Members present:  Tom Hackley, Gretchen Ohmann, Gary Cook, Beth Lefever, David Sarra, Dick Berndt, Bea Takeuchi, Amy Eklund

1)       Minutes were approved as corrected.

2)      Treasurer’s report was presented by Dick and Gretchen.  They will work on getting the report lined up so that the actual, budgeted and difference columns are all visible at once.  Marv has indicated a willingness to talk about the consideration of including BUUF into legacy planning so that when members pass away their financial support of BUUF continues.  We received a check from an individual and were asked to then pass that money out in a check to Helen Paredes for the Efraim Paredes Defense Fund.  Dick suggested that we at least have copies of bills to show what we are reimbursing with this fund.  David will check into this and speak with Marilyn Klawiter regarding the legality of this, as well as the endowment matter.  The check will be deposited until these matters are resolved.  Treasurer’s report was accepted.

3)      Ministry report—The Bob Milne concert went well and we met our goal for outreach.  The cabaret is scheduled for March 8. It was decided to let the kids perform from 6p-7p.  The adult  portion will be from 7p-9p.  The food will be carry in snacks. We would like to make sure that members who are uncomfortable or unable to drive at night can also attend.   Roger’s Darwin activites are stated on the back of today’s bulletin.  Pledge drive kickoff will be April 12.  A dinner will be scheduled.  Beth may have a speaker from Meadville who would be appropriate but would need to be paid.  Chris and Patty French may be providing music.  The idea of a special presentation from Marv and Kate regarding our 50th year was discussed.  Regarding the Canvas—member testimonials would be good at Sundays leading up to the pledge drive— to start beginning of March.

Beth has submitted requests for mileage reimbursement  to Dick with documentation.  Beth is one month ahead in her payment so she is suggesting that she just receive the mileage reimbursement for and the January payment will be skipped to get back on schedule.  Contract states phone expenses will be covered but she has never submitted for this previously.  She went over her phone minutes last billing cycle however because of greater than average need so she is asking for reimbursement this time.  Board voted to compensate Beth for the overage last month of $172.63.

Beth submitted a proposed 2007 Letter of Agreement with the changes in compensation which were discussed at the previous meeting.  It was agreed that the following item would be added to the contract: 4i—The Board of Trustees agrees to consider reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred over and above those otherwise set forth within the contract.

Last year, Beth used her professional expense allowance to cover her Meadville/Lombard expenses.  She would like to do this again.  Suggested that this be sent through the Ministry Committee to formally make the recommendation but the board will then approve it.

50th year celebration:  It was suggested that Marv’s history moments be a regular part of the program starting after the testimonials.  It would be good to have them in writing a make it into a book. It was also suggested that th rest of the congregation be encouraged to contribute these as well and solicit this through the newsletter.  The kickoff banquet will be scheduled for May.

4)       President’s report.  Need to vote on topics for GA.  Board agreed to vote for both suggested topics from GA:  Nuclear Disarmament and Ethical Eating.  Our certificate for paying our dues to UUA was received.  Gretchen passed out a copy of the district newsletter.  The letter from the Johnson’s regarding the BUUF auction was read.  Gretchen will get a couple service auction guidelines  from other churches so we can compare and use those as a starting point for creating a policy.  Charles fixed the sign lights.  The timer was six hours off as well.  The timer must be reset every time the electricity goes off.   A preschool was seeking space here.  There were storage and space issues for this group but Dave wondered if board would want to consider this if the issues come up again.  It was agreed that we would again consider it and it was suggested that Emily might have an idea of whether the space would meet the regulatory requirements.  We would like to have Bob Milne back again.  Dave is already looking at next year’s schedule for events.  Sept 7 or any Sunday in October is open for the musical trio. It was decided it would work best for BUUF to fill one of the October Sundays with them. Dave is going to work on getting a grant from ARCUS to cover the Welcoming Congregation services.

5)      Membership team—Circle suppers successful.  Dick states new “faces” consistently cite the website as how they found us and WVPE.  WVPE has been paid for the advertising with the church picking up what was not covered by individuals.  We have several new folks that we should ask if they would like to “sign the book”

6)      Building and Grounds/Facilities—Bea talked about the sign and the competition idea.  Gretchen said when the sign was last attended to that the interior portion was re-done but not the supports.  A design contest was previously suggested.  Gary will check on the township’s regulations  regarding signage before we procede with contest plans.  The parking lot is very dark and the “ramp” gets very slippery when it gets snowy/icy.

7)      Other business/team reports

Meeting adjourned.