ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2006
Attending: Father David McGinnis, Jim Altmiller, John Benca, Sue Gearhart, Maxine Guerrera, Pete Konenkamp, Marty Ledenham, Dana Moody, Rosemary Risse, Marguerita Tejeda, John Timmons, Todd Story.
Excused absence: Evelyn Tejada.
Pete opened with a prayer to the Holy Spirit.
Minutes of the December meeting were reviewed and approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Together (Planning): John Timmons said that the next meeting would be tomorrow, January 9th. The masterplan requires a submission of the plan to the County Planning Commission to include architectural involvement. The tentative date for the submission of the plan is March 3rd.
Site/Architect: John Benca reported that we have signed a contract for 35 acres but that the optimal plan is to have the entire 45 acres that are for sale. Negotiations for the remaining 10 acres are in process at this time and should be concluded in the next two weeks. The county has set planning time lines that determine how and when we submit architectural plans, soil boarings, environmental assessments etc. To accommodate these deadlines, we have asked for a month’s extension to the original six month agreement. It was noted that the property next to our present church on Prince is for sale and that it would be a wise investment to purchase this to increase our Prince Ave frontage to benefit us when it comes time to sell our present property. Sue made a motion that John Timmons convey this information to Father David (not yet present). The motion was seconded and approved by all.
Some concerns were expressed regarding the new property. The first was that having Catholic Social Services located on the same property as the new school would present a safety threat due to the clientele that the charity attracts. This was clearly understood recalling the crime that occurred last year. Father noted this and said that as plans progress this would be considered. The other concern was the lack of public transportation serving the new land. Buses serve the area within a 15 minute walk but this is only on weekdays and Saturday evenings. There is no public transportation on Sunday. It was noted that with the growth of Oconee County the need for increased public transportation in that direction is growing and extending bus services would behoove many other organizations and peoples.
Capital Campaign: Sue Gearhart had no report and said that there had been no meeting since December 17th.
Communications: Pete said that members of the committee ensured that on the weekend of December 17-18 all announcements were made as per plan regarding the land purchase. Committee members put inserts in the weekend mass bulletins and sent out press releases on the 18th. Radio announcements were made on the 19th. Pete distributed pictures of the purchased property as well as the extra 10 acres in negotiations. Confidentiality issues were discussed. All were reminded that, due to the sensitive nature of on-going bidding on land for the church as well as the future sale of our land, we should respect strict confidentiality regarding all information that we as council members are privileged to know. Pete also said that the committee is refining the list of ‘frequently asked questions.’ He passed copies out .
Max asked if we have a welcoming committee. It was decided that the welcoming committee would be considered a part of the social committee rather than the communications committee.
Maintenance: Jim said there was no report for maintenance.
Finance: Jim said that there was no report for finance stating that there had been no December meeting.
Liturgy: Rosemary said that there had not been a liturgy meeting. John Benca asked Rosemary to encourage input from the liturgy committee to both the parish council as well as to the planning committee.
Latinos: Father announced that the new Our Lady of Guadalupe bas relief was donated by a parishioner’s son whose wife is from Columbia. Pete gave a glowing description of the celebration of her feast day on December 12th. The Latino youth group in particular contributed to the liturgy and post liturgical celebration. It was noted however, that the parking posed a problem due to having the carpool lane blocked for morning drop off at the school. Note was made to avoid this oversight for next year’s celebration.
School: Max announced that the school will have their Open House at the end of the month. Todd asked if Ms. Bankston position is temporary. Father replied that he is hoping that she will remain permanently and is working towards that end.
Nominations: Jim said that he ran two notices in the December bulletins and a flyer in the first weekend of January announcing parish council nominations. He has bulletin announcements planned through January. Boxes have been set out with nomination forms as well as with information regarding the changes made in the nomination process. January 31st is the last day to receive nominations. Jim has asked Father Dayro to encourage the Latino community to nominate a representative. It was recommended that there also be short pulpit announcements in January. Jim said that if we get more than 8 nominations there will be a run-off election the last weekend of February ( the Sunday before Ash Wednesday). This will allow the final election on the weekend after Easter.
OLD BUSINESS:
Max asked that it be clarified with Don Norris that any scheduling be made only from the office on paper versus scheduling via the web. This includes any scheduling for the parish hall, the conference room, the basement etc. Pete said he would contact Don to ensure that there be no scheduling arranged through the website.
Max asked whether there had been any progress towards establishing a social committee. Dana recommended someone but it was decided that she and Max would submit a job description for the social committee and for the chair and/or co-chair. All members were asked to consider people to recommend for this committee and to bring these names to the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Rosemary announced that the Together for Life celebration in Atlanta on January 23rd will begin with the Mass for the Unborn followed by a silent march. This annual demonstration marks the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. She said that there has been no announcement from the Knights regarding transportation to Atlanta. Rosemary will put announcements in the bulletin and Pete will speak to the Knights regarding a caravan to Atlanta.
Jim recommended that the parish council minutes be stored on CD’s. Pete said that he would see that this is done.
Father asked about the bill from the last Sunday Social. Dana reviewed the church policy wherein we ask each group that is sponsoring the Sunday to either cover the cost or submit a bill not exceeding $500. Having a donation box at the social had been rejected in the past and was not felt in keeping with the spirit of the social.
Pete announced that the next meeting is February 12th at 7:30 pm.
Father David closed with the Our Father.