Minutes from CST Board of Trustees Meeting

March 4, 2009

 

Present: Alice Audie-Figueroa, Tzvi Berkel, Terry Finerman, Peter Goldberg, CarolAnn Gutkowski, Beth Isola, Robin Lampert, Paul Lefkowitz, JoAnne Levy, Linda Lutz, Joyce May, Daniella Mechnikov, Erica Peresman, Len Redmond, Barry Rubin, Harriet Silverman, Michelle Simpson, Rabbi Arnie.

Guests: Michael Silverstein, Mark and Judy Rich

(If you come in late after the attendance sheet has gone around please see CarolAnn at the end of the meeting to put your name on the sheet so you aren’t missed; thanks.)

 

1.     Meeting called to order by Peresman at 7:30 p.m.

2.     Dvar Torah. Rabbi Arnie explained this week’s Parsha which contains the statement that the Israelites were G-d’s chosen people. There are many interpretations as to why we were chosen. Rabbi Arnie shared his; that we, in fact, chose G-d, which in turn made us the chosen people.

3.     Approval of Consent Agenda. Moved by Isola, seconded by Silverman, unanimous approval.

4.     Rabbi’s Report. The youth trip to Cleveland was a great trip. They attended services twice at a reconstructionist temple and the children behaved very well and got involved in the service. Yoga and meditation Shabbat services are planned. Good progress is being made on our newly formatted second Seder.

5.     President’s Report. Sent ahead in packet.

6.     Director of Education Report. CSI assessment was done and went very well. Family Ed is going green this year and piloting online registration process. One or two family ed summer events will be planned. Summer camp idea is being considered. March 27 at 6:15 p.m. is a combination music service and family service.

7.     Treasure’s Report. Budget to date and narrative sent ahead. Rich not present due to passing of his father.

8.     Presentation by Michael Silverstein on fundraising. Michael attended an in-depth workshop on fundraising and shared the highlights with the board. He feels that the Torah Alive campaign was well implemented, but we need to complete the process and be sure to provide meaningful follow-up and appreciation for all donors throughout the lifetime of payments and to keep everyone well informed as to how the money is being used. This is called stewardship and is an area he feels CST needs some improvement. Michael suggests that all our fundraising activities, large and small—annual and sporadic, need to be organized and overseen by one central person or small committee. He suggested either a board position be expanded to include this duty, that a new board position be created to do this, or that we look into a paid position to handle this. It is noted that although Michael is interested in doing fundraising professionally, he is not interested in acquiring this position at CST.

9.     Recommendation Packages. None

10.  Discussion items.

a.     MUM dues. Discussion on current status of request for MUM dues reduction and recent survey from URJ. Given our current financial situation and the lack of services we are currently receiving for our dues, the board agreed to suspend all further MUM payments for this fiscal year. We will reassess as more information becomes available as to the reorganization of URJ that is currently underway.

11.  Exceptions to Consent Agenda.

a.     Exceptions raised by Simpson:

                                               i.     on p. 5, questions about dates for the 3 or 4 youth activities.

                                             ii.     on p. 6 #4 it says that the high school attendance for Bob’s program is low; why? Daniella answered that Bob has had scheduling problems and dates were inconsistent. This program’s future is being assessed. Question was raised about our insurance coverage for regularly scheduled off-campus activities like this. JoAnne will call our insurance agent to confirm we are covered. Suggestion to invite family ed representative to our next meeting.

                                            iii.     Feb. 10 ed council—how is the end of year family picnic paid for? Usually the family ed fundraiser (like candy sale) happens to bring in about what it costs to put on the picnic.

                                            iv.     P. 8 lay led services—Michelle indicated that we hired Steve Klaper to assist our own lay leaders with music, not lead the service. Rabbi Arnie and others explained there were several instances of confusion where both Steve and lay leaders prepared D’var Torah and other problems. This evolved into Steve’s request to lead the services he is paid to assist with and that was approved.

                                              v.     From the Med Fed report—the “Nothing but Nets” activity should be advertised in the Schrier

12.  Roundtable Discussion occurred after 9:05 and Gutkowski had to leave so Simpson completed the minutes (thanks Michelle):

a.     Joyce shared info on the Gospel/Klezmer concert and had flier for us to post in community.

b.     Peter shared that pg. 7 of the Shrier has the Brotherhood Blood Drive and they’d be doing a phone-a-thon to get donors.

c.     JoAnne shared that CDs were in from Torah Alive for purchase. Also mentioned upcoming dinners.

 

Meeting adjourned, 9:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

CarolAnn Barr-Gutkowski

Recording Secretary