UUYO BOARD MEETING MINUTES
April 9th, 2020
Present via Zoom: Louisa Berger Rev. Joseph Boyd , Andy Crabb, Judy DeGenova, Margueite Felice, Gene Pusateri, Tim Raridon, Diana Shaheen, Lisbet Searle White
After a few technical difficulties, meeting was called to order by Andy Crabb at 8:01 pm.
Check in . Andy showed a remote view of our sanctuary via our newly acquired video camera form the comfort of his home.
Consent agenda (minister’s report, March regular board meeting minutes and treasurer’s report reviewed . Louisa said we only collected $127 for GATP last week for MDF ( note the intro to GATP by Kelsey was for the LOWV) although it was correct in the OOS. We discussed ways to make it easier to give during the virtual service. Decided to use the chat box to direct people to our website during the the service. Gene made motion to accept consent agenda, all approved.
Hiring Janitor No change. Rev. Joseph would like sanctuary/office disinfected. Louisa mentioned seeing a cleaning service offering disnfecting. Marguerite said how do we know if they aren’t just exploiting the current situation. Roger will be asked if he is willing to go in and clean the sanctuary and office as those are the only areas in use at this time.
Bylaws Committee. Diana has emailed Randy Cox, bylaws committee chair several times about meeting and has received no reply.
Wheelchair Accommodations It seems increasingly likely we may not meet in the sanctuary until the fall ( since summer services are done in Channing Hall), it was decided this would be a good time to develop a plan for renovations costing under $5,000 that could be achieved by end of summer before we reconvene in the sanctuary. (There was a committee appointed for this purpose at our February board meeting.)
Driveway Paving Lisbet and Tim have been talking. Said it is very difficult to search online. Tim said they want to consult with Jim Rak as well as Martin as B&G chairperson. Lisbet said she wants a paving contractor to come and give an estimate for the job. Diana suggested consulting Home Advisor for reliable contractors.
WYSU Gene reported there have been 5 day sponsorships on WYSU this year, Marcellene’s memorial service has been announced. Under current conditions we won’t be pushing for funds for WYSU.
2020 Initiatives
Due to the closure we have inadvertently met our goal to increase our online presence.We discussed some ways to integrate the online service into the brick and mortar service . We can use the TV to stream Zoom participants so they can participate and see the service. We can also incorporate the Q&A that is becoming popular with the congregation.
Capital Campaign continues to be on hold until the current economic conditions improve.
Technology Update Andy has our new video camera as noted earlier.. We have opened another 2 Zoom accunts through UUA at a good price. One will be used for Marcellene’s service. Anyone with the old Zoom link will be redirected. Current issues with audio quality of music addressed. Andy said Zoom is being used in new ways it s not designed for. Only so much can be done to adapt it.
Thank UU’S Judy will do Thank UU’s for April. They will be Linda Schraf for offering online meditation, John Shartle, online program, Jack Ciarnello, music, Nathaniel for website assistance. We all thank Tim & Andy for their hard work on making our virtual services happen.
New Business
Rev. Joseph mentioned the Wooster UU Church has done a lot of work to become a Green Sanctuary. the Green Sanctuary committee will consult with them.
Technical issues with sound quality during service were further addressed . Discussed pros & cons of other methods, live streams, You Tube. Rev. Joseph appreciates the board’s flexibility, passion & service. Also noted were sound issues exacerbated by people not muting themselves. The host can mute people but they can unmute themselves.
Rev. Joseph continues to be on call as a YPD chaplain. May is his next rotation.
Louisa asked us to check out new website updates highlighting virtual offerings. There is also a link to update a congregant’s directory listing.
After concerns were raised about members falling through the cracks and not being reached. Louisa said she sent hard copies of the sermon and Roger’s poem from the 4/5/20 service to non email users. Andy reminded everyone that Zoom service can be accessed via cell or landline phones.
Zoom Legacy : Lisbet briefly discussed creation of legacy bequests to UUYO. Will need a lawyer to set up. Debra Weaver was suggested. Also discussed holding service on this topic. Dan Betts our endowment advisor would be invited as well.
Sunday services: Rev. Joseph said they will have a service with worship associates leading on Sunday , April 19th . This will be the first service without him in the pulpit since we began virtual services.
Roles for April 16th 7:30 pm board meeting: Facilitator: Gene. Secretary: Marguerite, Process Observer: Lisbet, Timekeeper: Diana, Bits: Louisa, Thank UU’s ; Andy. Meeting adjourned 9:06 pm.
Respectfully submitted ,
Marguerite Felice , board secretary