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Minutes of Parish Council Meeting Dennis Irwin called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Present: Father Bob Betz, Father Ron Gramza, Tracey Borzick, Joe Dulka, Chuck Frey, Gary Hamilton, Dennis Irwin, Dean Kick Jerry Kromraj, Chris Kujawa, Linda Laguna, Steve Raflik, Dave Spitzenberger and Joe Zolecki
Excused: Rich Lussier and Sean Nuyda
Guests: Judi Backes, Dolly Enright, Jack Enright, Steven Janiszewski, Gregory Meka, Marilyn Stewart and Carole Szczech
Opening Prayer: Dave Spitzenberger presented the opening prayer to the Holy Spirit.
Open Forum/Guest & Visitor Comments:
Dennis welcomed all of the guests to the meeting and invited comments, if any, from them. One of them noted that some people parking on the new lot have driven down the ramp leading from the parking lot to the entrance to the church, although in fact there is no exit for cars; he suggested that the entire first row of cars nearest to Marquette Avenue be designated as being for the handicapped, and possibly installing handrails alongside the ramp for pedestrians; Mass times are running too close together – the lot cannot empty quickly enough for attendees at the following Mass to park their cars. Referring to the lot, Joe Dulka interjected that a large post or pole presently near the Marquette Avenue curb should be a deterrent for cars attempting to exit the lot at that point. Joe also said that the curbs leading from the lot to the entrance of the church will be cut out very shortly for the ease of pedestrians with wheelchairs/walkers, etc., to cross the street without having to walk to the corner. Dennis advised the guests that their concerns would be forwarded to the Building & Grounds Committee.
Judi Backes, the Christian Formation Minister, introduced herself. She advised that many adjustments were made for this second year of the religious education program; the two pastors, deacons, guest speakers and educators will all have specific roles in this intergenerational program. The primary focus is the family which includes the adult formation. At this time approximately 523 students are enrolled in the program, with 303 families, and space is available for additional children. She further advised that Mass is included between the two sessions on given Sundays with the pastors having chosen the weekly themes; she described how the children go to their classes, the adults go to theirs and when the families are together. She said some day school parents are also coming to the adult formation sessions. The confirmation students have their own liturgy. Judi further informed the group that there are 116 students preparing for First Eucharist and 77 for confirmation. Because of the large number of children receiving First Eucharist, all Masses on a particular weekend will be available for them to choose at which Mass to celebrate this occasion. She said the program has received very positive responses and she has received no complaints. Judi closed by inviting all council members to visit the Christian Formation program at any time, both Mass and in the classrooms.
Review of Agenda:
Dennis briefly reviewed the agenda.
Approval of Minutes of August 2006 Meeting:
There being no additions, deletions or corrections to the proposed minutes, upon motion duly made and seconded, the minutes of the meeting of August 17, 2006 were approved as prepared. Note: the name Paul McKean under Yoga Classes on p. 5 should be Paula McKean.
Pastors’ Reports:
Father Ron distributed a copy of a memo addressed to Tom Wisniewski regarding a Long Range Planning Committee meeting scheduled for September 20th. He went over the memo which consisted of four thoughts from the pastors regarding the future of the four sites, whether to maintain all four or drop down to a lower number. A suggestion was also made that a decision be made by the Fall of 2007. The last issue pertained to the 13th Avenue hall and the 16th Avenue convent. Father Bob said that these thoughts were forwarded to Tom because the committee had not met for some months and the memo was a mere vehicle for the committee to resume its planning for the future. Lengthy discussion followed, including the previous recommendations of Siegel-Gallagher and its possible continued involvement or non-involvement in some capacity.
Father Ron then referred to the proposal from the Building & Grounds Committee which met on September 13th. That committee is proposing that the 13th Avenue hall be made an inactive site (no heat or water and minimal lighting) and to then sell the 13th Avenue hall and parking lot (presently used for a farmers’ market on Thursdays). The basement of the hall has problems with water, the gym is considered unsafe because of metal ceiling tiles, and no money has been budgeted to repair these problems. Alternate sites for basketball practice for the children have already been inspected. In conclusion, the Council had no objection to the proposal of the Building & Grounds Committee to make the 13th Avenue hall an inactive site, and to sell it and the parking lot (previously referred to) as a package deal or as individual sales, whichever realtors consider to be in the best interests of the parish.
Contemplative Break:
Father Bob conducted this break by reading the Question of the Week that appears in the weekend bulletin: “How do you suffer and serve in your relationships with your family, your friends, and God?” Several council members gave their personal opinions and interpretations of this question.
Committee Report Comments:
Copies of minutes of the following committees were made available to council members prior to this meeting: Human Concerns, Parish Life, and Prayer & Worship. All were dated September 7, 2006. A copy of a proposal from the Building & Grounds Committee which met on September 13, 2006 was also received by e-mail by council members prior to this meeting. Tracey Borzick indicated that the proposal of the Building & Grounds Committee of which she is liaison has been discussed above.
Father Bob advised that the names of the four sites will no longer be referred to by the street names, but by the following: the 16th Avenue site will now be known as the Christian Formation Center; the 13th Avenue site will be referred to as the Parish Office and the Divine Mercy Chapel; the College Avenue site will now be known as Divine Mercy School; the Marquette site will be referred to as Divine Mercy Church; the Marquette Avenue rectory will be known as the Parish Life Center. The sign which had been on the parking lot across the street from the church will now indicate the Parish Life Center and the various committees; all other activities will be listed on that sign. The Learning Center will be associated with the Christian Formation Center.
Dean Kick reported that the Christian Formation Committee is currently working on policies for confirmation. A further topic to be covered in the policies is the age of individuals attending the RCIA classes.
Dennis read a note he received from Human Concerns about a plan or possibility of having a Thanksgiving dinner for people without a family and who would otherwise be alone on the holiday; the number would not exceed 40. This would be considered a social as opposed to a meal for the poor. Father Ron said it would be more like a potluck dinner.
Jerry Kromraj reported on behalf of the Human Concerns Committee that all the mum plants were sold; he stated there were about three carloads of plants.
Joe Dulka of the Finance Committee said “we are doing okay.” He sees no problem and said we are on budget.
NEW BUSINESS: None.
Dennis reiterated that new agenda items must be received by the date of the all committee meeting night except from the Building & Grounds Committee because their monthly meetings are held subsequent to that evening. With other urgent matters, contact Dennis.
OLD BUSINESS:
Proposed Constitution and Bylaws Changes. For the second time at a council meeting, Dennis read his recommended changes in the parish’s constitution and bylaws, all of which were fully described and recorded in the minutes of August 17, 2006 (p. 4). His request for comments resulted in discussion regarding the description of the Buildings and Grounds standing committee (Art. V, Sec. 4, p. 5), and the fact that some individuals, while not physically involved in any maintenance, may offer and/or provide expert or skilled advice to the committee or Cathy Wendt, the pastoral administrator. The proposed changes will be reviewed again at the October council meeting with final amendments to be made at that time.
School Communication Study. Joe Zolecki stated he had no information to offer at this time. Father Bob mentioned that he had spoken with Judy Kalinowski who advised that the foreign language program and the fifth graders moving from room to room for classes is going well. He also said he talked with the first grade teacher who has 29 students. She said she has no problem; there is an aide in her room who helps organize everything needed for the day, and all is going very well. A council member brought up the subject of having 25 computers in a classroom with 29 students; he was advised that the person to contact regarding this and other specific issues regarding the school is the administrator who can provide the proper responses.
Marquette Parking Lot Project Status. Dave Spitzenberger reported that the maintenance group has been working on the lights; the damaged vertical posts leading up to the lights that were originally received will be replaced by new ones and then properly installed. He said Cathy Wendt is taking care of an issue regarding concrete “things” on the sidewalks near the two handicapped spots at the end. A parking lot neighbor claimed one of the asphalt trucks backed onto their driveway and cracked it; that company will take care of that damage. The only other thing which must be taken care of is the landscaping. Dave also said a suggestion had been made that, based on the Christian Formation’s family model, family service hours could be earned by adopting an island on the parking lot and maintaining it.
Fun Fest Update. Steve Janiszewski (Harpo) reported that a profit of over $60,000 was realized from the festival; he has already volunteered his services for next year’s event. Many changes were made for this year’s festival and more will be made for 2007. He said the raffles were down about $5,000 this year; the polka Mass was well attended and many people went directly to the festival; all entertainment was exceptional. The advertising of the fest went very well and many parishioners volunteered to work. Free rides home were available for any patron who imbibed too much at the festival and then had to return the following day to pick up his car at the festival grounds, courtesy of the Wisconsin Tavern Association. The Knights of Columbus organization has requested that it be permitted run something at next year’s Fun Fest. Harpo will request that parish and other organizations sponsor and staff booths at the festival. He received suggestions that Fun Fest begin on Thursday evening with a band as well as some food and beer.
Fall Fest Planning, On behalf of Rich Lussier, Dennis said everything was going great for the Fall Fest on Sunday, October 15th and hoped everyone was selling their raffles. Tracey said help was needed on Saturday, October 14th, to clean vegetables; they will need salads and desserts for the dinner, and help to clean up the hall following the dinner. She thanked everyone for bringing items for the Council’s themed basket. Part of the silent auction is a Packers Party for up to eight people hosted by Father Bob and Father Ron. The next meeting of the planning committee will be held after the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass, September 24th at the0 Parish Life Center. Council’s Retreat. After discussion regarding dates for the Council’s Retreat, it was decided that it should be held in January 2007, with further discussion to be held next month.
Closing Prayer: Dave presented the closing prayer.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Marcy Gramza, Recording SecretaryOctober 10, 2006
Next Meeting: 10/19/06
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