| Al Berquist opened the meeting with a prayer. George Penniman volunteered to take minutes. Minutes of the October 5, 2007 meeting were approved. Treasurer’s Report – There are several areas of concern where the budget is, or will be soon, running short. They are copier costs, building equipment and upkeep, heat, telephone and associate pastor search expenses (a small amount). The grounds maintenance could be short depending on required snow removal before the end of the year. Budget numbers for 2007 will be reviewed in these areas. One suggestion for cutting some cost was eliminating the Yellow Pages advertising (we get a free standard listing). The endowment fund will be tapped shortly as we approach the end of the year and traditionally have less money remaining for operating costs. Stewardship Report – Dud Bickford sent word that he is estimating $215,000 in total pledges. If we get the 144 pledge units that we are expecting it will be the first year in many that we have had an increase. Pastor’s Report – Ken is asking Sue to not allow anyone to use the color copier without his permission. He is investigating the whole copier situation and working on finding a better overall package. He is working weekly with Stewardship on building trust and accountability and will remind the congregation of the importance of pledging support. He will also work on making the whole process as transparent as possible. Christmas Eve is on a Sunday this year so there will be a short 10 AM service and the traditional 5:30 and 9:00 services. Mitzi will lead the Communion Service this week and will be preaching the first Sunday in December. Lillian requested that Ken include a title for the message in the bulletin. Old Business Painting Appraisal: Dan Kotke is still working on scheduling the appraisal of the Ruebens. If it seems to be going nowhere we will try to locate someone else. Building Appraisal: The church property appraisal has been completed. The main purpose of the appraisal is for the insurance company. The appraisal does not include the organ. Essex Pre-School: Bob Marshall and the House and Grounds Committee have decided that a fair rent increase will be approximately 5% per year. That would make the rent for the next three years $733, $766, and $800 per month. It would be useful to compare what we are charging to what other local churches with pre-schools are charging. The Chairman feels that we are in the right place in terms of cost and our relationship with the pre-school. We are obligated to fix the bathroom off the Kitchen. A concern was voiced that the school as a policy does not acknowledge Christmas. Is this appropriate given its location? A brief discussion followed regarding the implications of our purchasing the school outright. The Church Council has considered and rejected this option in the past. 2007 Budget update: Dud Bickford has prepared the budget for 2007, which requires a $51,000 withdrawal from the endowment for operating expenses. Current year has a $26,000 withdrawal budgeted, plus we have paid for parsonage and parking lot improvements for a total of $40,000. A general church meeting will be called to discuss ways to trim the budget. It is anticipated that $15 – 20,000 will be cut. It was noted that the Music budget shows a $5,000 increase to cover what in the past has been a gift, and that Outreach has requested an additional $5,000 for UCC Christian Service. To keep the endowment self-sustaining the Investment Committee has suggested 4 ½% withdrawal per year. The projected withdrawal for 2007 reflects approximately 15%. Ken is working on long range planned giving with Ann Callahan and Suzanne Kitchings. All agreed that it is critical to keep our eyes on the 5-year goal of becoming self-sustaining. New Business New Bench: After 10 years Marian Steele is no longer personally maintaining the garden and planting beds around the grounds. The Council proposed and approved that a bench be installed in her name to show our appreciation and gratitude for her years of service. It was moved that the cost for this ($300 +/-) be taken out of the Memorial Fund. The motion was unanimously approved. Meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, George Penniman | 
