Parish Council Meeting Minutes
October 18, 2005

Present: Larry Lense, Kim Wiehoff, Laurie Battiston, Rick Hoban, Jerry Grefer, Mary Brzinski, Michelle Svec, Marin Smith, Father Bolte, Laura Eades

  1. Father Bolte asked about Parish Council (PC) responsibilities and rotation as they are now. Discussed rotation of present members and the need to decrease size of Parish Council. Father Bolte stated that he would like the PC to be an advisory body to help run the parish and be his primary consultant. He would like the different groups under the Pillars to send information to the PC either in person or by mail so that it can be discussed during the PC meetings. He would like 10-12 people to be on the council at this time. This would allow for greater sense of direction and purpose to help run the parish. The rotation would be a 3 year term and ultimately in 3 years have a total of 9 council members. He would like the council to use the discernment process for membership. There would not be an election or appointment but each person would nominate themselves or someone nominate an appropriate person. Each nominee would accept the nomination individually then write a personal biography. A meeting with a facilitator and all of the nominees would then take place. The decision for PC membership would take place among the group of nominees who would then pick/vote within themselves, who would be on the council for a 3 year rotation.
     
  2. Father Bolte would like for the present PC members to let him know if we are interested in staying on at this time. He discussed his thought regarding the use of Parish Council. There would be a meeting of PC every month. They would be a liaison to the committees within the Parish Pillars as a representative from that committee. We need clear communication so that it all can work together. Mary, Rick and Laura volunteered to rewrite the by-laws. Mary volunteered to chair this group.
     
  3. Finance Council – Rick Hoban reported that the budget is still not complete. He stated that the St. Paul parents meeting on September 22, 2005 was successful with 100 out of 146 families represented. Fr. Bolte to speak with each family individually for discount availability so that the family will know the minimum requirement established by the Finance council. Two members from St. Timothy will now be on the St. Paul school council for finance. Rick Hoban and Laura Fagan will represent St. Timothy. Rick reported that St. Timothy had an overall financial improvement for the Quarter. We are looking for funds specifically for the St. Timothy signs needed for each of our entrances. Zoning for the sign at the Frogtown/US 42 is also needed. The St. Timothy Entrance sign will cost approximately $2,500.00. The St. Timothy electronic marquee is approximately $25,000.00. There is a need to install railings up the steps as well for insurance reasons. The cost and installment for this is not known at this time.
     
  4. Worship Pillar – Larry Lense reported that there is a meeting set up with Father Bolte on October 19, 2005.
     
  5. Outreach Pillar – Mary Brzinski reported that the Stewardship fair was the weekend of October 22 and 23, 2005. At the outreach meeting on October 17, 2005, there was discussion about the Alternative Christmas, Hosea House, HONK and Christmas tags and gift return volunteer opportunities. She also reported that there was a request for a St. Vincent DePaul society startup at St. Timothy. The Giving tree for families in Gallatin County will be increased from 25 families to 35 families this year. There are many opportunities to be a good steward in our parish community.
     
  6. Community – Michelle Svec reported that there is much being planned for the Harvest Hoedown, Evening with St. Nick and the Dinner Dance in February. More information to come.
     
  7. Fr. Bolte reports – There was a request from Chris Bruewer for Deb Thomas to get a stipend for her leadership for the Sunday AM preschool program. This was approved by the Finance Council. Greg Egbers will be the outreach director AND business manager for St. Timothy parish beginning November 1, 2005. Jerry Glen is going to be working out of his home on special projects as needed for St. Tims. Fr. Bolte will present a responsibility list for all of the St. Timothy staff for the next PC meeting.
     
  8. Parish Council members voiced interest in knowing Fr. Bolte's interests! Some of his personal interests include biking, racquetball and golf. He also likes to cook. For the future of the parish, he stated that we need to get our finances in order and is aware that there are many issues including the need for another Sunday mass and school issues in front of him. He would like to see us as a parish and community move forward and recommit ourselves. He will take it Day by Day and see where we go.
     
  9. Next Parish Council meeting is November 15, 2005 at 7:15 pm.

    Respectfully Submitted,

    Laura Eades, RN
    St. Timothy Parish Council Secretary