| Al Berquist opened the meeting with a prayer. George Penniman volunteered to take minutes. Minutes of the September 7, 2007 meeting were approved. Discussion of the Minutes – Question of town tax liability. To date only a small number of towns in Connecticut have attempted to tax churches for the operation of a for profit enterprise on its premises. Although the possibility seems limited, we should be aware of this potential. Bob Marshall is following up on approvals for a church sign at the entry into town. Treasurer’s Report – We are ahead in pledges over last year and optimistic about reaching the budgeted income. Extra salary for the Senior Pastor is a result of the time required to find an Associate Pastor. It should balance out due to budgeted amount for Associate’s salary. Christian Ed. had to order a full year’s materials. Building and Grounds has already gone over budget. Heating costs will go over budget because of timing of payments. A contract for heating oil for the coming season has been purchased. To date we have spent approximately $9,000 less than we have taken in – this will probably change towards the end of the year. A drive for the scholarship fund is required to keep the fund from being depleted in a couple of years. This drive will not commence until the Stewardship drive is completed. The endowment fund has been tapped for approximately $15,000 this year to date for operating expenses and $9,000 +/- for painting at the Parsonage. Investment Committee – The committee met with Jerry Dubey, Jud Paul and Ted Bliss attending. They discussed the performance and appropriateness of the funds in which we are invested and concluded that the investments are acceptable. We have 75% invested in equities and the fund performance has been slightly better than the S&P 500 Index. Another meeting will take place in 6 months. Pastor’s Report – Ken encouraged all to attend the candidating sermon of Mitzie Eilts this Sunday. There have been ongoing fire alarm and copier issues in the building, which are being attended to. New member Sunday is October 15 at which we expect to have 8 new members. At the 10/22 service Reverend Tim Haut be the consecrating steward, Ken will be in Deep River for their 10:00 service. The annual state UCC Conference meeting will be at the Hartford Convention Center this year. The Synod will be at the Civic Center; 10,000 people are expected to attend. Old Business – Dan Kotke has contacted a Reubens expert from Old Lyme who will come and appraise our painting. We will be charged for this service. It was agreed that the painting should remain in its current location. New Business Essex Pre-school: we are in the third year of a three year lease and the Pre-school would like us to indicate the terms for extending the lease by 12/1/06. Current rent is $700 per month. Wear and tear on the building is minimal in the Kitchen, but significant on the carpet. The Girl’s Bath off the Kitchen is in need of significant repair and renovation – leaking water is probably costing us significant money. House and Grounds usually comes up with a recommendation for rent. Meeting with Peggy Ames will be scheduled for October or November. General consensus of the Board is to stick with a three-year lease. Appraisal: Three years ago a major appraisal was performed for insurance purposes. Now a minor one is recommended. Cost will be $175. The organ will probably not be part of the appraisal. Ted will schedule. Regarding insurance, we will need to update the safe-church policy and brief teachers and employees. Lighting Upgrade: Bob Marshall is working with CL&P to replace lights. Long term cost benefits should be realized and will pay off in 3.2 years. Bulb replacement began today. Parking Lot: $5,000 +/- will be required for the improvements outlined in the Council Report. New planting and work on the hillside will require regular maintenance. Marion Marston made a motion that we take $5,500 from the Endowment Fund to pay for the parking lot and hillside planting improvements. Al Berquist seconded the motion. The motion received unanimous approval from the Board. Digital Camera: Marion Marston made a motion to take $350 from the Tingue Bequest to pay for the new digital camera. The motion was seconded and approved. Al Berquist asked about the Membership Committee becoming a permanent committee. The Board recommended that this become an item in the by-laws review. Dudley Bickford, head of Stewardship, asked for a list of items the Board of Trustees are responsible for for budget purposes. These line items include: Parsonage utilities and phone, supplies, copier rental and maintenance, postage, computer expense, computer training, heat, electricity, water, telephone, trash removal, and insurance. The Pastoral and Personnel Committee sets all salaries for employees. This role is best kept within one committee as opposed to how it was in the past. The deficit for this year is estimated to be approximately $40,000, assuming that Stewardship income comes in at $215,000. Meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, George Penniman | 
