Parish Council Minutes

Members present: Father Rolando, Rito Rivera, Tina Lujan, Roy Cataño, Genevieve Bassham, Linda Gutierrez, Teresa Juarez, and Vickie Sanchez.
I. Opening prayer was led by Father Rolando

II. Discussion and/or Change to Designated Meeting DateGenevieve Bassham moved and Teresa Juarez seconded the motion to move the council meeting to the 4th Tuesday of the month. The motion carried unanimously.

III. Minutes of July 31, 2007Genevieve Bassham moved and Roy Catano seconded the motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried 7-0.

IV. Facility Project Update

a) Update on Church Re-Wiring Project and Light Fixtures – Father Rolando reported that the project is currently underway. He has requested that the project include special lighting for the altar, a spotlight for the Blessed Sacrament, lighting on the saints, and extra lighting for the choir loft. The new light fixtures that were to replace the chandeliers will not be purchased at this time. The broken fixtures will be repaired and burned light bulbs will be replaced. Once the project is completed, Roy Cataño will review the wiring and take pictures of the completed project.

Father informed the council that the Catholic Daughters gave him the $6,000.00 check that is to be used towards the re-wiring of the church.

b) Update on Electrical Wiring for the Heating-A/C Units in Classrooms – The project has been completed and all that is needed is to paint the wood around the units.

c) Update on Plaster Project for Outside Wall and Confessional – Father Rolando provided the council with an update on the previous two meetings held with Joe Uranga, with El Capitán Construction. Father reported that the project proposed is a very large project and that there are not enough funds to cover the project. Major repairs will need to be addressed in the future with the hopes of securing a grant or other means to cover the cost for the project. At the present time, leaks must be filled, and repairs and maintenance will continue to take place in the confessional. The cypress tree will need to be cut down so as to avoid further damage to the walls. The cost and installation of the louvers will be researched.

Mr. Uranga will continue to work on the walls. He is currently being paid by the hour and has also donated some of his personal time to the project.

V. New Facility Projects or Concerns

a) The parish hall kitchen floods when it rains. It is possible that the rain is entering through the roof vents or other leaks in the roof. When it rains, the water runs from the pitched roof unto the flat roof. A gutter may be installed to redirect the water to run off of the roof. It was also suggested that a roofer be contacted to look at the church.

b) Father requested that the sprinkler be adjusted so that the water is not spraying unto or near the church walls. Roy Catano agreed to visit with Robert Silva, installer, so that he may teach him how to adjust the sprinklers and the timer.

c) President Rivera inquired on the painting of the inside walls of the church. The project was never completed. It was agreed that the project will be revisited once the electrical work is completed. Teresa Juarez will contact Father Mike regarding the paint that was donated for the project.

d) Father reported on the need for decorations for the liturgical seasons. A parishioner has offered to donate an altar cloth for Advent. Additional items needed to complete the set would be two banners and stands to be located against each wall near the altar. A banner for the amble will be needed as well. Estimated cost for the entire set is $1800.00. A complete set for each liturgical season is needed. A list of items needed and cost will be posted and donations will be accepted

e) An update on e-Bulletin and the number of visitors was provided. The last count consisted of 1,970 visitors with an average of 7 visitors per day.

f) Genevieve Bassham requested assistance in encouraging girls aged 14 and older to run for Queen of Hearts. The winner is awarded with a $100.00 scholarship. The Queen of Hearts is a major fund raiser for the Catholic Daughters of America. The Catholic Daughters have assisted with funding for various church needs.

g) Vickie Sanchez reported on the condition of the window sills and the stained glass windows. The woodwork is cracked and in need of repairs.

h) Father included that the sign located at the front of the church needs to moved or redone. Tina Lujan discussed spiritual messages on bulletin boards. Father added that the council could look at hanging spiritual banners from the bell posts located at the front of the church.

i) An audit requested by the Diocese will be conducted on November 5th. A financial report will be provided to the council and its parishioners.

The Knights of Columbus purchased a portable building and were originally told by the zoning board that the building would need to be set 4 ½ feet from the fence. The Knights were recently informed that it would actually have to be set 30 feet from the fence instead of 4 ½ feet. The inconsistencies in the information from the zoning board have caused a delay in the setting of the building and use by the Knights of Columbus. The other buildings on the church grounds are all approximately 4 feet from the fence. If the portable building is set 30 feet from the fence, it would not only be an eyesore, but would also cut into the parking and use of the parish grounds. Council members voiced their support and several members will attend the meeting for support in the hopes of coming into an agreement with the zoning board.

VI. General discussion and consideration

Father Rolando mentioned that he felt that the meeting was successful and much had been accomplished. He expressed his appreciation and stated that the council was moving forward and in the right direction.

VII. Genevieve Bassham moved and Teresa Juarez seconded the motion to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.