Attendance - Sally Hanchett, Marsha Francis, Eleanor Elmer, Rev. Amy Freedman, David Pedrick, Lissa Fernandez, Rachel Balaban, John Burnham, Linda Beall, Christine Ariel, Coles Mallory, Mary Alice Smith, June Wing (observer)

Update on CMC vs. Peter Schoenbucher

John brought the board up to date on the status of our civil suit vs. Peter Schoenbucher. John, Coles, and Holly recently met with our attorneys. Two options have been discussed with them. One is to seek a settlement in which we are compensated for our court costs, attorney fees, and bank charges incurred during Peter's tenure as treasurer. The other is to continue with the suit for return of our records and funds.

The possibility of further action through complaints to either the Board of Accountancy or the State Police was discussed with our attorneys. Our attorneys did not advise us to move forward in this direction, nor did they advise against doing so. They are skeptical that further action would move forward in a timely manner and when pressed for a personal opinion, suggested that forgiveness is the highest commandment.

Questions and answers about new information

Board members asked John and Coles questions about the information shared by John in his update to the Board.

Board member comments

Each member in attendance had the opportunity to voice an opinion on the direction which the Board should be pursuing at this point in time. John also shared the views of Barbara Nowicki and Barbara Russell-Willett since they were unable to attend the meeting.

Next step discussion/decision

There was consensus in regards to the desirability of settling the civil suit against Peter Schoenbucher.

Consensus was not reached in regards to further action. Some Board members feel Channing has an ethical responsibility to the larger community to pursue a criminal and ethical complaint against Peter. Other Board members feel that in the interest of closure and healing, it would be best to focus on forgiveness and move forward without a criminal or ethical complaint.

The following motions were passed.

In light of the fact that consensus exists on the Board to settle the current civil case vs. Peter Schoenbucher, David Pedrick moved that, "any discussions regarding a settlement of our civil suit keep open the options of filing an ethical complaint and filing a criminal action." Chris Ariel seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of six to three.

Coles then moved that, "Our settlement request demand that all overdraft fees, attorney fees, and court costs be paid to Channing Memorial Church by Peter Schoenbucher and that the officers of the Governing Board do not accept less." Linda Beall seconded the motion. Four members voted for the motion, three members voted against the motion, and two members abstained from the vote. The motion passed.

Keeping the congregation informed

It was decided to hold informational meetings after church for the next three Sundays so that questions can be answered and information shared.

The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Lissa Fernandez, clerk