meeting were unanimously approved.

2008 Rush Hour Concerts Budget

Chapter discussed the 2008 Rush Hour Concerts Budget, which proposes Revenue of $144,550 and Expense of $141,005, for a net gain of $3,545. The question of the distinction between employees and independent contractors for Rush Hour positions was addressed. The Artistic Director and Executive Director are considered independent contractors by the Rush Hour Board. The Executive Director is an employee.  

On motion made by Robert Black and seconded by Richard Kelley, the 2008 Rush Hour Concerts budget was approved unanimously.

Receipt of Financial Reports

On motion made by Richard Kelley, seconded by Marianne Culver, and passed, the October financial reports as presented by Elsa Vaintzettel were received.

Motion to Adjourn

On motion made by David Stanford and seconded by Marianne Culver, the meeting was adjourned at 7:444 p.m. by unanimous vote.