6/18/15Minutes -- Strategic Leadership Council
St. John United Church of Christ

Meeting duration: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Attending: Tim Smith (chair), Theo Baldwin, Sandy Kerlin, Mitch Leigh, Melissa Stephens, Pastor Keith Haithcock
Absent: Stan Bowling
Guests: Jody Robinson (City of Bellevue), Louise Hall, Dale Sexton

Generative Discussion

Red Bike “Bike Share” Program

  • Jody Robinson, City of Bellevue, presented an update on the RedBike program and its expansion into Bellevue. Red Bike, a non-profit,currently has many stations throughout the downtown Cincinnati area.
  • Cost for individual use of Red Bike is $80/year annual membership or $8/day pass (60 minute ride at a time). Visitors tend to be very heavy users of bike share.
  • Bellevue expansion is part of Phase 2 of the Red Bike program. 4 installations are planned in Bellevue, and will be considered part of the downtown Cincinnati service area. Currently, one is being installed at Port Bellevue, in front of Joe’s Crab Shack.
  • Astation is planned (6 bikes, 15 docks) for the corner of Ward & Fairfield Ave, adjacent to church yard, with bikes backing onto the sidewalk.
  • Will likely be powered by electric, from the nearby telephone pole.
  • Installation is contingent on raising funds ($50,000 + engineering costs to address storm drain).
  • Plans are to install this by the end of 2015.
  • Concrete bump-out will be added to existing sidewalk, resulting in the loss two existing parking spaces on Ward Ave nearest the corner.
  • Discussion
  • No direct income comes to city of Bellevue from the bike share program. City funds pay for the stations (payments from Port Bellevue), though not taxpayer money.
  • Nearby Fairfield Ave restaurants are generally supportive of Ward & Fairfield installation.
  • Varying levels of sponsorship are possible.
  • SLC discussed promotion of church activities, including integration with open communion.
  • Sandy moved that St. John UCC support the Red Bike program in Bellevue, particularly the installation of the station adjacent to the church at the corner of Ward & Fairfield Aves, in support of both our church and the community, and that we communicate such support through a letter sent to the Mayor and the Bellevue City Council. Melissa second. Motion passed unanimously.
  • ACTION: Melissa will draft letter to Bellevue City Council.

Other update from the City of Bellevue: a proclamation will be issued in August in honor of St John UCC’s recent building improvements.

Prayer and Preparation

Pastor Keith led all in prayer. All read the St. John Mission and Vision statement.

Consensus Items Approved: 6/18/15 Agenda.
(Note: 5/28/15 minutes were not yet available for consensus approval)

Generative Discussion (continued)

Flooring projects (carpeting and concrete)

  • Sandy presented updated proposals for carpeting and concrete staining.
  • Carpeting work (Carpetland) will restore what was present in the sanctuary before, including carpeting in the center and side aisles, front of altar area and stairs, and chancel space. Also includes carpeting of accessible lobby. $7,769.07 total cost.
  • Concrete staining (Cincinnati Concrete Polishing) will include sanctuary spaces as well as selected stairwell landings. $8,198.00 total cost.
  • Following discussion, it was decided that carpeting is the priority, and that there will be no action on concrete staining at this time.
  • MOTION: Melissa moved that, pending input from the Music Director, we approve the Carpetland bid as proposed, and that the Pastor be given the final decision regarding carpet color. Theo second. Motion passed unanimously.
  • ACTION: Melissa and Keith will identify a project manager for the carpeting project.
  • ACTION: Melissa will contact Steve Milloy to get his input on carpeting project.
  • MOTION: Melissa moved that SLC hold a fundraising campaign for the congregation to cover the carpeting project costs. Mitch second. Motion passed unanimously.
  • ACTION: Tim and Melissa will work with Pastor Keith on fundraising efforts, including matching gifts.

Kitchen andNKY Health Department

  • Pastor Keith fielded questions from the Northern Kentucky Health Department regarding the senior meals.
  • ACTION: Melissa and Pastor Keith will contact OMG and others to clarify practices.

Transitions (Treatment Program)

  • Sandy informed SLC that Transitions, a drug addiction treatment facility located nearby in Bellevue, has a new director, and that there are new opportunities for engagement.

Proposals, Presentations, Planning

Microsoft Licensing

  • Mitch informed SLC that the church license for Microsoft software is up for renewal.
  • He proposes moving to a new monthly service, which allows for keeping up to date on the latest version of software programs (MS Office, including Outlook). The annual cost for this licensing (5 users) is $270.
  • Software will be provided to church staff and the building coordinator.
  • MOTION: Sandy moved that we approve a switch to month-to-month Microsoft licensing for 5 users, at a cost of $270/year.

Inactive Members

  • Pastor Keith presented a report on 14 inactive members and actions required of SLC per church bylaws. These individuals show no recordable gift over the past two years, and have not attended worship.
  • Bylaws state that we need to send a letter regarding membership status to each person. Those who do not respond in the affirmative within 30 days will be removed from the membership list.
  • SLC affirmed this action. Pastor Keith will work on the letter with the Recording Secretary, Theo.

Follow-up / Ongoing Items

Insurance Liaison

  • Sandy has agreed to continue to the St. John’s liaison to the insurance company.

Key Card Passes

  • These are working well so far for SLC members.
  • Cards will be rolled out to a wider group. ACTION: Melissa and Pastor Keith will determine the group.

Next meeting TBD by new Strategic Leadership Council membership.

Adjournment: Move to adjourn. Theo moved, Sandy second. Motion passed.

Closing prayer led by Pastor Keith

Minutes recorded by: Theo Baldwin, SLC Secretary