Church Council
Present: Walter Lockhart, Al Hildenbrand, Jan Werness, Steve Sandberg, Greg Garman, K.C. Bretzke, Nancy Larsen.
The minutes were approved as read.
Walter stated that we are living beyond our means. After Walter gets back from sabbatical in the fall, we will need to cut our 2015 Budget. Jan recommended selling the parsonage. Walter said he could argue for or against it, either way. The fact that Wayne might not be here to act as landlord is a consideration.
The Gay Pride Parade contingent will be headed up by North Oaks this year.
While Walter is gone Greg will be handling pastoral care. Walter will be available for hospice and funerals.
Walter noted that the Peace Post is stored in GradyLee Shapiro’s garage.
K.C. stated that the Staff Parish Relations Committee is working on revising a Safe Church Policy. They are trying to strike a balance between being a welcoming church and the safety of children and vulnerable adults. This means writing a compact with each for each offender. Steve said we need to set a date now for a presentation on this topic with relevant speakers. Allyson will contact possible speakers.
Al reported for the Trustees. Heavy rains created leaks in the new church. The thermostats are not working properly. The boiler didn’t work last winter. The parsonage is ready to sell.
The rummage sale raised $3800.
We discussed rentals of the new building. K.C. stated we need a site manager for rentals. Greg said we need Walker person here every time the kitchen is used. Walter stated that instructions for the dishwasher and the garbage disposal will be posted. Jan said we need to have a meeting about rentals. Greg added that when there is a group formed as the result of this meeting, they need to meet with Jennifer, the Trustees, and the Finance Committee. Allyson said we need to form a Marketing Committee to reach out to arts groups and the broader Powderhorn community about rentals. Walter suggested launching this committee at the July Council meeting.
Steve advocated for updating the Walker web site. Our webmaster Jim Feldman is open to suggestions.
Greg said we should have Spanish classes at Walker.
Steve wanted facts and figures as to the pros and cons of selling the parsonage. Walter provided some figures. We discussed whether to sell the parsonage or rent it to Simpson Housing. It was moved, seconded and passed to authorize the Trustees to affirm the proposal to the Minnesota Conference to sell the parsonage if rental to Simpson Housing is not viable, to be decided by July 1.
Jera Peterson is one of the people that supervises Sunday School. His girlfriend Lisa assists him by volunteering. She needs a background check done. K.C. will email Jera about this.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Larsen
Church Council Secretary