Diocese of Rhode
Island
Present: Robert Batchelor; The Rev. Dcn. Edwin Hallenbeck;
Michael Lofaro; The Rev. John Pallard; The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf.
Also Present: Canon Ty Creason; Canon Elizabeth Fornal;
Ronald Turnbull.
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 am by Chair pro tem
Pallard, with an opening prayer offered by Bishop Wolf.
Bishop Wolf requested that a New Business item be considered
at the beginning of the meeting as it would be necessary for her to leave at
10:30 or shortly thereafter.
Cathedral Management.
Bishop Wolf reviewed the plan to close the Cathedral of St. John to active
ministry and use after the services on April 22nd. It was at first
believed that roughly $400,000 would be available in Cathedral holdings for
ongoing use. It now appears remaining funds will be closer to $200,000 with the
exact amount yet to be determined. Such funds to be available to sustain the
building following the closing. With many, if not most, of the Cathedral
Chapter members probably leaving, ongoing oversight by that group following the
closing does not appear functional. The Bishop suggested that a Management
Team, as a subcommittee of COF, be established to over see the state and
condition of the non-functioning Cathedral facility, with a COF member as a
designated person on the Team. Following discussion it was agreed that the Rev.
John Pallard would serve as the COF designated representative.
Mr.
Creason noted that the issue of property management also relates to other
Diocesan properties, which he has been doing, and will need an alternate
arrangement by June 30. While managing all properties is needed, a primary
focus will be on the Cathedral now. Several other persons were suggested as Team
members.
It
was agreed the key question is establishing who has control and responsibility
to see that matters are well handled.
The Minutes of the meeting of March 13, 2012 were approved as
distributed.
The Treasurer’s Report for March was distributed. Mr. Batchelor noted as
it is early in the year, there are what appear to be discrepancies that will
even out as the year progresses. At this time there are no major concerns.
Apportionment Payments. There are still five churches that have made no
payments.
#
|
Months in Arr
|
Parish /
Location
|
Comments
|
|
2010
|
2011
|
|||
19
|
1
|
3
|
St. David’s, Cranston
|
Considering merger
|
38
|
3
|
3
|
Christ Church, Lincoln
|
Long term supply- resetting
|
43
|
2
|
3
|
St. Columba’s, Middletown
|
Interim
|
47
|
3
|
3
|
St. John’s, Newport
|
Interim - supply
|
53
|
0
|
2
|
Trinity Church, N Scituate
|
|
67
|
1
|
3
|
Cathedral of St. John, Prov
|
Closing – April 22, 2012
|
89
|
1
|
2
|
St. Mark’s, Warwick
|
|
93
|
2
|
2
|
Christ Church, Westerly
|
Interim
|
Also reviewed was the receipt of
Parochial Reports, due in February. Currently thirty-one (31) churches have
filed reports out of 52.
Old Business:
Christ Church, Lincoln. Mr.
Batchelor has met again with the treasurer, monthly reports are being prepared
and the quality of the information is improving. He plans to meet further.
New Business:
RISE
Energy proposal from National Grid states
that at a cost of $15,576.71 an annual savings of $2,278. will be realized.
National Grid will reimburse 70% ($10,903.70) of the cost of improvements. It
was Moved, Seconded and VOTED to authorize and proceed with the improvements to
the 275 N Main St building as proposed, and summarized above.
Holy
Spirit, Charlestown. The South County
Tourism Board has made an offer to purchase the land purchased by the Diocese
in 2008, occupied by a former Laundromat for $150,000. Following discussion, it
was Moved, Seconded and VOTED to recommend to Executive Committee of Council
that the Diocese consider the sale of the Laundromat property.
Following
further discussion, it was Moved, Seconded and VOTED to recommend to the Executive
Committee of Council that the Diocese make a counter offer of $180.000 to the
South County Tourism Board, with further instruction not to accept a final
offer of less than $170,000.
Real
Estate Management Working Group. Mr.
Creason suggested that such a group be established before his departure on June
30, to carry out real estate related functions that have been his
responsibility and report to COF. It was agreed that names would be suggested
for consideration at the next COF meeting.
Trinity
Church, Cranston. Mr, Batchelor reported
that he will meet with the Senior Warden and Treasurer to discuss a prior year
apportionment payment still outstanding. Determination of the amount due is
still uncertain due to complications regarding a now closed Nursery School program,
It’s a work on progress.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:20
pm
Respectfully submitted
Edwin F Hallenbeck, Secretary
Next meeting: May 8, 2012 10:00 am
