Attendance: Marsha Francis, Rachel Balaban, Coles Mallory, Dave Banister, Jake Smith, Linda Beall, Lissa Fernandez, David Pedrick, Rev. Amy Freedman, John Burnham, Barbara Nowicki, Barbara Russell-Willett, Holly Grosvenor, Chris Ariel

Guests in Attendance: Bev Green and Dennis Greene

Approval of Minutes - Rachel Balaban moved that the minutes from the Governing Board meetings held on October 11 and October 19 be accepted. David Pedrick seconded the motion and it passed.

Strategic Plan Draft Revisions - David Pedrick presented the draft #3 revisions of the strategic plan. The strategic plan is to be considered both a road map and a progress report. A variety of questions and comments emerged from the discussion of the strategic plan revisions.

1. Do the goals of the strategic plan need to be prioritized?
2. The Board should hold targeted discussion on key points from the strategic plan.
3. How will the goals be communicated to the larger church community?
4. Feedback should be sought from outside the Board.
5. Action items should be matched with the appropriate church committee.
6. Organizational follow-up also connects to the budgetary process.

Barbara Russell-Willett moved that, "the Governing Board adopt Draft 3 as a progress report of Channing Memorial Church's strategic plan." Marsha Francis seconded the motion and it passed.

A working group of Board members was formed. They will review, prioritize, and share input on the strategic plan with church committees so that committees can plan and prioritize in a realistic fashion.

Minister's Report - A grand opening of the reclaimed Channing House apartment will be held on Sunday, November 13. Amy thanked the many people who made this dream a reality. She also discussed weddings as a potential source of income growth for the church. Amy is investigating the possibility of Internet advertising.

Treasurer's Report: Dave Banister presented the Board with a fiscal year to date profit-loss statement and fiscal year to date budget vs. actual statement. Pledges are currently running at about 57% of the full fiscal year goal. Accounting check and balance controls have all been put into effect. Areas of concern include increased heating costs, unbudgeted lawyer fees, and the vacancy in the Parish Hall apartment.

Financial Controls - Coles presented a draft of recommendations for church financial procedures. The draft requires study and will be discussed and considered for adoption at the December meeting. Openness, discreet responsibilities, and practicality are key components of the revisions. The question of financial records was discussed. Where are they stored? Who is the custodian of the records? How is the responsibility for records transferred when the leadership changes?

Budget Conversation - Barbara Nowicki reported that she and members of the finance committee are working to develop a five year financial plan which includes projected financial requirements for programmatic changes and capital expenses. Various financial paths and their consequences will be illustrated on a money flowchart of expenses vs. income. Church committees need to start the budgeting process now for the next fiscal year so that the budget can be pulled together by mid-February.

President's Report - John Burnham reported the progress that has been made in settling the pending civil case against Peter Schoenbucher. We are scheduled to go to court on November 18 for a status report about our case. The consensus of the Board was that John should be authorized to negotiate a settlement with input from Holly, Coles, and Chris. Consensus was not reached regarding other steps that might be taken regarding Peter Schoenbucher. It was decided that we will meet again on November 22 and that this meeting will be facilitated by someone with experience in mediation.

Fire Code Update - Holly Grosvenor reported that Betsy Leerssen will discuss the fire code update with our Parish Hall tenant. This agenda item was referred back to committee. A status report will be made at the December meeting.

Committee Reports

Fellowship - The church Thanksgiving dinner will be held on Sunday, November 20.

Property - Work is underway to prepare the upstairs Parish Hall apartment for rental. There needs to be a plan for dealing with day to day maintenance issues. Currently when problems arise, it is unclear who should respond.

Membership and Program - No action items to report.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Lissa Fernandez

Clerk