CONGREGATION SHIR TIKVAH
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
November 12, 2009

 

Present:  Alice Audie-Figueroa, Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg, Beth Isola, David Muscat, Edith Bernstein, Eileen Nowikowski, Elwin Greenwald, Erica Peresman, Grace Laverdiere, JoAnne Levy, Joyce May, Len Redmond, Marv Rich, Mike Pytlik, Paul Blatt, Paul Lefkowitz, Rich Spitzer

(If you come in after the attendance sheet has been passed around, please see Beth Isola at the end of the meeting.  Thank you!)

Meeting was called to order by Peresman at 7:05 p.m.

D’Var Torah. 

• Rabbi Arnie spoke about his recent trip to Israel with other Detroit area service leaders.  This is part of a new effort to partner a liberal congregation in Metro Detroit with a liberal congregation in Israel.  The goal is for 15-25 Detroit area service leaders and 15-25 Israeli service leaders to hold a 5-day conference wherein they will share ways of praying and conducting prayer service with the end result to lead a Kabbalat Shabbat. 
• Rabbi Arnie spoke about a couple of ways the Israeli congregation integrates children into the adult services – one by holding the babysitting at the back of the sanctuary rather than in a separate room; the other by having each child in attendance light their own Shabbat candle with their parent/s.

Consent Agenda Approval. 

• There were no exceptions.  Moved by Nowikowski; 2nd by Redmond. 
• Audie-Figueroa asked about filling vacancies on various committees and what is the Board’s role in finding replacements.  Peresman mentioned that typically, each committee is responsible for finding its own replacement but this isn’t always possible.  Then it is up the Board to try and recruit. 
• Consent Agenda unanimously approved.

President’s Report.  Provided in Board Packet

• Linda Lutz has submitted her resignation from the Board.  Peresman will appoint a new Trustee to fulfill remaining term.

Educator’s Report. 

• Peresman presented the enrollment counts in HarPaz-Mechnikov’s absence.  Total enrollment for Family Ed is up over 2008/2009 school year.  Audie-Figueroa asked if the Independent Study students are counted in this number.  Redmond thought they were; Levy disagreed.

Rabbi’s Report. 

• Rabbi Arnie will travel with Bob Heinrich, Eileen Nowikowski and approx 8 others from CST to Berlin to attend the dedication of the Beth Jacob Torah.  They are working on getting the dedication ceremony on a webcast so we can all see it.
• M. Rich asked about the large anonymous donation received in July that was reported to have been turned over to JFS.  M. Rich wanted to know status of that donation.  Rabbi Arnie reported that the funds were not turned over to JFS; Rabbi Arnie administers the fund.  The majority of the donation is still available to those who are in danger of losing their homes.  Reason for not turning funds over to JFS is that they have significant waiting list and we wanted ability to hand out funds as needed and more quickly.
• This opened a brief discussion on congregant needs during this trying economic time.  Laverdiere mentioned she has a student offering pro-bono legal services for those in danger of losing their homes.  Blatt reminded us of services offered through JVS (and will provide camera-ready information for input into Schrier).  Peresman reminded all off us that Rabbi Arnie is always available to counsel those in need.

 

Treasurer’s Report.  Provided in Board Packet. 

• Spitzer mentioned that our MUM reduction request has been approved through URJ.  He is waiting for written approval.
• Peresman pointed out that deficit in Dues Income could be timing.

Exceptions to Consent Agenda.  None

Recommendation Packages.  

• Two Recommendations were received on the same topic:  whether to retain Steve Klaper as High Holiday Cantorial Soloist. 
• Motion to put both Recommendations on the table for discussion was moved by Audie-Figueroa; 2nd by Nowikowski.
• Motion to approve 2nd Recommendation (to retain Steve Klaper for the 2010 High Holidays).  12 in favor; 3 opposed.  Motion passes.
• Discussion brought about idea of bringing back Scholar-In-Residence Program.  Levy will get a committee together for this.

Discussion Items.

• Membership Survey Update.  No updates at this time.
• Tzedakah & Stewardship Plans.  Nowikowski is asking us for volunteer recommendations for the high-priority items on both the Tzedakah and Stewardship Plans.
• Membership Update.  Membership is currently at 345 families. 
• Directory Ads Update.  No updates at this time.
• Marketing Committee Update.  Committee, Chaired by Lefkowitz, met on 11/5/09.  A couple new members joined who have offered services in writing PSA’s (Public Service Announcements) and helping with web design.  It was also mentioned the need for a database that is viable.

 

Non Agenda Item.

• Personnel matters discussed and resolved.

Meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Beth Isola,
Recording Secretary