CONGREGATION SHIR TIKVAH
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2010
Present: Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg, Beth Isola, David Muscat, Edith Bernstein, Eileen Nowikowski, Elwin Greenwald, Erica Peresman, Grace Laverdiere, Harriet Silverman, JoAnne Levy, Joyce May, Len Redmond, Marv Rich, 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 7:04 p.m.
D’Var Torah – Rabbi Arnie.
- Rabbi Arnie distributed and read the translation of this week’s parsha (Leviticus 10: 1-2) wherein the sons of Aaron were sentenced to death. Rabbi Arnie then asked the members of the Board to suggest reasons for the death penalty. After conversation ensued and various “reasons” were supposed, Rabbi Arnie discussed the reasons other Rabbi’s have given for Aaron’s sons to have deserved the death penalty.
Consent Agenda Approval.
- Exceptions – none.
- Motion to approve moved by Nowikowski; 2nd by Silverman.
- Isola asked if building painting was truly a Capital expense.
- Consent Agenda unanimously approved.
Rabbi’s Report.
- This is a very special week for Rabbi Arnie and for Robert. Robert will be going to the mikvah with Rabbi Marla Hornstein from Temple Israel for his conversion which will be celebrated at CST on Friday, April 9.
- Yom Hashoah Services will be held Saturday, April 10.
- On Wednesday, April 14, Rabbi Arnie will travel to Lansing with the Michigan Board of Rabbis for Yom Hashoah Commemoration.
- Rabbi Arnie will travel to Pittsburgh the weekend of April 16 & 17 with members of TATY.
- The 2nd Seder went “exceedingly well” with a big thanks to Joyce May and her committee for planning and executing such a fabulous event.
President’s Report.
- Circle of Givers – decision was made to write a letter which will be mailed within the next two weeks to a specific group of members. The letter explains the program and asks for donations of designated levels. Follow-up calls will take place if necessary.
- Membership Committee Chair – as Peresman mentioned last month, Karen Sage is stepping down as Chair of the Membership Committee. Peresman is contacting members of the congregation about taking over the position. In the interim, Dan Rich and Michelle Kleiman will oversee the committee. Naomi Behrman, also part of the Membership Committee, has brought back the mentoring program where “seasoned” members mentor new members (inviting them to CST events, answer questions, etc).
- Shul Shine – Peresman felt the event was extremely well planned and organized. Unfortunately, the attendance was much lower than anticipated. The Membership Committee is looking at other options for timing of the event (possibly to coincide with the Annual Meeting or other event on a Saturday night).
- Family Ed Council – This council will be undergoing many changes as five (5) members’ terms are expiring, including the two chairpersons. Peresman is working with Wren Hack and Rabbi Arnie on possible replacements.
- Family Ed Updates – a letter was written and will be sent to all parents of Family Ed students on the plans for the 2010/2011 school year (retain Wren Hack and her team for one more school year and begin search for permanent Director of Lifelong Learning in the fall of 2010). There will also be an announcement in the Schrier so all members are informed of the plans.
- Shul Shopping Season – Peresman reminded all of us that this is traditional “shul shopping season” and asked us to think of potential members and expect to see new faces at CST services and events.
Family Education Report. Provided in Board Packet
Treasurer’s Report. Provided in Board Packet.
- Spitzer mentioned that typically the draft budget for the upcoming fiscal year is presented at the April Board Meeting to be prepared for the Annual Meeting in May. Since the May Board Meeting will take place prior to the Annual Meeting, Spitzer will present the draft budget at that meeting.
- With the budget process, Spitzer mentioned that right now, we are looking at a $16,000-$17,000 deficit in the 2010/2011 fiscal year. This number does not include any anticipated income received through the new “Circle of Givers” program.
- New Member Packets will be going out shortly indicating a 3% increase in all dues categories. There also be a new “materials fee” included for all families with children in the Family Ed program. The fee will be $36 per student and is not waived for those on reduced dues/tuition.
- M. Rich asked about our continuing shortfall wherein we are receiving less money coming in than what we forecasted. What are we doing about that? Does JoAnne need help with collections? And if so, who helps considering this area is very sensitive and confidential? Redmond feels that the calls should be “conversational” and not simply calling to ask for money. He suggested that whomever is calling be someone who can make decisions regarding reduced dues if financials are an issue. Conversation ensued and will be discussed at the next Executive Committee Meeting.
- Blatt asked about Family Ed financials. Is there a surplus due to no Family Ed Director? Spitzer informed that the savings will be seen next year.
Exceptions to Consent Agenda. None
Recommendation Packages. Two recommendations were received and discussed.
Recommendation #1 – Charge in lieu of Oneg Duty – presented by Grace Laverdiere
Idea is to provide another option for congregants unwilling to fulfill their annual Oneg duty. A proposed $50 fee will be offered as an “opt out” option which would be automatically charged to the congregant if they do not participate in the voluntary program. If the member does not pay the fee, they will not be considered to be in good standing.
- Motion to discuss by Isola, 2nd by May
- Silverman asked for clarification as to when this option is discussed with the congregant.
- Blatt questioned whether this charge will cure the problem of not all congregants participating. He wonders if this will create a bigger receivables issue than necessary.
- Redmond is in favor of offering the option but not in favor of the automatic charge.
- Spitzer asked what percentage of the Oneg tribe members do not show-up for their duty. He suggested adding an “Oneg fee” on dues statements. He is also leery of upsetting congregants over a nominal amount of money.
- May likes the idea of adding this fee on statements (similar to “Building Funds”, etc.)
- Isola is opposed to the mandatory charge but in favor of offering the option to congregants.
- Conversation took place and it was determined that before instituting the fee option, Board Members will send JoAnne a list of their tribe members who do not comply with this request. Fee will be reduced to $25.
- Laverdiere is withdrawing recommendation.
Recommendation #2 – Add Classified Ads to the CST website – presented by Grace Laverdiere on behalf of Martha Bernstein
Idea is to add a page on our existing website where members can post classified ads for goods and services they are selling.
- Motion to discuss by Spitzer, 2nd by Blatt
- M. Rich questioned if adding this feature would add too much onto JoAnne’s overflowing plate of responsibilities. Laverdiere responded that the idea would be for Larry Boocker to handle this feature as he oversees all website content already.
- Spitzer agrees with recommendation and thinks this could be catalyst for taking the website to a new level.
- Blatt suggests we try this initiative and then charge a fee once we see how successful this is and hopes this will encourage members to use the website more frequently.
- There were questions about our liability and our obligations, ads that go against our values and mission. Who would be responsible for monitoring and proofing ads? Can we refuse an ad if it doesn’t meet our standards?
- Recommendation tabled until next month
Discussion Items.
Annual Meeting – Saturday, May 8
- Hertzl exhibit, youth orchestra will be present as will an informational video on Camp Tikvah
- Members of the Board will supply the desserts and babysitting will be available
Good & Welfare
- Blood Drive on Sunday, April 11 at CST
Meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Beth Isola,
Recording Secretary