ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lease with the New Leaf Preschool: The members discussed updates regarding the proposed use of the RE Building by New Leaf. This continues to move forward appropriately. It was proposed that liaisons be appointed from the congregation and New Leaf, with Rev. Denise potentially being the representative from the congregation, as she was already in contact with the school.

Share the Plate Conversation: As part of her monthly report to the Board, Rev. Denise briefed the board on the pastoral care issues related to conversations about the November Share the Plate partner.

Parking Lot Concerns: We discussed the few incident reports regarding the parking lot. These discussions were focused on addressing the challenges posed by the parking lot's location and its potential attractiveness as a secluded spot. Solutions such as improved lighting and security measures were discussed, but the consensus was that we are doing all that is appropriate at the moment. Non-police intervention will continue to be used, with police intervention used as appropriate.

- Claire will send a list of small congregations in nearby states to Carol to potentially reach out to about governance models. The goal is to learn how other small congregations operate and make decisions. 

- A New Leaf preschool representative visited to view the rental space for a potential lease. Discussions are ongoing. 

- A job description was created for hiring a bookkeeper on a contract basis for around 7 hours per month. The board approved hiring someone and will use contingency funds to pay them.

- The board agreed to spend the last 5 minutes of each meeting reviewing and approving a summary of the meeting to be shared with the congregation. This will be sent to Kris for the weekly eblast and also printed for the bulletin board. 

- The board reviewed the monthly finance reports. Pastoral care funds may need to be supplemented given low remaining balance. A bookkeeper will be paid from contingency funds, not added to the budget.

- The healthy congregations team currently includes Jane Spears and Gene Bryant. Reverend Denise works with the team.

- The board formally created a 2 person task force of Caren Spencer Smith and Reverend Denise to continue the dialogue on assessment.

- There was discussion around a UUA request for assistance for a program to support transgender individuals traveling through Nashville. Reverend Denise will inform the congregation of this opportunity.

Overall, the meeting focused on improving transparency through posting board meeting summaries, making progress on important administrative needs like hiring a bookkeeper, and having generative discussions to support the congregation's mission and needs.