Diocese of Rhode Island

Commission on Finance

Meeting, April 10, 2012

Higgins Room

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 22^nd. 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

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