Election of Wardens and Officers of the Vestry

The first order of business was the election of wardens and officers of the Vestry.

Mr. Elkins-Williams nominated Mr. Crow as Sr. Warden, and he was unanimously elected.

Mr. Crow nominated, and Mr. Eason seconded the nomination of Steve Lackey as Jr. Warden, and he was unanimously elected.

Mr. Elkins-Williams said that Mr. Conrad has already been elected Treasurer and that the orientation period is complete and he is now officially Treasurer of the Vestry.

Mr. Crow nominated, and Mr. Eason seconded the nomination of Mrs. Kelly as Clerk, and she was unanimously elected.

The wardens, officers, and new members of the Vestry were then officially commissioned.

Mrs. Hastings passed around the list for Vestry members to sign up to lead the Bible study at Vestry meetings for the coming year.

The May meeting of the Vestry was held on retreat at Avila on Saturday, May 13, 2006. Vestry members present were Jim Crow (Sr. Warden), Mary Schoenfeld, Terry Eason, Ann Henley, Chip Hill, Clare Baum, Gail Cloud, and Larry Logan. Also present were Stephen Elkins-Williams (Rector), Barbara Hastings (Parish Administrator), Reid Conrad (Treasurer), and Nancy Kelly (Clerk).

The Rector presided and opened the business meeting at 12:45 p.m.

PARISH CONCERNS

The following item was placed on the Consent Agenda:

-recommendations of the Social Ministry Committee (attached) for disbursements from discretionary outreach funds in the amounts of $1200 to The Women’s Center, $1500 to El Hogar, and $1000 to Orange Alamance Prison Ministry.

It was moved by Mr. Eason, seconded by Ms Baum, and passed unanimously, that the Vestry approve the Consent Agenda.

Senior Warden

Junior Warden

Parish Administrator

Treasurer
Attached are the Treasurer’s Narrative Report for April 2006 and the draft Combined Balance Sheet as of April 30, 2006.

Mr. Elkins-Williams pointed out that the Special Funds Summary on p. 4 is according to the new format of Permanent Endowments.

Finance Committee
The report of the Finance Committee is attached.

Buildings and Grounds Committee
The report of the Buildings and Grounds Committee is attached.

Mr. Crow noted that there is a hanging tree limb that needs to be cut down.

Personnel Committee

Master Plan

Attached are the Master Plan Report of the Next Steps Committee, dated May 13, 2006, and four draft Vestry resolutions for consideration.

Mr. Elkins-Williams began the discussion by stating that he senses Vestry enthusiasm for the work of the Next Steps Committee, while at the same time acknowledging some concerns regarding the financial picture.

Mr. Hill expressed concern about the level of commitment to the concept, asking how and under what circumstances the concept might change before implementation. Mr. Eason replied that the concept is to be regarded as a basis for continuing towards the implementation phase. Mr. Crow added that the Master Plan should been seen in the context of a process. He stated that this is a model that allows the Vestry to go to the parish to see what’s possible, using it as the basis for further investigation in the financial and regulatory areas.

Mr. Elkins-Williams said that if the master plan is endorsed, the Vestry is asserting that our present space is inadequate for the needs of the parish and that the best way to address this problem is to start with new construction, except for the worship spaces, and that the proposed Master Plan is the basis for beginning an investigation of the financial realities of such a proposal. In no way does endorsement of the plan indicate that the details of the plan are final.

Mr. Logan asked how the Vestry can best communicate to the parish that the Master Plan is a concept and not a final plan.

The Vestry was presented with four resolutions (attached) for consideration.

The Vestry first addressed proposed resolution #1. Following much discussion and re-wording of the draft resolution, a motion was made.

It was moved by Mr. Logan, seconded by Mr. Eason, and passed unanimously, that the Vestry declare its stated intent that the Master Plan concept now serves as the basis for (1) continuing engagement with the parish, (2) pursuing the regulatory processes required by the Town of Chapel Hill, and (3) furthering the work of the Capital Giving Committee. The Vestry gratefully commends the Next Steps Committee for their diligent work and faithful vision in the development of a comprehensive long-term Master Plan concept that addresses the critical physical facility needs of the Chapel of the Cross and provides a legacy for future generations.

The Vestry then addressed draft resolution #3. Mr. Elkins-Williams suggested that the committee to succeed the Next Steps Committee be named the Master Plan Steering Committee.

It was moved by Mr. Logan, seconded by Ms Baum, and passed unanimously, that the Vestry establish the Master Plan Steering Committee to continue to develop the Master Plan concept by proceeding with negotiations and application to appropriate authorities including the Town of Chapel Hill, the Historic District Commission, and others as required to implement the Master Plan project; and to further develop the design in conceptual drawings, as a whole or in phases, to align with the parish’s financial capability, without reducing the qualities of the present overall concept. The Rector and wardens will present recommendations for membership at the June Vestry meeting.

The Vestry then turned to draft resolution 2, which is to become resolution #4. Mr. Logan emphasized that there needs to be some continuity on this committee, as well as some new members to provide fresh perspective.

It was moved by Ms Henley, seconded by Ms Baum, and passed unanimously, that the Vestry ask the Capital Giving Committee to present a plan for funding the project depicted in the Master Plan by November 16, 2006, including a recommendation for a capital campaign consultant, whose feasibility study findings will serve as the basis for the final recommendations of the Master Plan Steering Committee.

The Vestry then considered draft resolution #4, which is to become resolution #2. Ms Henley suggested that the committee be called the Parish Dialogue Committee.

It was moved by Ms Baum, seconded by Ms Cloud, and passed unanimously, that the Vestry establish the Parish Dialogue Committee to foster communication within the parish about the project as the Master Plan concept moves forward. The Rector and wardens will present recommendations for membership at the June Vestry meeting.

Mr.Crow expressed concern that it needs to be communicated to the parish not only how much the project will cost, but also the basis for the cost estimates. He is concerned that the parish not be asked to fund the project for a certain amount, only to be told later that the estimate was much lower than the actual cost turns out to be.

The Rector offered a prayer and the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

(Attachments are available in the library for review.)