Notes for Building Team meeting May 19 , 2016

Donya VanBuren, Bill Funke, Peter Young, Irene Stewart (chair) Mark Sisson, Sherry Smith, Beth Peterson, Kimberely Debus

Excused; Dan Durett, Suzette Reiss, Xavier Amador

 

 

Meeting called to order at 7:05

For our opening words, Kimberley read a humorous selection from The Babylon Bee. She then retired to recuperate from a bad headache.

Beth was officially welcomed to the Team as a replacement for Aiyoung. She was appointed by the Board at their Meeting immediately prior to ours.

Minutes from the May 12 meeting were read and accepted.

A discussion followed about the decision of the Building Team to ask the Board of Trustees to table our suggestion to enter into a contract with Northeast Custom Modular. It was decided that at the General Membership meeting, the Building Team would defer to the Board about whether there would be a congregational vote to accept our original recommendation. It was decided that the Team would not take suggestions from the Congregation at the General Membership meeting; our report would only be an update of where the Team stands. It was decided that Mark would act as spokesperson for the General Membership meeting.

A handout was distributed from Peter and Suzette listing several builders, including; Paul Calbro (pre-engineered builder), John Canjemi (traditional building), Bill Kelly (Morton Buildings, pre-engineered builder), Jerry Simone (traditional building). Donya presented a printout of a reply to her email to Steve Schappacher, DPC (architect). Mr. Schappacher stated he had no experience with religious structures. The Team heard that the architect that Ceil Louka suggested is no longer interested in the work. Sherry will reach out to Bentel and Bentel, architects she is familiar with. Two other architects/builders noted for contact are Mark Boechman and Eugene Berger. The Team will follow up to determine costs.

It was noted that NeCM would give a 10 year warranty on their work. Most builders give only one. Also noted was that the excavation for the basements was included in the price for NeCM and Morton (possibly Mr. Simone). This would be a significant savings.

The Team briefly touched on the ongoing conflict between members of the Congregation and NeCM. It was decided that this is not a Building Team matter, but one to be addressed by the Board of Trustees and the President.

Bill reported that the Yahoo Group he created was up and running. He conducted a short tutorial at the end of our meeting.

In the meeting of May 12, Irene asked for “Key Points,” recollections of the BT of interviews, discussions and notes. Donya had a handout (that she prepared) which the Team amended for distribution prior to Sunday’s meeting. Thank you, Donya!

Sherry suggested that there be several Congregational informational sessions to invite comments and suggestions. The Team agreed and these will be scheduled for a future date. The sessions will include all the plans we’ve seen in our meetings and discussions of items to be included or excluded in the Church and grounds (e.g., the parking lot, landscaping, the organ, etc.) This led to a discussion of the need to ascertain approximate costs for aspects of the building; we know the cost of the organ, but not, for example, a commercial size stove and refrigerator. This could help the Team in making decisions in the future, especially if it comes to a choice between one thing and another. The Team as a whole should begin this investigation where practical. Duplications are welcome.

Sherry also stated that the Congregation should have a voice in the design of the Church. The Team agreed, but also felt that we should present designs to the Congregation, based on ideas from the Congregation, as stated in the Charge to the Team, and not their designs. Sherry also stated the Team should ask the Congregation their opinions of the future of the Church; will we need a large parish hall or full basement, especially in light of our financial restrictions.

Beth will reach out to an acquaintance who makes scale models of buildings. If they are willing, it might help visualize some of our plans.

Next meeting will be May 26 at 7:00 in the trailer. Irene will continue as chair.

Meeting adjourned at 9:02.