Minutes from CST Board of Trustees Meeting
July 8, 2009

Present:  Alice Audie-Figueroa, Edith Bernstein, Paul Blatt, Elwin Greenwald, Grace Laverdiere, Paul Lefkowitz, JoAnne Levy, Linda Lutz, Joyce May, Daniella Mechnikov, David Muscat, Eileen Nowikowski, Erica Peresman, Mike Pytlik , Rabbi Arnie, Len Redmond, Marvin Rich, Harriet Silverman,  Rich Spitzer.
 

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

• Meeting called to order by Peresman at 7:10 p.m. 
• Board members briefly introduced themselves, including information about length of membership, some family details and ways in which they have been involved in congregation life to date.
• D’var Torah.  Daniella gave the d’var torah drawing the link between the census discussed in this week’s parsha and the Board’s efforts.  During the census discussed, military-age people were counted because it was important to know who was willing to “fight”.  Similarly, it is good to know that there are people willing “to fight” for the congregation.
• Consent Agenda.  Moved by Nowikowski, seconded by Bernstein.  Passed unanimously.  Pytlik asked for clarification on the Religious Rituals report, specifically asking where we are on the prayer book.  Rabbi Arnie explained that we are on a two-year track.  We will reprint enough to tide us over, making some minor changes.  The number we have on-hand should last us through October or November, and maybe later.
• Rabbi’s Report. 
• We have received a large, anonymous donation to help congregants in need. Rabbi Arnie met with Jewish Family Services (JFS) to ask if it would steward the money for us since we are non-professionals in this regard and need help to handle the donation appropriately.  We would provide the criteria.  Mechnikov asked if these funds would substitute for JFS funds.  No, they are to be funds of last resort. Blatt asked how the waiting period would be handled (currently appointments for August were being taken.)  This was not discussed and will need to be raised.  Rabbi Arnie asked that if there were other concerns to please notify him.

 

• On Sunday, August 9th at 10:30 am, Arnie will be speaking at the Birmingham Unitary Universalist Church.

• David Starr’s wedding is in Chicago this weekend.  Arnie will be gone during the last week of July and first week in August.  The family who sheltered his Mom during the War will be visiting this summer.

 

 

• President’s Report. 

Written and in consent agenda.

• Education Director’s Report.

Written and in consent agenda.
8.  Orientation.
                  It was decided to go through the orientation for new Board members before the Treasurer’s report so that there is some context for the budget discussion.  Peresman went through two documents (included at the end of this document), one of which is a summary of obligations and the other is a longer document that discusses some of the more structural processes of the Board.
                  Peresman discussed what it means to be a Board member, summarizing it by saying that there are “Ambassador” and “Steward” duties.  As ambassadors, we are the face of the congregation’s leadership and facilitate communication between the members and the Board.  As stewards, we take care of CST, nurturing the organization. 
                  The summary document includes general and specific duties.  Time was spent on oneg duties since at the last Board retreat there was a request for assistance in carrying out the oneg tribe responsibilities.  In addition to the information found in the documents, clarification was made regarding Saturday morning onegs.  On Friday night, the team should leave things out for Saturday morning, even if Friday is a pre-neg.  If there are problems with specific team members, let JoAnne know.  Open and lock duties were also discussed.  New Board members will be trained after the meeting.
                  All Board members were encouraged to contact Erica if they have any issues/concerns about the expectations discussed here.

9.  Treasurer’s Report.  Spitzer explained in broad terms how to read the budget, including the connection between our categories and those used in the MUM calculation.  MUM dues are based on expenses, not income.

Budget and narrative were sent ahead and discussed at meeting.  The proposed budget is a deficit budget, so voting for it is voting for use of reserves in the amount of $18,000 to cover expenses.  Included in the budget is a proposed 1.5 percent increase in dues, but congregants who can afford to, are being asked to pay a 3 percent increase. The option of paying double-dues to support a family in need also remains an option.  There was a discussion about the dues increase including concern over the effects of the current economy on CST families.  Discussion also concerning the overall monetary impact on the congregation of an increase.

Motion made by Laverdiere, seconded by Muscat to extend the meeting 15 minutes.

Questions about dues relief were addressed.  President Peresman clarified that a vote for the budget meant a vote to use reserves to cover the projected $18,000 deficit.  Lutz moved and Nowikowski seconded acceptance of the budget as presented.  13 Yes, 1 No, and one person abstained.

10. Membership Goal  The goal for new members last year was a net 10.  This was exceeded.  Questions about whether families were leaving (due to economic conditions) were raised.  Levy thought we would have better information in the next month or two. This discussion about setting a membership goal for this fiscal year was tabled until that time when we have better information.

11. Oneg Assignments Team/tribe assignments for this year were distributed along with contact information and dates.

12. Open and Lock
                  Reminders of who has responsibility for open and lock for the coming month.

13.  Exceptions to Consent Agenda.  Noted above.

14.  Recommendation Packages.  None.

 

Meeting adjourned, 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Alice Audie-Figueroa
Corresponding Secretary