Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Meeting — April 5, 2018

Diocese of Rhode Island
Commission on Finance
Meeting, April 5, 2018
St. Luke’s Church East Greenwich

Present: The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisely; Stephan Sloan; The Rev. Peter Tierney.
Also present: Joan DeCelles; Dennis Burton; The Rev Canon Linda Grenz; The Rev Edwin Hallenbeck.
Guest: Richard Sellers, Consultant.

The meeting was called to order at 5:05 p.m. by Chair Tierney, who offered an opening prayer.

Note: There was not a quorum present, therefore this was an information session only with no votes taken.

The Minutes of The meeting of March 1, 2018 were received, but not voted upon.

ECC Solar Farm Analysis. Presentation and discussion by Dennis Burton and Richard Sellers based on the report “ECC Solar Project: Next Steps.” The report was prepared with the support and assistance of the Advisory Committee most of whom have extensive experience with solar project planning and operation. Key points are:
            • Frequent meetings of Solar Advisory Committee.
            • Legal issues identified and addressed.
            • Max size of 10 MW DC established.
            • Ten potential Partners interested, 6 bids solicited, shortlisted 4 companies, 2 finalists.
            • Extensive analysis of 2 finalists with expert assistance, data in report.
            • Recommend next steps: Negotiate MoU with RER by end of April, prepare alternative process in case negotiations fail.
The Report was received with interest and several matters were discussed at length. The same Report was made at Diocesan Council April 4, 2018 and was referred to Council Executive Committee for final approval with the understanding it would be reviewed by COF. Those present agreed with this process of decision. Mr. Sellers left the meeting.

COF Report. Mr. Burton:ce.
            • St. Peter and Andrew apartments. An analysis of three options was distributed, indicating the best choice is to sell the apartments to Gemma property Management. It was agreed this appears to be the best option. Dennis will follow up details. A business plan will be needed for St P&A church and plans for how best to prepare the Rectory for occupancy, see below.
            • Mobile station land sale, 389 Elmwood Ave, Providence is still in negotiation, with most concerns settled.
            • Grace Church, Providence. A meeting was held with the present and former Sr Wardens for updates. The Cemetery situation needs study, the Diocese is willing to receive a proposal for what might be done.
            • Edwards Homes. An audit is needed of the financial status of the Homes so the bookkeeping can be brought over to the Finance Office. Bookkeeping can be brought over to the Finance Office per agreement with Hallworth House to provide accounting and administrative services to the Edwards Homes. The accounts are presently part of the Hallworth House financial structure.

Finance Report of March 2018 was reviewed briefly by Ms. DeCelles stating there were no significant variations. It was noted that the Variations Report begun in 2017 was very useful and might be used again this year.

Apportionment Aging Report. Churches are up to date except for several that run a month late and the two that are expected to be problems throughout  the year.

St. Peter & Andrew Church, Providence. Canon Grenz reported that May 1st has been established as the retirement date for the Rev. Joyce Penfield, Priest-in-charge. Canon Grenz has met with the Wardens to consider changes needed. They are revising the budget to consider funds needed for the church to function in 2018.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Edwin Hallenbeck
Secretary

Next meeting: May 3, 2018. 5 p.m.



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