The Greekorthodoxchurch of West Central Florida, Inc

THE GREEKORTHODOXCHURCH OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC.

a/k/a St. Michael the Archangel Greek Orthodox Church

4705 W. Gulf-to-Lake Hwy, Lecanto, Florida 34461

MINUTES

A duly noticed meeting of the Parish Council was held on DecemberNovember 15April 11February 13thMarch 13thth, 2 2004th, 20040056

MEMBER ATTENDANCE:

Parish Priest and Officers / Present / Absent / Council Members / Present / Absent
Samaras, Nicholas Fr., Priest / XX / X / Churpita, Dimitri (John)Aucoin, Dorothea / XXX / XX
Mavros, George S.; President / X / Dalmanieras, Alex / XX
Kanaris, George R.; Vice-President / X / XX / Lazar, John / XXX / X
ParkerBinikos-Brom, Athena, Secretary / X / XX / Lovelace, Richard / XX / XX
Ponticos, Stephan A.; Treasurer / XXX / XX / Marcuri, Drosos;Vassiliou, Dimitrios / XX
Minnelli, Diane / XX / XX / Nestor, DanCologna, John / XX

GUESTS PRESENT:

Sylvia Lovelace

John Cologna, Drosos MarcuriDonna SlusserDebbie Kanarisla, John Stavros, John Colognaand Theodore Andriopoulos; Sylvia Lovelace, Mike Trimis

Demetri Vassilou

Jack & Nancy JarnasGeri Zysopoulos

CALL TO ORDER:

The Parish Council meeting was not called to order due to the absence of Council Membersat 6:0405 pm with an opening prayer.by the President, Dr. George Mavros, at 6:00 p.m.

Summary of MeetingSUMMARY OF MEETING

A. RE-OCCURRING BUSINESSReading and approval of last meeting’s minutes:

ApprovalReview of Minutes: : Minutes of the previous meeting were approvedreviewed with no correctionsMinutes aApproved from Mmarch 14thJanuary on a motion by Dorothea Aucoin and 2nd by Doey AucoinJohn LazarStephan Ponticos.

Treasurer’s report: Approved. on a motion by Dan Nestor and second by Russ Marcuri.

Approval of Treasurer’s Report: The treasurers’ report was reviewed and approved on a motion by Russ Marcuri and second by Alex Dalmanieras.

B. Standing ReportsPresident’s report:

Dalmanieras that all existing officers be re-elected to the same positionsNo objections were raised. Motion passed unanimously. Officers are:

George Mavros, President

George Kanaris, Vice-President

Athena Binikos-Brom, Secretary

Stephan Ponticos, Treasurer

As per the last meeting the subcommittee was to put together salary package to present, but the situation changed. George received a call from the Chancellor to go to Atlanta on February 3rd. In this meeting George and George Kanaris were asked if the Church was ready to assume the responsibilities of a full time priest. They assured the Chancellor that we were. They No information has been received as of this date regarding the assignment of a new priest to St. Michael’s nor has Father received any information as to where he will be assigned. The President indicated he doesn’t expect to hear anything until after Easter.
The President also announced that he is disbanding the Clergy Salary Task Force set up a couple of months ago as it is no longer needed due to the change in events.were informed that Father was being transferred from Archangel Michael and that we would be receiving a new priest at the end of May. An official letter will go out to parishioners and the Council will please refrain from discussion until further notice.

We will need to hold a dinner in Father’s honor. Debra and Diane to Co-chair.

We are now official members of the Tampa Bay Conference

Dan Nestor’s passing has left an open seat which will expire 12/31/06. Nominations were brought to the floor and and vote was held. John Cologna will fill the seat until it expires.

1. Priest’s Report:

– Father advised that working from the Church location a couple days a week is working well for him. He also advised that he is continuing to work on completing the Fund Raising Brochure and other related material.

Father requested to look for a Volunteer that may be able to assist him with record keeping and filing

within the church office.

Nancy Cologna has expressed interest to be reinstated as the Sunday School CoordinatorFatherFather is in the office during the week with flexible hours. Anyone can call anytime.

Lenten Services beautiful thanks to the choir

EEveryone please be careful with the swinging doors and the conversation during Orthros.

2.President’s Report- (Throughout)

Father announced a new choir member: Joseph Gallant

C.C.C. MinistryVice President’s Rreports:

None

The 2. 2. President’s Report - President stated that we have been selected for a Financial Audit by the

Archdioceses which resulted with an increase of our Fare Share Commitment from approximately $540.to $708 per month. George adviced that this was based on our New Church Portfolio. it is time to review the new budget.

1. Parish

D.Secretary’s report:

None

E.Treasurer’s report:

a. Philoptochos.Fund balance- See attached

b.YTD-See attached

c.Cantonis Sanctuary-See attached

All reports were approved on a motion by Alex DalmanierasDiane Minnelli and 2nd by John LazarGeorge KanarisDorothea Aucoin.

Motion to approve all-D. Minelli

2nd-D. Aucoin

Meeting Saturday

May 15th- Parish Picnic Tickets to go on sale Palm Sunday

Bread/ Easter baskets will be on sale for 4 Sundays

Formal Ratification in fromor New YorkAtlanta- Officially a Philoptochos

F.Committee and Ministry reports:

Choir- Really appreciate Gerri doing the fine job

Organ removed by Saturday, will use the one in the back

Atlanta Conference coming up-will attend these as Church is built

1. Ministries

2a. YouthParish Lifeby J. Lazar

Lenten activities a successFocus on picnic, farewell dinner and welcome dinner for new priest.

All night vigil Holy Thursday-the Reading of the Hours

Picnic preparations

Philotochos Chapter will be insured under our current policy as a rider. Cost of dues would increase to $17.00 per year per member to the national and diocese .in addition to our local dues.

3b. ReligiousYouthby G. Kanaris

Men’s Club to ready for Holy WeekNo report

c. Religiousby. D. Vassiliou

Saturday of Souls- Feb 25th

Sunday of Orthodoxy Inviting other churches March 12th

Annunciation- Saturday March 25th-Fast may be broken
The Council discussed some “stresses” surrounding the Lamentations Services. (1) The Parishioners wish to join in chanting the lamentations, but can not reach the high pitch set by the choir. The lamentation have also become somewhat of a “spectator” service. This year, parishioners will be encouraged to join the choir, clergy and altar attendants, surrounding the Epitaphios and chanting the lamentations together. (2) During the procession, etiquette and courtesy seems to suffer. The council asked the President to put together a short hand out that can be given to parishioners as they enter.

Philoptochos Dance 25thcancelled

Stewardship: by R. Lovelace
Nothing to ReportBooklets ready to be stuffed after meeting

Outreach and Welcome:by D. Minnelli
32 get wells; 1 sympathy

Budget and Planning:
None

Facilities: by A. Dalmanieras

i. Ceiling repairs- done

ii. AC repairs- pending

iii.Septic cover- pendingiv.

Sprint phone issues- pending John C. to handle

hot water line leak under slab- under construction

Building and Finance:
Sanctuary Project by. G. Mavros

Capital Campaignby G. Kanaris

Nothing of significance to report.

Grantsby N. Cologna

No Report

Building Committee Reportby G. Mavros

Civil Engineering

SWFMD and Site Permits are now being obtained

b.Structural Engineering

Is effectively completed..

c.Preliminary Project

Done

Final Drawings

97% complete

Bidding and Cost Proposals

In Progress: Deadline for proposals (excluding site work) is 3/31/06 3:00 p.m. PST. Site work was removed as this was delaying the bidding process. Once the SWFMD permitting and county Technical Review is complete, the site work witll be bid separately.

Cantonis Sanctuary

Building Committee

Education and Cultural Life:by D. Aucoin
No reportSuggestion made that we hold a periodic (every other month) spaghetti luncheon or something similar as a social function.

2. Committees:

a.Festival: by G. Kanaris

noneStarting with 2007, 2 festivals will be planned. The traditional Fall festival and a festival in early February. The February festival may be a two day event, focused primarily on food sales.

b.Food Service: by G. Kanaris

Nothing significant to report.

Dimitri Vassiliou volunteered to be the holder of the key for banquet service guests.

c.c.By-Laws Committee: by G. Mavros

No word as of yet from the Metropolis.

Metropolis has indicated they have. George attempting to communicate with Chancellor to ascertain what the area of concern is.Flowers and Ferns del. Thursday

G. Organization Reports:Stewardship

No report

1. OutreachPhiloptochosby D. Minnelli for D. Kanaris

$No Report1900 made from rummage saleNothing of significance to report

Dinner dance cancelled

$ for DJ to go towards picnic

2. BudgetYouthby N. Cologna

Discussed throughoutNo ReportNo report

3. FacilityChoir

Lawn guy back on track

Getting estimates on Aerators for septic tank. No report

Sunday Schoolby N. Cologna
No report

Report from Priest requiring Parish Council action:by Fr. Samaras
No report

Getting estimates on Aerators for septic tank. Will take lowest bids and get fixed.

8. Building & Finance

Sanctuary Project Status

1. Capital Campaigns

Recv’d $106,000 in Cash and Pledges to date

Visual tour presentation available for Palm Sunday

Presentation from Raymond James Trust Division on “Giving”, thanks to Mike Trimis for coordinating.

hThermometer getting done for pledge tracking

Nancy Cologna working on 4 separate grants; also attending workshops for grant writing

Construction cash flow issues possible therefore a line of credit would be advantageous to insure the construction project can move forward smoothly. The President reviewed the general terms of Am South’s Line of credit approvedproposal. The president indicated we are approved for a $250,000 L/C Prime + .25 interest + $ 3,500 cclosing fees; 24 mo. Will term out then pay Principle and Interest

A motion was made by Stephan Ponticos, 2nd by Alex Dalmanieras authorizing the Officers to execute the Line of Credit from AmSouth sometime within the next 6 months (closer to when construction contract would actually be signed).MOTION TO MOVE FORWARD W/ SECURING LOAN WITHIN 6 MONTHS Steve Ponticos 2nd Alex D The President is authorized to sign on behalf of the Parish.The motion passed unanimously.

in Dunnellon may be in Dunnellon

Building Committee Report

Civil Engineering70% complete

Structural EngineeringIn progress

Preliminary Project ReviewComplete

Preliminary PricingComplete

Final drawing 90% complete

Final BidddingPending (June timeframe)

9. Education and Cultural Life- Sunday school to begin Sept 4 on the 1st & 3rd Sundays.

Sanctuary project radio advertising is in the works. List of mailing for groundbreaking will be sent to approximately 400 families. Brochures are at the printers and will be mailed after Christmas.

Invitations for groundbreaking dinner are almost complete and plans continue for food and dessert.

D. Old Business:Preliminary plans are approximately 70% complete. Building to be constructed of cement and block material. Civil engineering is in progress. Discussions for possible tree replacement may be necessary. Pricing for sanctuary will be proposed in two phases.

Discussions on tonsuring during the Archbishop’sMetropolitan’s visit- submit names.

Youth Group groundbreaking project- raffling 8 of the 9 ceremonial shovels, to raise funds to purchase the icon of Christ with the children. Letters and tickets will be mailed after the New Year.

The Chapel will be named St. George as originally planned at the time when St. Michael’s Greek Orthodox Church was established.

Russ Marcuri reports the final festival total is $36,633.55

EI. New Business:

George Kanaris raised the Back room paint job approved pending details and color schemesqas to He also raised several concerns whether or not Fr. Samaras posses the qualities desired in such a priest. George reviewed the parish’s financial and membership progress with the Council members base don data he had requested from the President. Following significant discussion, General Membership meeting February 26th to consist of Elections for Board of Auditors, Board of Elections and Budget approval. Possible spaghetti dinner by PhiloptochosLetters and tickets will be sent next week for the Testimonial Dinner for Fr. Samaras.
Diane Minnelli submitted the church inventory hat she completed. Liturgical items (G. Mavros to add) and Choir items (S. Lovelace) to add.

The President asked if the Parish Council wished to take a position on whether or not the Parish needs / wants a full-time priest. He reviewed the financial implications of such a decision and circulated a summary of the “costs” of a full-time priest. A few corrections were needed in that document and would be corrected and reviewed at the next meeting.

Motion was made by G. Kanaris and 2nd by D. Aucoin that the The Parish Council must arrange for a full-time priest to serve to needs of the community. The motion passed unanimously.

The President asked if the Parish Council felt that Fr. Samaras is the person to fill that role.

Following significant discussion, no consensus could be reached.

The President subsequently suggested the following:

A sub-committee would form and review a salary package to be offered to Fr. Samaras that he feels would allow him to dedicate his full and undivided attention to the parish on a full-time basis. Subsequently, that “package” would be reviewed by the Parish Council and upon approval would ask Fr. Samaras IF this package were to be offered to him, would he serve the parish on a full-time basis. If Fr. Samaras were to respond in the affirmative, then the issue would be brought back to the Parish Council to decide whether they were willing to extend that offer to Fr. Samaras or if they would rather pursue discussions surrounding a transition to a new priest.

A the present such to the Parish Council was made by , and passed unanimously. The Sub-committee appointed was: John Lazar, Dorothea Aucoin, Diane Minnelli and facilitated by George Mavros.

Fountains Memorial Park re: starting a garden area specifically for the Church parishioners. 10% of funds regulated for upkeep; 112 spaces placed aside-can be expanded. Will draw up detailed sheet for General Membership for handout. Church will set out sign up sheet for interested parties.

3. John Cologna reported an estimated cost to clean and level the higher elevation of the groundbreaking location at $200.00. Lower level at the entrance of the property would need to be cleaned by hand to prepare for grade elevation. In the present condition pricing would be very high due to labor costs.

FJ. CorrespondenceGood of the Council:

John and Diane to continueNone Church Inventory

Received email from Nebraska. Family interested in helping build and becoming part of the parish

K GK. Good of the CouncilCorrespondence:

None

Presidents meeting in Atlanta next weekend. George to attend

HL. Next Meeting Date and Time:

Father decided to announce the need for volunteers to help clean the lower level after the Liturgy on January 9th.

John Cologna reported that the road side sign has been repaired and functions as normal.

C. MINISTRY REPORTS:

1. Parish Life:J. Lazar

a.Ladies AuxiliaryD. Minnelli

The Ladies advised that a meeting will take place on December 4th with Metropolis of Atlanta District Philoptochos President to discuss our position to possibly expand in this direction.

b. Choir: S. Lovelace

Sylvia Lovelace advised of a new member, Joseph Gilbert. Also choir practice will take place on Saturdays at 10 am.

Two names were submitted for greeting cards to be sent to those serving in Iraq.

c. Other:

2. Youth Ministry:A. Parker

Elections took place this past Sunday results are,

President, Sophia ……………….Moumouris

V. President, Daniel…………….. Kirkendall

Secretary, Armando (Strati) Cologna

Treasury, Michael Mavros

3. Religious Ministry: R. Marcuri

No Report

4. Stewardship Ministry:R. Lovelace

George Mavros requested that Stewardship Card be submitted by councicel members at the same time to coincide with the rest of the parish members submission thereafter.

Richard Lovelace submitted 3 different sermons to Father along with other recommendations and procedures.

5. Outreach and Welcome Ministry:D. Minnelli

Diane has requested to address and greet new members on behalf of all parish members.

6. Budget and Planning Ministry:D. Nestor

No Report

7. Facility Ministry: A. Dalmanieras

Intercom System – Partial system has been replaced for Festival and Building service.

Balance of Audio system has been put on hold until further notice. Members expressed an interest in the poor visibility of our Church signage. John Cologna agreed to look into the cost of enhancing the lighting for this sign.

8. Building and Finance Ministry:S. Ponticos

Sanctuary Project Report:

Communications Committee – Still in process as of last meeting.

Fund Raising Committee - Meeting with Christ Kamages is set to start November 30th Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to review plans and the cost of the building in phases.

Ground Breaking Committee – Father George advised that groundbreaking invitations should be ready shortly. Dan George wwill continue to work on getting the advertisement done for the Groundbreaking album.

Building Committee – SWIFTMUD contacted George Mavros referencing the retention ponds backfilling that took place during land clearing. George advised that hopefully they will allow this towould be corrected at a later date along with our new engineering plans.

9. Education and Cultural Life Ministry: D. Churpita

Sunday School Education – George Mavros reported that Nancy Cologna has expressed an interest in reinstating and continuing to coordinate and teach Sunday School class along with one other parishioner that has also expressed in interest in teaching. Nancy will be contacting Father about getting started some time in the beginning of the New Year.

Greek School Education – class are going well

Religious Education – no report

Parish Socials – Groundbreaking next Social planned February 26th 2005

D. Old Business:

Festival- Russ reported the gross amount to date is $77,279... Final is still being calculated as bills continue to come in.

An interest was expressed in the possibitlity of utilizing our lower parking facility for outside vendors in order not to burden our upper parking area during Festival. John Cologna agreed to contact different vendors to discuss possible plans for our next Festival Event.

E.NEW BUSINESS:

Stephen Ponticos and George Mavros expressed in interest in having the water retentionnewly cleared area cut to a lower grade and level the higher elevation and seeded. This area is needs to be corrected in order to be utilized for our next event being, Festival or parking, etc.. John Cologna’s base on Commercial Construction Site experience agreed to evaluate the cost of correcting this situation (grade elevation) ourselves by renting heavy equipment or subcontracting this out. A detailed proposal will be submitted at our next meeting.