September 4th, 2008

Pastoral Council Meeting

Members Present: Norine Larson, Elaine Hauff, Vicki Underland-Rosow, Elleln Velasco-Thompson, Pat Murphy, Jean Chagnon, Bill Buenz, Mike McCloskey, Ed Luterbach, Christopher Hermann, Jim Cassidy, Jim DeBruycker, Pete Eichten

1. OPENING:
   Prayer (Jean) and reading of Mission Statement. Check-in was abbreviated due to a full agenda. One-word reflection on the summer and/or the coming year.
2. AGENDA ADDITIONS:
   liaison divisions and assignment process was discussed as needing attention. This item flowed right into the existing liaison selection process on the Agenda. No further agenda additions.
3. PC STARTUP:
   • Selection of PC liaisons: Continuing discussion on division of liaison responsibility – option of division by staff member, or balancing the time required based on how many meetings were held, or possibly combining areas which were “light” in activity level. Realignment discussion was tabled and it was agreed we would re-visit the subject in February. The liaison responsibilities were also reviewed. It was agreed that liaisons should make at least 1 meeting per month from the list of areas which they cover. It is the liaison’s responsibility to make initial contact with the staff member. Liaison assignment began: Members who had just completed their first year in their liaison role were asked if they wanted to continue with that selection – several did so. Jean will send out list of liaison assignments and publish to minutes.
   • Election of vice chair: Christopher and Bill volunteered & were  named as vice chairs for 08-09
   • Prayers for future PC meetings: a sign-up sheet was passed around – assignments will be added to these minutes.
   • Minutes for future PC meetings - Bill agreed to take minutes. Pete will request volunteer from parish.
4. OLD BUSINESS:
   • Offer on House has not been accepted yet. The offer is a short sell for the current owner, so bank approval is holding up the completion of the sale.
   • Review of PC/Staff/Personnel Committee retreat: The retreat was held August 19 in Hospitality Hall. This year Staff invited the Personnel Committee. Pastoral Council members had a mixed review of the retreat, some members felt there was less time in teambuilding or “mixer” activities with Staff, and that the larger group size detracted from the event. It was agreed that next year we will focus back on teambuilding and limit the event to Pastoral Council and Staff.
5. NEW BUSINESS:
   • Alcohol Policy/Culture followup: Jim D put a “two-cents” column in the bulletin on the issue and specific violation that took place. Further, the permit for events has been updated with more overt confirmation of the policy, permits/licenses required, and timing of submittal of all required paperwork. Policy will be strictly enforced.
   • Personnel issues: Council recommended a review of all written procedures, and an audit of the actual practices in personnel matters. Ellen and Vicki will obtain estimates from an outside auditing body for doing this audit. Ellen will speak with the Personnel Committee about this issue and our recommendation.
6. CLOSING:
   Closing Prayer (meeting was immediately followed by first Vision Team meeting, so closing prayer was held after that discussion.)

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Buenz