Posted August
1, 2014 by Jennifer
Committee
Minutes are posted on the website as they become available and remain on the
website for 3 to 4 months.
Minutes
of Finance Committee Meeting-
May
12, 2014
Present
were: Church administrator Jennifer Gahnstrom,
Pastor Walter Lockhart, committee chair Lulu Phillips, and members Jan Werness
and Carole Megarry
We
reviewed the financial report for April 30, 2014. It was noted that we are running a shortfall
or approximately $3,000 per month, or $35,000 per year. While it is currently feasible to cover this
shortfall by accessing reserve funds, such a shortfall cannot be allowed to
continue. Either income must be
increased or expenses cut. We currently
average about 78 persons in attendance on Sunday mornings, with approximately
150 persons attending at some point during the year.
Lulu will
address the congregation on Sunday, May 18 on need to increase income or cut
expenses. Also on that date will be the
potluck after church to discuss what to do with the parsonage.
As to the
meals program, Walter noted that he has plans to move the program to self-
sufficiency. This may include partnering
with UMN Wesley, Epworth church or others.
Other ways to raise funds would be to have a special offering or special
meal. The Community Meals fund will be
used to track income and expenditures, including the costs of equipment and necessary
licensure. Walter has completed the Safe
Serve licensure at a cost of $175. Other
licensures may be necessary if the venue will be used for non-church functions.
As for the
retainage account, we now owe approximately $6,000; however, there is water in
the basement and other punch list items yet to be completed or adjusted by the
builders. Walter hopes that all matters
related to the construction of the building will be resolved by September. At that point we will need to move funds from
the capital to building account in order to make the final payment.
We
discussed in general, the May rummage sale.
It went very well in the new venue, (best ever receipts of some $3,600)
and there is reason to believe might have been even better had it not taken
place over the Mothers’ Day and fishing opener weekend. We could use more tables and better racks for
displays. Lulu has created a list of
suggestions for future rummage sale. We
set the dates of October 20-25 for the fall rummage sale, with set up days
being October 20 and 21 and sale days thereafter.
Next
Finance Committee meeting is set for June 11, 2014 at 3 p.m.
Minutes by
Carole Megarry
Trustees
Meeting Minutes
May
14, 2014
Those
present: Ed Ed
Mueller, Jennifer Gahnstrom, Al Hildenbrand, Jim Stark, Harlan Seelhof
Minutes from the last meeting were read and approved.
Ed Ed moved and Jim seconded that kitchen work and materials
be taken from the "Meals" Profit and Loss "Class" as
presented on a P&L printout, Jan 1 - May 14, 2014, from Jennifer. Passed unanimously.
Ed Ed moved and Jim seconded that the retainage to Watson Forsberg
be paid out of the "Build" Profit and Loss "Class" as
presented on a P&L printout, Jan 1 - May 14,2014, thus reducing the
"Build Class" to $0.00, and to then close out the Build Class. Passed unanimously.
Jennifer
wants a doorbell. Ideas were discussed. Al moved and Ed Ed
seconded purchasing a wireless bell with buttons and trying it out.
Nancy next
door to the Parsonage reminded us about the dented downspout repair promised
from last year's driveway incident.
Jennifer
introduced the Trustees to a request for free use of Walker. Transforming Families, http://transformingfamiliesmn.org/ , and Jennifer propose a two hour
meeting once a month, second Saturdays, meetings only and no use of the kitchen,
scheduling and room flexibility as driven by needs of future paying renters of
Walker. Given these constraints, the
Trustees have no objections to extending free access to the Walker property. So moved by Jim and Ed Ed
seconded; passed
unanimously
Fire
system monitoring and inspection one year contract was presented and read. Agreeing to the contract and signing was
moved by Al and seconded by Ed Ed. Passed unanimously
Al and Ed Ed gave a report of the basement water problem, and
inspection last Friday by
Janelle
of Watson Forsberg and Mindy Micheals of Kaas Wilson of the same, after the fact.
Al has been charged by Mindy to contact her immediately upon any water
being seen seeping in the basement so that she can rush over and examine it first hand. Al asks
that any report of water in the basement of Walker be forwarded and / or copied
to him, immediately upon receipt by anyone so knowing.
Jennifer
reported to Ed Ed that the west Fellowship double
door panic bars don't latch securely to the door frame. Ed Ed inspected and
will report to Jennifer that it is a Warranty issue for the installing
contractor.
The new Hatco water super heater for the kitchen dishwasher has
been looked at by the manufacturer repair technician and parts ordered. The factory technician is
due to replace parts and repair the Hatco
super heater so that it will perform to Health Department requirements.
Minutes
of the Church Conference
May
18, 2014
This
conference was called for the purpose of deciding what to do with the property
at 3605 15th Avenue South.
Present
were: EdEd Mueller, Julia Phillips, Janet Werness,
Conrad deFiebre, Steve Sandberg, Steve Cobian, K.C. Bretzke, Dianne O’Donnell,
Fred Glazer, Allen Hillenbrand, Carole Megarry, and Greg Garman. The meeting was chaired by Pastor Walter
Lockhart.
The Motion
before the conference was as follows:
Authorize
the board of Trustees of Walker Community UMC to sell the church parsonage
located at 3605 15th Ave. So., Minneapolis, MN 55407. The trustees will need to gain the approval
of the Twin Cities District Board of Church and Location.
Authorize
using the proceeds of sale to pay off the loan against the parsonage and pay
for any costs incurred while holding the property for sale since the church
office moved out at the end of December, 2013.
Authorize
the Finance Committee to safely invest the remaining of the funds in an insured
account that preserves the principal.
These funds will remain separate from church funds and no principal or
interest will be spent until a church conference approves the expenditures.
It was
noted that while we could probably resume a relationship with Simpson Housing
Services, which historically resulted in gross rent of approximately $800 per
month and net income of approximately $400 per month, we currently have no
individual trustee willing and able to provide the labor, equipment and
materials necessary to maintain the property, which we formerly had. It was also noted that due to a $20,000 sewer
repair in recent years, even the “net” income from the property had largely
been offset by that one large expense.
Some
raised the question of whether it might be feasible to rent the property out at
market rate and function as a traditional for-profit landlord. Little information was available about what
that market rate rent might be, what management expenses would be involved, and
what taxes might be anticipated.
A vote was
taken. Nine votes were cast in favor of
the motion. No votes were cast against
it. There were three abstentions.
It was
noted that the motion does not require the immediate listing of the
property. If anyone has a plan for
retaining the property, that plan must be presented to the trustees via EdEd Mueller not later than July 1, 2014. If the trustees find that an alternative plan
is viable, the issue of whether to proceed with the listing and sale or to
retain the property will be resolved between trustees and Finance Committee.
Minutes
prepared by Carole Megarry.
Walker
Church Council
May
27, 2014
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
Minutes
of Finance Committee Meeting- June 11, 2014
Present
were: Church administrator Jennifer
Gahnstrom, committee chair Lulu Phillips, members Jan Werness and Carole
Megarry, Al Hildenbrand (Trustees) and Steve Sandberg. (Pastor Lockhart is on sabbatical leave.)
The
minutes of the meeting of May 12 were approved.
A
discussion ensued regarding the decision-making process for the potential sale
of the parsonage property. Jennifer had
prepared a summary of the various expenses and income for that property from
the time it ceased to be used as a “parsonage” per se through the current
year. Steve pointed out that this
information had not been made available to the congregation in general either
prior to or at the Church Conference held May 22, 2014. It was noted that these figures do not
include labor performed by Wayne Bailey or services he paid for without
reimbursement. No one was able to say
the number of hours he contributed or the cost of services he paid.
While at
least one member of the community has experience owning and managing rental
property, it was noted there had been no offer by him or anyone to contribute
such services. Walter and other members
of the trustees apparently had some discussion as to what a for-profit operation
of the building might generate as to income and expenses, including management
fees, real property tax and income tax.
Steve
raised the issue of what marketing efforts will be needed to grow the community
which reasonably could yield increased income.
He noted that the website is outdated and needs improvement. Discussion followed as to what is currently
updated on the website and what needs work.
The website is currently without a coordinator. Steve is acquainted with a woman who has
experience managing websites and he agreed to contact her to see if she might
be available for advice or services.
It was
suggested that we explore forming a marketing committee, and that JG put into
this into the weekly announcements and request that anyone interested should
contact her.
Steve
noted our new facility should be useful in fundraising through hosting dances
and benefits. JG noted that we need more
site managers if we are going to have more activities in the building. JG will ask for volunteer site managers. A training session should be held so the new
managers know what is expected of them and parties renting the premises.
The
Finance Report of May 31, 2014, and the current Operating Fund Financial Report
were reviewed and approved.
An Art
Fair is on the calendar for November 22 and 23, 2014. We will need a coordinator.
Next
Finance Committee meeting is set for ______________at 3 p.m.
Minutes by
Carole Megarry
Trustees Meeting Minutes
June 12, 2014
Those present: Ed Ed Mueller, Jennifer Gahnstrom, Al Hildenbrand, Wayne
Bailey, Harlan Seelhof, Lu Lu
Phillips
Minutes from the last
meeting were read and approved.
Jennifer updated the Walker Funds Report as of May 31,
2014
Jennifer reported on rentals and the most recent by
"Anna" leaving behind beer cans (found by Ignasio). Jennifer will not rent to her again.
Jennifer reported that a discussion is taking place about
the position of and storage of the chairs.
Steve Sandberg is to have a meeting following Celebration.
Al reported on the doorbell, dishwasher, disposal, superheater, HVAC problems and internet connection, Water
in the basement W-F & Kaas Wilson witnessed, file
compilation, W-F training videos being corrupt.
Parsonage possible sale was discussed. Dianne O'Donnel is
having conflicting prices for the property coming from software that shouldn't
do it.
Wireless FA monitor equipment bid from Gilbert is still
needed.
Wayne reports that if the parsonage is sold he won't stay
in town. (ha)
Ed Ed expressed concern for
Operation and Maintenance list of tasks be generated.
Walker
Church Finance Committee
July
10,2014
Present:
Lulu Philips, Jan Werness, Jennifer Gahnstrom
Financial
Reports - We reviewed the financial reports and noted how income continues to
lag far behind expenses.
Rentals -
We reviewed the rentals and the income they have generated. Jennifer brought the rental policy which we
went over. The price guidelines appear
appropriate. The policy and prices will
be reviewed periodically and adjusted as needed once we have more experience
renting.
A question
was raised about renting to a non-profit business. Jan will check out what, if any, tax
implications this will have for Walker.
Parsonage
– No one has brought forward to the Finance Committee a proposal to keep the
parsonage. The deadline for proposals to
go to Ed Ed was July 1st.
Fiscal
Agent for Empty Bowls - Jennifer listed the tasks she will need to do for
this. The majority of the financial work
will be dealing with checks for individual donations and sending receipts as
required by IRS.
The fiscal
agent contract we used in the past burned up.
It had not been updated for a long time. Jan will start a draft for a
new contract and distribute it to other committee members.
Fundraisers
- Rummage sale will be third full week of October; set-up begins on October 20th.
A silent auction will be held on December 13th.
Vacation -
Lulu will be gone from 8/20/14 to 9/13/14 and from 9/25/14 to 10/10/14. She will miss 2 trustees meetings. Other finance committee members can attend if
they want, but Lulu didn’t feel it was necessary for another member to attend.
Future
meetings - All meetings will begin at 3:00 pm.
August 13th,
September 17th. October 15th, November 12th, December
10th
Minutes by
Jan Werness
Events Task Force Minutes
(Task Force of the Trustees)
July 22, 2014
Present: Steve Sandberg, Jennifer Gahnstrom,
Anne Tiller, Greg Garman, Mary Parker
These questions were raised and sometimes
answered:
How
to find out what’s going on every day at Walker: Walker Church Calendar can be
found on our website and is kept up to date by Jennifer. Jennifer will post
events on Facebook if you send them to her.
What’s
happening with a sound system for sanctuary? How much would that cost? We need
a good one if we have musical groups coming in.
How
is the completion of the kitchen coming along?
We
need a Wedding Coordinator so we can rent to more weddings.
Any suggestions,
discussion?
Anne
Tiller: Can I have regular showings of Bioneers DVDs
in the sanctuary, with a potluck after? Answer: Yes!
Kristine
Smith: (via Steve S.) Suggests having a monthly music concert
in the sanctuary using a known musical group as a draw.
Then we got into a lengthy discussion of
Communications (i.e. website, Facebook and all forms of marketing).
A Communications Task Force was suggested and
the following people were suggested as members: Jennifer, Steve S., Deb Ramage,
Jim Feldman (current webmaster) and Al Hildenbrand.
This task force would do the following:
Decide
policy about what’s public and what’s not on website and Facebook
Discuss
and oversee creation of an updated webpage
Educate
the congregation in use of Facebook as a way to promote dissemination of
information about events at Walker.
Also discussed at this meeting:
We
are looking for “follow through” on the many many
ideas we come up with as a community in our “visioning” sessions!
We
are in large part an aging congregation. We seem tired. Who wants to take
initiative anymore?
Walker
member attendance is low at activist events held at Walker.
Jennifer
Gahnstrom is mainly responsible for the continued recognition of Walker Church
as an activist organization because she actively works to rent to activist
groups and she oversees their use of the building. She has been a constant in
this regard for many years and her good reputation is known in the activist
communities.
Mary
gave a list of “coming attractions” at Walker. And she gave a little pep talk about
keeping our eye on the “prize”, which is the increased good health and joy of
our community. We can’t let ourselves be pressed down by the concrete slab of
history. If we turn our attention to what’s best for our community and not for
individuals, we can bust through any blockages!
Minutes
by Mary Parker
Updated list of two new Task Forces, one new Team
& an update of members of the Kitchen Cabinet
July 23, 2014
Events Task Force: Coordinating
having more Walker Events and working with the Trustees on rental policies.
Mary
Parker
Steve
Sandberg
Mary
Laurel True
Anne
Tiller
Jennifer
Gahnstrom
Communications Task Force: Coordinating
future plans for the communication system (Website, Facebook, etc.) to both get
out the message on Walker events and to market Walker rental space.
Jim
Feldman (webmaster)
Steve
Sandberg
Deb Ramage
Al
Hildenbrand
Jennifer
Gahnstrom
Kitchen Cabinet: Coordinating
community meals & the kitchen set-up.
Sarah
Elizabeth, chair
Lou Tofte
Tom Judge
Barbara
Hager
Greg
Garman
Deb Ramage
Nancy
Larsen
Arts & Furnishing Team: Coordinating
what art & furnishings are used in the building where & when.
Mary
Buckley
Adel
Gardner
Anne
Tiller
Celebration Committee: Coordinating
the Sunday Celebrations & other events.
Mary
Parker, chair
Bonita
Blumenauer
Tony
Wentersdorf
Emily
Peabody
Dianne
O’Donnell
Howard
Kranz
Sally
Kuehn
Marg Rozycki
Walker Church Council
July
29, 2014
Present: Lulu Philips, Mary Laurel True, Mary
Parker, Allyson Hayward, Al Hildenbrand, K.C. Bretzke, Greg Garman, Willow
Cordes-Eklund, Steve Sandberg, Jan Werness, Nancy Larsen.
The minutes were approved as read.
Lulu gave the financial report. We continue
to spend more than we take in. With this in mind we are planning fundraisers
for the fall. The fall Art Fair will be Saturday November 22 and Sunday
November 23. The Rummage Sale will be October 23 - 26. The Silent Auction
Dinner and Dance will be Saturday December 13.
Al reported that the parsonage is ready to
sell. The proposal to sell is being considered by the Board of Church Location
and Building. They have not made a decision.
K.C. reported that the Staff Parish Relations
Committee has not met. She requested more timely church council minutes a
reminder.
Al reported for the Trustees that there are
aspects of the new building that are not functional and are under warranty.
This has reported to the proper person, who is stonewalling.
Greg reported for the Kitchen Cabinet that
there will be a Community Meal Tuesday, August 19. Walter will stage a
necessary inspection of the kitchen when he gets back.
Steve Sandberg gave a glowing report of the
activities of the Sunday School. He is still looking
into coordinating with another church on a teen service project. There should a
Sunday School presence on the Walker Church web site
to reflect what is going on.
Mary Parker said that there will a preview of coming attractions for upcoming
Celebrations on Sunday August 24. There will be a guest speaker once s month. There is a calendar of the church year posted in
the sanctuary.
Mary Laurel True introduced herself as a
Powderhorn community member who would like to help us market the church space
for increased income and greater community involvement. Greg stated that there
is a tension between marketing and living our mission. Jennifer feels the
burden of making policy decisions because no one has coordinated this. We need
to make policy so Jennifer can mange
the rentals on a day to day basis. Al stated that the Trustees need Mary Laurel
True's expertise in pricing. We need a fee schedule
for Jennifer that is specific.
Allyson asked how do we get the word out
about Walker? We need to redesign the web site so Jim Feldman
can execute the changes. We need to pay attention to local print media like
Southside Pride. We should ask people who rent the space for feedback and ask
them to spread the word. Steve said maybe we could reach out to the Somali
community through Mary Laurel True's connections at
Augsburg College, where she works in community outreach. We should form
partnerships with groups in the community. We also need to reach out to young
people. We discussed year long themes - " Come back to Walker!" "Walker is
back!"
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Larsen
Church Council Secretary