Diocese of Rhode
Island
Commission on
Finance
Meeting, May 8, 2012
Higgins Room
Present: Robert
Batchelor; Robert Bergstrand; The Rev. Dcn. Edwin Hallenbeck; Michael Lofaro;
Scott Nicholson; 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
Nicholson with an opening prayer by Bishop Wolf.
The Minutes of the
meeting of April 10, 2012 were approved as distributed.
The Treasurer’s Report
for April was reviewed by Mr. Batchelor noting that while some accounts appear
over or under, this is due to timing. There are no matters of concern a this
time. Apportionment cash receipts are in line with recent years.
Apportionment Payments.
Two churches have made no payments, both are special situations. Churches two
or more months behind:
#
|
Months in Arr
|
Parish /
Location
|
Comments
|
|
2011
|
2012
|
|||
19
|
1
|
2
|
St. David’s, Cranston
|
Considering merger
|
43
|
3
|
3
|
St. Columba’s, Middletown
|
Interim
|
47
|
4
|
4
|
St. John’s, Newport
|
Interim - supply
|
53
|
0
|
2
|
Trinity Church, N Scituate
|
|
67
|
1
|
4
|
Cathedral of St. John, Prov
|
Closed – April 22, 2012
|
89
|
0
|
3
|
St. Mark’s, Warwick
|
|
93
|
3
|
3
|
Christ Church, Westerly
|
Interim
|
Dcn. Hallenbeck reported that he had presented a full page
report of all churches apportionment support to Diocesan Council, with the
Council deciding not to publish it further. It was agreed we will continue to
seek ways to make this information available.
Old Business.
Christ Church, Lincoln.
Mr. Batchelor reported that he continues to meet with the Treasurer. He
distributed a 1st Quarter Report, stating that all loans are paid
up, as is Apportionment. They continue to work on clearing some accounting
glitches and hope to complete the Parochial Report soon. The 2011 Audit is in
process. Mr. Batchelor was thanked for his special effort in assisting this
Church.
New Business.
Holy Spirit, Charlestown, adjacent land. Mr. Creason reported that the Church Woods
Affordable Senior Housing Project has stated they are ready to move forward on
all three parcels of land and will submit a Purchase and Sale offer for the
appraised value as soon as appraisals are completed. It was agreed to continue
the discussion as well as with the South County Tourism Board in the interest
of receiving a firm offer.
St. Mary’s, Portsmouth, Mudrak Fund request. A proposal was received for $10,000 from the
Mudrak Fund for use in installing a Hearing Loop System Technology in the
Church and New Parish Hall now under construction. It is clear that this
request is within the scope of the defined mission of the Fund. It was
Moved, Seconded and VOTED to allocate up to $10,000 from the Mudrak Find to St.
Mary’s, Portsmouth for use in installing a Hearing Loop System in their new
construction.
Calvary Church, Pascoag, New Roof. Four bids were received, two of which were
disqualified as incomplete. Two from M. Bardozo & Sons, Inc and Rick
Boyajian were not directly comparable. It was agreed that both will be asked to
provide bids based on the 50 year shingles and 30 lb paper. When this data is
available it will be circulated by email for a final decision.
St. John’s, Newport.
Bishop Wolf reviewed the difficult circumstances this Church is facing and the
aging and deteriorating condition of some of its facilities. The Senior Warden
recently proposed a solution, which the Bishop viewed as partial and
inadequate, suggesting that other options be explored. The Bishop stated there
is need for a high quality Appraisal of properties held by the Church that
could provide a basis for developing the best planning options. The Bishop and
staff will arrange for Appraisals to be undertaken and paid for from the Fosterian
Fund [Elmer R. Shippee Fund].
St. Mark’s, Warren.
Property ownership and Title issues are being worked on, due to original lack
of clarity. The Church is now viewed by some as architecturally interesting,
with local Historic Preservation groups taking an interest.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 am.
Respectfully submitted
Edwin F Hallenbeck, Secretary
Next Meeting: June 12, 2012 at 10:00 am.
