The following board members were present:  Gene Pusateri, Lanore Jones, Lisbet White, Judy DeGenova, Louisa Berger, Carole McWilson,  and Rev. Joseph Boyd (ex-officio). Tim Raridon and John Shartle attended via Zoom.  John opened the meeting with a chalice lighting.  Our meeting was hosted by Gene Pusateri in his beautiful garden.He and his wife, Susan, provided delicious hors d’oeuvres and liquid refreshments.  We all checked in.  

Consent Agenda

Minister’s report

Minutes of the previous meeting

Treasurer’s report – Louisa mentioned that we have contributed $305in April and $890 in May to our Give Away the Plate recipients.  

Gene moved to accept the consent agenda reports; Carole seconded.  Motion passed. 

Ongoing Business I

Sanctuary Accessibility – John Locketti has given a proposal.  We will discuss this at our July meeting.

Janitorial Services Ruth Satre has cleared out the patio area and has cleaned the church.

New Chalice -Lanore reported that Tony has begun work on the prototype of our new chalice.

Partner Church – Lanore attended a meeting to discuss the three countries that we considered partnering with. The committee decided that we need more clear information.Maybe we should do a local cultural exchange.  

Ongoing Business II 

8th Principle Sarah Lowry joined us via Zoom to present information regarding an equity assessment process that her workplace has participated in from 3rd Space Action Lab which is based in Cleveland and represented by Evelyn Burnett.  Sarah presented a synopsis of the training which she described as a tool to help understand how racism manifests in institutions and processes.  The assessment is thorough, multi-faceted, and facilitates goal-setting and accountability processes. Gary Davenport, who also joined us by Zoom, suggested that two board members and two non board members get together with Evelyn to see what training they can provide us.  Lanore and Carole volunteered to represent the board in this endeavor and gather more information about how UUYO might participate..  

Ongoing Business III 

DRE Search – Judy reported that the committee ( John Shartle, Susan Miracle, and Ryan Stryfeller) decided unanimously to offer the position to Lindsay Sinkovich.The position would begin on August 1.  They also thought that Kathleen Hogue was a highly qualified candidate and hoped we could use her in some capacity.  Rev. Joseph noted that she is certified in Life Span Learning and that perhaps she would be interested in adult religious education. Discussion ensued and we decided to create a path to offer Kathleen a quarterly contractual arrangement with UUYO to offer an Adult RE curriculum course and to work with Melissa Smith in this area.  Lisbet moved to accept the  recommendation of the committee and the expanded recommendation from this meeting.  Lanore seconded the motion.  Motion passed.  

New Business 

Sarah King returning to work

Sarah is ready to return to work.  For the time-being, she needs to work from home on Fridays and will be in the office on Saturday and Sunday.  This can change in the future if her childcare situation changes.

Topic for next month’s discussion – We need to find someone to answer the phone or perhaps a way to forward calls to someone else’s phone.  The outdated and difficult-to-use UUYO phone system also needs to be assessed and possibly replaced with a different service.

Communication during this time 

We had a discussion about what activities need to be approved by, or at least communicated to, the board.  

Pledge Drive Thoughts 

Lanore and Lisbet have some ideas in mind for this year’s pledge drive to discuss in July.  

Generative Discussion 

Andy Crabb joined us (in person) to discuss the tech options for hybrid services, which he had explained at length at a Zoom meeting one day prior to our meeting and in an email.   Lisbet moved to act on Andy’s proposal to go ahead with Stage 1 and to retroactively approve the purchase of equipment needed for outdoor services.Louisa seconded the motion. Motion passed.  

Housekeeping 

Thank UU’s

Thank you to Ryan Stryfeller and Susan Miracle for sitting on the DRE committee, and to Susan for her hospitality for tonight’s meeting. Thank you to Andy Crabb for his tech proposal  

‘Board Thank-Yous’  to John Shartle and Judy DeGenova for serving on the RE Committee Search and to,Gene Pusateri for his hospitality

Next month a thank-you to Melissa Smith for her willingness to lead three services while Rev. Joseph is on vacation will be suggested..  

Roles for July Meeting.

Facilitator – Lisbet

Time Keeper – John

Process Observer – Gene

Secretary – Judy

Bits from the Board from the July Meeting – Lanore

Thank UU’s from the July Meeting- Carole

Meeting was adjourned to Executive Session.