St. Paul Lutheran Church
Council Meeting Minutes
August 20, 2007

Present: Pr. Eastman, Pr. Williamson (excused late), Jim Baumgardner, Charlie Boone, Carlo D’Agostino, Kevin Dixon, Patty Fess, Bob Hein, Ann Holmstrom, Lisa Jackson, Gayle Meskimen, Nick Poulos (late)
Excused: Mark Demich
Visitors: Barb Deli, Darla Moore, Pat Pape

Kevin Dixon called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
Devotions-Patty Fess

Approve Agenda
The Worship and Music Board Update was moved to the first report and the Financial Update was placed after the Treasurer’s Report. Carlo D’Agostino added an action item to approve a support group for Pr. Williamson. Nick Poulos moved to approve the agenda as amended and Jim Baumgardner seconded. The motion was approved.

Approve Minutes
Bob Hein moved to approve the minutes dated June 12, 2007. Gayle Meskimen seconded and the minutes were approved.
Patty Fess moved to recommend the congregation approve the minutes from the special call congregational meeting dated June 24, 2007. Bob Hein seconded and the motion carried.

Reports and Information

1. Pat Pape and Darla Moore presented and update from the Worship and Music Board regarding public relations with the community. Darla Moore distributed information to the council on a job description for a public relations coordinator, a flow chart on how the boards and the council would relate to the PR coordinator, and a proposed form for submitting information for publication. There was discussion and questions for clarification. Kevin invited Darla to report back to the council in October to share progress of the public relations project.
   
   
2. Barb Deli offered to be the liaison between Worship and Music and the council during the absence of Mark Demich. She would be happy to provide the communication between the two groups but would not be assuming the responsibilities of the full council position.
   
   
3. Sr. Pastor’s Report-Pr. Eastman attended two assemblies, Living Waters Camp and the High School Wilderness Trip this summer. Our young people exhibited attributes of grace and maturity on the trips she led with them. In July Pastor spoke at a hearing on Affordable Housing in Springfield. She welcomed and thanked Pr. Williamson for a great beginning.
   
   
4. Associate Pastor Report-Pr. Williamson highlighted a great start and a warm welcome of three dinners with congregants and more to come. He is working on launching a mentoring program with the ninth grade confirmation students. This summer he used some of his continuing education for the Affirming Young Leaders gathering at Navy Pier.
   
   
5. Treasurer’s Report-Ann Holmstrom presented the June financials. We took in $3400 more in income than expenses. Expenses were less than expected. We are also ahead in BOB. July financials are unavailable due to Kimberly Olson’s vacation. In September we will review year to date through August. Patty Fess moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Nick Poulos seconded. The motion carried.
   
   
6. Financial Update-Charlie Boone discussed without recommendation that Council consider reallocating monies in various reserve funds within the General Operating account and to consider setting up a new reserve fund associated with funeral fellowship expenses. Recommendations will be forthcoming from the Operations Board. St. Paul has also received notification that it is a named beneficiary from an estate to be finalized sometime next year.
   
   
7. Property Update-Jim Baumgardner distributed an update on the progress to date for the purchase of new windows for the east side of the building, a largely completed “wish list” of projects and property improvements, a list of recently completed projects, and an elevation for the new windows. Jim is expecting bids back for the windows by September 1^st. There are many possibilities to consider for the windows and a window committee was formed for this purpose. Carlo D’Agostino, Nick Poulos, and Bob Hein volunteered to be on the committee. Pr. Eastman mentioned the possibility of a grant being available for energy-efficient windows. She will forward any information she has about the grant to the property board.
   
   
8. Church Administrator Position-Kevin Dixon requested direction from the council on the position of Church Administrator. The council reviewed the job description for the position and followed up with questions and discussion. There was favorable response for Kevin to move ahead with the position.
   
9. Gail Meskimen invited all council representatives to attend the potluck welcoming Pr. Williamson on September 2^nd after the 10:00 A.M. service.
   
10. Mark Demich will be unable to complete his term, ending June 2008, as council representative. Council suggested John Warbiany, Heidi Carr, Bob Miller and Lydia Trevino as possible appointments for the vacant position. These people will be contacted to see if they would be interested in the position.
    

1. Jim Baumgardner moved to approve reimbursement of moving expenses to Pr. Williamson not to exceed $600. Lisa Jackson seconded and the motion passed.
   
2. The hand bell director was unable to accept the position at the level of salary we are offering, no action was taken. We will continue to publicize the position. Children’s Choir has a candidate we are pursuing.
   
3. Nick Poulos moved to approve Saturday, September 15 at 12:00 P.M. at the Wheaton Community Center as the date, time and place for the September council meeting. Charlie Boone seconded and the motion carried.
   
4. Patty Fess moved to approve the agenda for the Council Retreat and Nick Poulos seconded. The agenda was approved.
   
5. Carlo D’Agostino moved to set up a support group for one year to mentor and encourage Pr. Williamson. Bob Hein seconded and the motion was approved.
   

1. Lisa Jackson said the youth are excited to meet with Pr. Williamson.
   
2. Bob Hein commented that the Adult Forum schedule for fall looks very interesting.
   

1. Carlo D’Agostino requested a Coffee with the Council be planned. A date of Sunday, September 30^th at 12:15 P.M. was selected.