Executive Summary for Congregational Meeting 10-30-16

SUMMARY: A concern was brought to the Session that the heating system poses a significant risk.  The pipes running through the walls are very old and fragile. A simple leak could turn into a repair costing tens of thousands of dollars to repair. An investigation revealed that installing an alternate heating and a/c system could result in a significant savings but to maximize it would require some structural changes to the business side of the building. That lead to the discussion on installing a lift to make the main floor more accessible. That consideration led to the need to make the bathrooms more accessible and less like dungeons.  That consideration resulted in redesigning the main floor of the Church.

ISSUE: Should we affirm the resolution to proceed with the building renovations.

QUESTIONS FROM THE OCTOBER 2 MEETING AND ANSWERS

1. WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE ROOF: Dan met with a roofer. The roof over the Sanctuary may need to be replaced within 10 years. The cost could be as much as $100,000. The roof over the remainder of the Church will last longer.
2. WHAT WOULD BE THE IMPACT ON OUR BUDGET: Please see that attached summary.  Assuming we raise $100,000 from the Congregation, past members and friends of the Church, the community and other sources and we use $230,000 of our money and borrow $200,000, it will cost us $271.31 per month. (Plan A.) If we raise $100,000 from the Church, the community and other sources and we use $300,000 of our money and borrow $130,000, our expenses will be $37 per month less than they currently are. (Plan B.)  Bottom line: Whether we use 40% of our savings or 50% of our savings and financing a portion, the impact to our budget will not be serious. We will have monies in reserve for mission projects and/or the roof.
3. WHY CAN WE NOT HAVE A FULLY FUNCTIONING KITCHEN? The plans call for only a “warming kitchen” and the concern was brought up that having a full kitchen would allow the preparation for church meals, mission meals and for outside parties to better use our facilities.  As expensive as the proposed renovation is, renovating the kitchen in the basement would be extremely expenses and would cover only the kitchen. However, after considering this question, Session learned that the expense to make the planned kitchen fully functional is not a significant increase in the amount quoted.  If the renovation is approved, it would be with the new kitchen to be fully functional.
4. DWINDLING? For many years, the size of the Congregation has been a concern. Some of the Session hope that, “If we build it, they will come.” Many people visit our Church for community events, baptisms and marriages, Scouts, and the daycare families. Yet few of those seek out more information or join us. Supplementing our wonderful Sanctuary with a more welcoming, comfortable and accessible space might help to change that.
5. FUNDING: It is proposed that the renovations be voted on after reaching the $100,000 Congregational funding goal.  No contracts would be signed or construction scheduled until we raised the contribution portion of the budget. If we receive more than $100,000 then the surplus would go to reduce either the amount taken from our investments or the amount taken in the loan.
6. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES TO OUR CURRENT HVAC? Currently, the only air conditioning are small units in Judy’s office and the Gathering Place. For the heating, the whole building is heated by the boiler with only one thermostat. Under the proposal, the main floor and much of the second floor would be air conditioned. This would result in more comfortable (and usable) spaces and the daycare agreeing to make a greater donation.  Also, the plan calls for several heating and heating/air units.  This allows for areas that need to be heated/cooled being heated/cooled and the other areas being not.  This will result in a more efficient system in terms of comfort and expense. The Sanctuary will be more comfortable on all but the coldest days. The boiler system will be left for the Sanctuary and can be used to supplement the coldest days.