RHCC Board of Trustees Meeting February 21, 2022, 6:30pm - Zoom Meeting 

Meeting Preparation: At 6:35 Nancy opened the meeting with a welcome and an announcement that Maria Montalbano resigned her Trustee position in February. She will be missed.

 Pastor Ed led the group in silent, reflective prayers for the people of Ukraine, the endurance of the board and any friends and/or family that needed to be remembered at this time.

Minutes Approval: A motion was made and seconded at 6:45 to approve the January 31st Board of Trustees Minutes. The January minutes were approved unanimously.

Pastor’s Report: Ed opened his report at 6:48 with the good news that Leslie Smith, the church’s Director of Music, and her husband Gus are expecting the birth of their first child. As for now her leave would begin in June 2022.The Trustees were overjoyed for the young family. Ed noted that in the coming weeks he and/or Lynda Kinney would contact Operations Inc., our HR advisors. The meeting would be organized to make sure the church is in full compliance with any regulations regarding staff on maternity leave. Joe asked how long Leslie would be away on leave. Ed said that remained to be seen. Ron noted that Leslie was in the process of finding an interim organist and generally organizing music for the summer services. Nancy noted that Leslie was training Linda, Tania and herself to help produce the online services. Leslie (Lee), Grada and Lynda announced that they would be helping to organize a baby shower (co-ed celebration) for Leslie and Gus in April. Jake asked if we could supplement Leslie's income while she was gone. Joe said he was surprised to find out that our HR booklet did not address this question.

Bruce noted that ½ pay could be arranged to support her through her leave. The board felt this was an appropriate level of support in this case.

 Ed also announced two other HR discussions that are upcoming. First, a sexual harrassment workshop is scheduled for May. Second is a study of staff configuration and organization while Ed is on sabbatical leave in particular Shannon White’s role during his absence and beyond. Pat noted that the church members think the world of Shannon. Jake asked if there was a need to ‘quickly’ define Shannon’s role. Ed replied, no, but our consideration of how we configure the staff moving ahead should start soon.

 Committee Reports (7:14):

●      Financials: Bruce presented an updated and reorganized financial report that was clearer and more specific regarding income and expenses. Jake thanked Bruce for this new design. Bruce also noted the need for clarification regarding contracts with communications companies using the cell tower. Jake noted this has frequently been an issue. Bruce said he would see if he could collect those contracts from the church’s files, review their contents and report back to bring clarity to the issue.

●      Building committee: Bruce reported that the building committee was organizing two important capital projects. Handicapped access needed to be improved. Bruce, with the help of Roland, is examining the costs of materials and labor to paint the parsonage and cottage and for replacing the old stones outside the parlor with new pavers. A motion was made and seconded, Resolved: that the building committee have access to $100,000 in funds as needed to address plans for needed renovations. The motion was approved by unanimous vote.

●      Giving: Leslie reported that the giving campaign was successful and that we reached our pledge goals for this year. She noted that the solar giving goals would be ongoing. Leslie noted that the church should announce our successful campaign and express our thanks to all the members who help us make the goal. Nancy strongly agreed with Leslie that the celebration should be sooner rather than later.

●      Cottage Status: Joe noted that the cottage was rented and that its income would be $3,995 per month. Ed and the Trustees thanked Joe for his work.

●      Let’s Talk about Guns: Ed noted the small, committed group involved in a study of gun violence in our communities asked for Trustees to bless their continued study.

●      Reopen the Church (ROTC): The committee confirmed that it would continue to follow local and state guidelines, with particular attention to school mandates. Ed asked what clarification there could be regarding masks. Nancy replied that masks were currently optional but recommended, particularly when singing. Mask wearing was required for the unvaccinated.

Vision, Mission and Values: At 7:44 Ed began the discussion on a strategy to prioritize our church’s values. The discussion that Ed and the Trustees had was part of the January Board Meeting’s work. It specifically highlighted the following areas:

●      Strengthening Congregation: To build fellowship and friendship through an annual program or small suppers.

●      Community of Compassion: Initiate a “Voices of Vision” program that will welcome people from diverse backgrounds to present their thoughts on compassion, including guest preachers, retreat and workshop leaders, and adjunct faculty.

●      Model and teach sustainability: Eliminate carbon emissions on our campus by 2032 and develop a Climate Mobilization Action Plan to reach that goal.

●      Advance justice: Initiate a “Voices of Vision” program to welcome people from diverse backgrounds to present their thoughts on justice.

●      Outreach: Reach out to every household in the Backcountry, and especially the 100+ who have moved into the area since the pandemic, with the purpose of inviting them to join our journey of faith and become active participants in it.

Jake asked Ed if he thought we needed a committee to study and prepare these aims. Ed’s answer was to suggest a process through the Christian Education committee that sets goals and activities for each month. Pat noted that she and Suzy Simpson wanted to get the “Values and Visions” into the community and posted in the church to attract new members and really get our current membership involved. Ed noted that the Website would list our values and activities. Nancy also noted we could work with the younger students and display our visions in the parlor.

At 8:05 Nancy asked if there was any new business. Jake asked Bruce about Verizon and the lease holders. He also asked when the leases needed to be renegotiated. Jake called for more clarity to determine if sub-tenents were correctly following the terms of their lease. Bruce said he would find the original contracts and review them. Ed, at 8:15, noted that it was important that all members respect the organization of worship as set up by the ministerial team. If members wish to make changes to service they should follow the ‘chain of command’ with requests.