MINUTES
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING 
SECOND UNITARIAN CHURCH OF CHICAGO
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Meeting called to order at 7:06 PM

BOT Attendees: Curtis Smith, Dave Maly, Jeff Siegel, Liz Kepler, Mark Sneathen, Marva Williams, Mary O'Leary

Staff:  Gabrielle Parra (Director of Programs) and Adam Robersmith (Consulting Minister)

Additional Attendees: August Staas, Berlinda Browne, Jonathon Dunmore, Laura McKee, Lee Ann

Meredith, Liz Krumwiede, Norm Groetzinger, Susan Frances
  • Approval of May meeting minutes tabled until next meeting to give an opportunity to check a few details in the minutes
  • Board Reports
    • Finance Committee
      • The committee plans to send a letter to Friends of 2U to inform them about the life of 2U and to see if they would like to renew their financial commitment to 2U
      • Tom Denio will be stepping down as committee chair with Laura McKee (his wife) assuming the role of Treasurer  effective July 1
      • The committee will provide suggestions to the BOT about individuals who may be willing to assume the role of committee chair
    • Treasurer's Report
      • Jeff S. reviewed the June 2010 balance sheet and budget
      • Total Income YTD:     $243,944
      • Total Expense YTD:   $357,740
      • Deficit YTD:               $113,796
    • Fundraising
      • Dates for the Quilt raffle, Bike raffle, and Pie Toss are being revised to space them out somewhat and help avoid overlapping events
    • Fitts Funds Plate Cash Split
      • Approved: Curtis S. moved to split the plate cash with the following organizations; 2nd by Mark S.; unanimously approved
      • Oct: 2 Little Fishes (Peoples Church)
      • Nov: Guest at Your Table
      • Jan: Jane Adams Senior Caucus
      • Feb: Majorie Kovler Center
      • Mar: Lakeview Pantry
  • Safe Congregations Report
    • Mary O'Leary and Lee Ann Meredith presented a report from the Committee based on their review of the 2009 censure of a member
    • Due to a lack of support among Safe Congregations Committee for the 2009 censure, the Safe Congregations Committee concluded that the censure was not appropriate and should be withdrawn
    • As part of its review of this censure, the Safe Congregations Committee also is providing counsel to the Board for future consideration
      • Board needs to be made aware of any conflicts of interest that could exist in Safe Congregations investigations
      • Board must be vigilant about communicating about conflicts that arise in the congregation
      • Past process did not work effectively, so the investigation process should be reviewed to ensure that the process works effectively
    • Approved: Mary O. moved that the Board remove the censure of 2U member that was effective 9/2009; 2nd by Siegel; Unanimously approved
    • Marva W. will write a letter to the member informing them about the removal of the censure
    • Safe Congregations Committee will draft a short communication for the congregation about their ongoing efforts to review and refine the existing policy
  • Committee Appointments
    • Approved: Dave M. moved to appoint Emily Sharp to Committee on Ministries; 2nd Lizzie Kepler; unanimously approved
    • Approved: Dave M. moved to appoint Libby Hill to Chair the Green Sanctuary Committee; 2nd Mark S.; unanimously approved
  • Council Report
    • Curtis S. indicated that the 2U Council would like to use the 2U name in the Aids Walk / Run and they would like to recruit members of 2U to participate. There will not be direct fundraising outreach to the 2U congregation
    • Approved: Curtis S. moved that the Board would allow the use of the 2U name in the upcoming Chicago House Aids Walk / Run; 2nd Jeff S.; unanimously approved
  • Delegates for General Assembly
    • Approved: Sneathen moved that Marva W. and David L. be selected as 2U Delegates at the Central Midwest District General Assembly , and if Lee Ann M. is interested in attending, the Board endorses her as a Delegate; 2nd Mary O'Leary; Unanimously approved (Marva W. abstained)
  • Consulting Minister contract
    • Jeff S. and Mark S will discuss the terms of the contract with the Consulting Minister, Rev. Robersmith, and work towards having an agreement in principal by the July Board meeting
  • Building & Grounds
    • Marva W. will connect with Tim O'Hagan to check on the scheduling of repairing the stairs to Fleishman Hall
    • Curtis S. will create a sign-in sheet for members to report building related issues
    • Curtis S. will discuss with the Council the topic of potential improvements to the front flower beds
  • Minister's report (Rev. Robersmith)
    • Going forward, Adam's schedule will be to work at 2U on Wednesdays and Sundays; and work from home on Thursday and Fridays
    • Adam's email address will be changing to: minister@secondunitarian.org
    • Adam's mobile phone number is: 630.414.5340
    • Adam will draft a bio that can be posted on the 2U website
    • Adam and Rev. Rudra Dundzilla are discussing the transition of Pastoral Care responsibilities to Adam. This transition is planned to take effect in July
  • Director of Programs report (Gabrielle)
    • Gabrielle will be taking on additional responsibilities on the Lifespan Faith Development council, now that Rev. Robersmith will be more involved in helping to manage activities at 2U
  • Suggestions for future actions
    • At an upcoming Board retreat working session:
      • Board will look to schedule a retreat in July or August to start the planning for the coming year
      • Jeff S. suggested that the Board consider updating the Policy manual and Bylaws
      • Other Board members suggested that wiki management and facebook presence could be managed by a Board member
    • Dave M. suggested that the 2U policy manuals be loaded on the website for easy access and reference
  • Summary of Action Items
    • Finance Committee will suggest a new individual to chair the committee
    • Safe Congregations to make a recommendation on the communication about ongoing activities to review and refine the existing policy
    • Marva W. to write a letter communicating the removal of the censure
    • Marva W. to check on stair repair status
    • Jeff S. and Mark S. to work towards having an agreement in principal for the Consulting Minister contract
  • Approved: Move to adjourn meeting; Mary O'Leary moved, Jeff S. seconded, unanimously approved. Meeting adjourned at 9:15pm