Vestry Meeting Minutes
April 13, 2025
Attendees: Steve Hirtzel, Paul Patrick, Penny Krupp, Kim Gerhardt, Cyndi Troyer, Susan Petrakos, Karen Hauswald, Fr. David Wilcox, and Jane Brucker
Steve Hirtzel opened the meeting at noon with a prayer.
Building & Grounds: Don Gerhardt discussed two items requiring funding: Repairing the driveway and replacing the heat pump. The driveway patching will cost $3,600. The work done by Neal Harris HVAC was bypassing the issue and did not fix it. Don did not feel the repair was accurately and fairly represented and performed. Jane will review the quote and the bill to determine if contact should be made to request a refund or some adjustment. True repair by Donaldson HVAC will cost $4,900 to $5,000. Funding for these items will come from the funds held from the sale of Arni’s home.
Meeting Minutes: The meeting minutes for the March Vestry Meeting was approved. It was requested that the minutes be sent out the first week following the Vestry meeting so there is plenty of time to review action items. Jane agreed to do her best to comply.
Priest Report: Fr. David said there has been an average of 13 people for the Lenten Study; we have seven (7) new members. Eight (8) people helped on the garden work day. The church hosted Lauren Stokke’s wedding. Bishop Diane’s farewell functions have been attended as well as preparing for Bishop elect Amy Dafler Meaux Consecration on May 3rd. She will be vising SMM on June 1st and will confirm any candidates. Rev. Kary Mann is Dean of Central Deanery. Fr. David conducted a Safe Church instruction. What has consumed much of his and Cyndi’s time is the record clean-out they have been doing. The diocese has an outline for record retention and SMM records will be brought up to the standards. Fr. David will also be attending the youth camp June 1 – 7th.
Financial Update: There were no questions regarding the financial reports from Cyndi.
Fr. David also met with Tom Kokjer and the bank to discuss the SMM’s mortgage. Biship-elect Amy was also included in the discussion. SMM’s finance committee will provide a written presentation to the Diocesan Council in June for their determination on how to proceed. The loan must be negotiated by July 2025.
We are reviewing how to handle the funds from the sale of Arni’s home. Anne Richardson has provided information on ECF (Episcopal Church Foundation). The Finance Committee will review the options available to determine if moving the funds to an endowment would be best.
Continuing Business:
Building and Grounds: Paul reported that the “extra” key is now being stored in a realtor’s lockbox in the caged area by the a/c unit. The sprinklers will be turned on Saturday 19th, and should include the garden. Paul will also try to have the grass mowed before Easter.
Glow Run & 5K and 5K for Health – Fr David and Steve attended the Glow Run and handed out fliers and snacks to about 200 participants. We have a table at The 31st Annual 5K for Health on May 3rd. We will look for volunteers to hand out treats.
The Soccer schedule was sent out by Steve earlier in the month. Steve will look into the feasibility of some attending a game and providing snacks.
The Heart N Hand benefit is May 17th. Steve and Fr. David will see if we need more to fill the table, which was sponsored by an anonymous donor.
National Labyrinth Day – Mickie has not gotten back with Jane. Cyndi will have additional handouts from the DOK presentation.
Special Funds Envelopes: No additional work has been done; however, they are a work in progress.
BBQ Patio – we will do a dedication and cookout on May 4th. We will let Denise know so she can send out a sign-up Genius for sides. The meat will be provided.
Sunday School – there is a team of 5 or 6 and the new curriculum seems to be working well
New Business: Karen asked that we schedule a Clean-up Day. It has been tentatively scheduled for June 7th.
Regina provided a summary of the Diocesan Council meeting (included at bottom of minutes).
Steve and Karen attended the April Deanery meeting. They were pleased with the direction.
Holy Week Advertising – Regina submitted an ad for the Martin City Telegraph, which we truly appreciate.
Montessori School: Fr. David and Steve met with the couple who are interested in using our facility as a Montessori school. Fr. David has asked chancellor to review the proposal. The Vestry must also determine who would be the contact person concerning any facility questions or issues. One requirement of the school is a playground. We do have a member willing to pay to have a playground installed and fenced. We will also check to find out the impact a playground will have on the cos of our insurance.
Youth Group: Steve and Lauren will be starting a Youth Group which will be meeting once a month. As Lauren will be traveling during the summer months, Fr. David will fill in for her. Emma Sutton will help determine a good day/time to meet.
Child Abuse & Trafficking Awareness Training – A flyer has been posted in the Narthex.
Walker Adams – he will be here tentatively June 14th and would like to have dinner with the Vestry on Friday or the evening before.
AOB (Any Other Business): Our next Vestry Meeting will be May 14th at 7PM via Google Meet.
The meeting was adjourned with a prayer by Fr. David at 1:40.
Jane Brucker, Secretary
