MINUTES - January VESTRY MEETING
St. Peter’s Church - January 28, 2008

Fr George Young opened the meeting at 6pm. Present: Neil Blalock, Ed Grissom, Mary Lynn Torchia, Francis Flood, Neil Frink, Norma Norris, David Lott, Dolores Lord, Lena Watson, Jon Lasserre, Asa Gillette and Bob White. Absent: The Rev. Kimberly Still. Also present: Jim Carpenter (Treasurer), Ben Stephens, Meegan Burns, and Tim O’Connor.

Next Meeting : Feb 11, 2008 @ 6 pm

Treasurer’s Report:

Jim Carpenter presented a detailed report on our 2007 expenses with a summary of all accounts. As a result of the budget changes implemented by the Vestry in September, we ended the year with only a $151 deficit. This was due in part to the reduction in offerings during the second half of 2007.

Jim reported that as of Dec. 31, the Parish had received pledges of over $1.5 million and actual contributions $564,000 from the Capital Campaign.

In order to balance the 2008 Budget, several actions were approved by the Vestry. They included:

1. Budget reductions recommended by Jim in an effort to keep the 2008 expenses close to the 2007 budget expenses;

2. Transfer interest income from the Money Market Fund ($18,004) to the Thackara Fund and use the combined Thackara Fund balances of $22,133 as additional income for 2008;

3. Reduce the budgeted building improvement line item by $2,500, the budgeted ground improvement line item by $2,500, and the budgeted organ and piano maintenance line item by $1,300. All of these expenses will be charged to the Capital Campaign Maintenance Fund;

4. Increase the budgeted offerings by $14,472 to reflect a comparable level of Offertory / Tithing giving realized in 2007 rather than a 5% reduction originally proposed.”

A motion was made and unamiously approved that the Treasurer’s report be accepted.

Minutes of the December 3 meeting were approved without exception

Bus Acquisition Report:

Ben Stephens gave an update on the four most compelling options he and his committee have developed. Along with this report Father George read a letter
from Don Parker, stating that the Founders and many of the trips that have been planned, assumed the Parish would have bus transport available. After review and discussion, it was decided that the position of the bus acquisition in the scheduled expenditure tier from the
Capital Campaign funds ought be reviewed; and that the options available fot Vestry consideration ought be expanded.
This matter will be taken up again at the Feb. Meeting.

Community Garden:

At the request of Father George, Meegan Burns and Tim O’Conner discussed the possibility of a Community Supported Agricultural garden on church property.
Their concept envisions that individual plots would be sold to parishioners to grow
organic vegetables. Two locations were discussed:1) Broom and 8th St. (at the back of the cemetery) and 2) the corner lot on 9th street across from the church. The
Broom St. location has water, electricity, and tool storage already available, and is large enough for up to 50 plots. However, this site may be needed for future grave sites and thus permission would be required.. The 9th St. location is more visible, and is available immediately. However, the site is limited to about 14 plots, has no water or tool storage area at present, and may be in a flood zone.
A survey will be conducted to determine the level of interest among parishioners. If positive, a motion to proceed was made and approved.

Rector’s Report:

Father George announced that Caroline Morrison will step down from her position as Parish
Administrator. No replacement has been appointed at this time.

Father George and Delores Lord will be attending a conference (Feb 21-23) in St. Louis of the Consortium of Endowed Parishes.

Father George has been elected Deputy Chair for the upcoming Diocesan Convention.

Junior Warden’s Report:

Ed Grissom reported that the Administration Bldg., the Sunday School Bldg. and the Parish Hall need additional painting and there is termite damage. He will discuss with Jim Carpenter the
necessary funds for these projects.

Fr George led closing prayers and the meeting adjourned at 9:15.

Respectfully submitted:
Mary Lynn Torchia