Minutes of July meeting were approved as submitted.

Gretchen reported on the Quickbooks conversion.  She has been working with Dick.  So far she has put in member status, voting status, all the member information, many transactions, and pledge tracking utility, budget, status against budget.  Gretchen has donated the time that she has spent on this.  She anticipates another 3 or 4 hours to complete this set-up and then everything should just be a matter of keeping up with events (transactions) as they happen, which should just require a few minutes each week.  This program will make reports, bill paying, etc. very simple.  She will then transfer this to Dick’s computer as well.  Suggestion was to put it on the web file.  Reports could be set up for automatic generation and mailing.  Suggestion that there should be a third party who has access to the information.   That individual will be designated by the board.  Dick plans on getting the payroll module as well.  Suggestion was made that we also keep track of dollar amounts of in-kind contributions but not show identify individual’s contribution on the budget.  Goal is to have Quickbooks up and running in September.

Dick presented the Treasurer’s report.   Last year’s budget was proposed as a deficit and that is how the bottom line turned out, but it was smaller than originally projected.  Ask Dick to mail a “verbal summary”  Treasurer’s report was accepted as presented.   Gretchen has a debit card.  So far this is the only one we have.  Dick will check out what it takes to get another that would have some security measures.  Ministry committee budget issues.  January through June invoice for pastoral care was submitted but Beth went over the budgeted hours by about 5, but she is not requested reimbursement.  Mileage was significantly higher.  (>$250)  A motion was passed to reimburse Beth for those hours and mileage expenses for last year.  It was suggested that Beth submit an mileage and time expenses over her routine monthly so that tracking can keep pace.

The current revised job description, a copy of the contract, and a copy of Teresa’s resume was distributed as well as a copy of the contract with Teresa LaPlante.  Suggestion was made to formally introduce Teresa to the congregation.  David will send out an email.  Viola felt Renee is the appropriate person to introduce her to the congregation (as chairman) at the Water Ceremony and that there should be a scripted response from the congregation.  Tom would like the “community corner” to be focused on RE that Sunday as well.   Question was raised about background checks for those who are involved in childcare and RE beyond the paid employee.  UUA or insurance company may have some suggestions for policy in these areas.  Dick will check on those things as well as the costs.

Membership team report from Tom.  Calendar was worked out last week.  Tom pledged $300 in matching contributions toward the WVPE program.  Community corner to focus on a different aspect each week….RE, Music, Book club, etc.  Signup sheet was discussed previous week and the thought was that the previous one was too overwhelming.  The question is what is essential for this list.   Point made that it is important for members to know that all these tasks do need to get done each week.  Discussion about best way to approach members regarding sign up.  Tom will revise the signup sheet and we will make a point of mentioning it during the service.   Tom suggested BUUF Power and Light Awards for those who have made a big contribution each month as part of our celebration.  It was decided we will go ahead and acknowledge members in order of their joining date.

Beth presented the ministry report.  Gretchen has not spoken with Alan about choir.  Beth will take care of that.  She received an anonymous letter regarding the contributions of Beth Vawter, Al Barvicks, and other members requesting that they be remembered in the memorial service.  Since she did not receive this in time for the service, she will address it in the newsletter and inform people that we will remember these contributions in the 50 year celebration.  She will also remind folks of who is on the care team (Charles and Sharon).  Echo hot cups, environmentally friendly….gift list of desirable or needed things….people could sign up to provide for a year in addition to their pledges.   Tom will suggest membership committee pull this together.

Old business

Parking lot.  Nobody did their followup.

Board meeting dates:

November 25 is Thanksgiving weekend after Thanksgiving.

December 23 is weekend before Christmas

May 25 is Memorial Day weekend.  Change tabled until next month.

Combine Nov/Dec and have it on December 9.

Service suggestions for next month tabled until next month.

Baby sitting…Dick will check with his contact who is a licensed provider.

OAC/BUUF get together suggested for kickoff to Welcoming Congregation month.  Favorable response but time seems short because they are restructuring and very busy.  BUUF would have to do the work and just ask them to join us if we are going to go ahead with it.  Responses to the inquiries were given to Beth and she will ponder this.

Meijer community rewards….program changed.  Need to re-enroll.  Get more for using a Meijer credit card and some for cash, but nothing if a non-Meijer credit card is used.

50th celebration.  Dates are still in question.   There was discussion that the anniversary is not just one date anyway and the celebration could run over some period of time and culminate with the date of being officially recognized.

Evan would like to change the thermostat so it is easier to work with.  He is willing to do it at no cost to BUUF.  Board approved going ahead with this.

Next meeting September 23, 2007