Michigan Conference, United Church of Christ Board of Directors Minutes for March 21, 2015 Salem UCC, Farmington (Pending approval by the Board)

Present: Karen Holcomb-Merrill, (President) Judy Furman, (GWA), Cynthia Stephens, (At Large), Judith Booker, (Moderator), Rev. Charles Corley, (At Large/ Vice President), Ruth Moerdyk, (SWA), Rev. Darcy Crain-Polly, (At Large), Karen Wheeler, (Treasurer),Rev. Beth Grimshaw, (COV), Rev. George Bozanich, (DMA). Excused Absent: Rev. Barbara Hoig (UNA/Secretary) Absent: Ken Schultz (EA) Staff: Rev. Campbell Lovett, Rev. Cheryl Burke, Bob Heisler Guests: Rev. Penny Lowes, Jeffrey Wardford Meeting called to order by President Karen Holcomb-Merrill at 10:40 am. Attendance: Barb Hoig was excused. Consent Agenda: The consent agenda was adopted. John Swinerton’s Resignation: The board accepted John Swinerton’s resignation. The board referred filling the vacancy to the Nominations Committee, led by Charles Corley. January Minutes: The board approved the January minutes as presented. Financial Report: The board received the financial report from Bob Heisler and Karen Wheeler. The Budget and Finance Committee will continue to track OWCM funds and potential impact on the budget. The Executive Committee will make a recommendation to the board about a mechanism for reporting on finances to the conference. Policies and Procedures Manual Update: The board received a copy of the table of contents. The draft manual should be ready for the May board meeting. Conflict of Interest Policy: The board is waiting for feedback from UCC Counsel on this. OCWM Ambassadors: Penny Lowes talked with the board about the OCWM Ambassadors Program and encouraged all board members to talk with their churches about OCWM, thanking them for their contributions and explaining what OCWM funds. Tracking resolutions and board actions: The board approved a $500 expenditure to create a searchable database for annual meeting resolutions and other policy resolutions from the board, going back to 2005. Talahi Update: The board authorized the Talahi Task Force to negotiate an extension of the lease between the Conference and the Talahi Nature and Conference Center in terms that reduce the Conference’s expenses related to the property. The Executive Committee is authorized to review and approve any lease that results from those negotiations. Personnel Committee: The board authorized the appointment of a standing Personnel Committee of the board to perform the evaluation of the Conference Minister.

Board Retreat: The board will look into holding a retreat in the Traverse City area on September 18th and 19th. SWOT Analysis: Jeff Wardford led the board in a SWOT analysis. Meeting Adjourned at 2:40 pm.