First Baptist Church
February 9, 2014
Council of Stewards Meeting Minutes
Council Members Present: Paula Shafer, Brandon Fisher, Casey Campbell, Harold Gragg,
Lindsay Jackson, Ron Grant, Steve Dean
Staff Members Present: Dr. Tony Preston, Diana McElwain
Opening Prayer: The meeting was opened in prayer by Paula Shafer at 3:05 PM.
Approval of January Council of Stewards Meeting Minutes – A motion to approve the
minutes was made by Casey Campbell and seconded by Harold Gragg. Motion approved.
SPECIAL REPORTS
By-Laws Team Update – Brandon Fisher visited with Dr. Vernon Armitage, E2 Leader,
regarding recommendations.
Transitional Ministry Update – Dr. Preston mentioned that the book, I Am a Church Member,
will be distributed in small groups. The E2 Leadership Seminar launched the first of three
sessions on Saturday, February 8 with the emphasis that “Membership Matters” and stressed
going back to the foundation with different platforms. The Pastor Search Committee Training
will begin soon with the job posted in approximately 2 weeks.
OLD BUSINESS
Audit Report Updates – Brandon Fisher gave clarification from Miller Management regarding
the number of current credit cards vs open vendor accounts. The number of vendor accounts is
currently being reduced. Donna had met with Diana previously and reported that many
recommended changes had already been made. Donna will be meeting with Larry Bledsoe at the
end of February. 1099s and housing forms were completed or are in progress. A copy of the
housing form will be placed in each staff member’s personnel file. Diana reported that she had
not received a copy of the Treasurer’s Handbook mentioned in the audit report. Questions were
answered regarding the finance report.
Christian Health Care Emergency Evacuation – Brandon Fisher spoke with Peggy Tedlock
who is reviewing the updated document.
Wedding Fees/Facility Usage Fees – Donna reported (by email) that the wedding committee
had met and she had given updates to Traci in addition to changes in the Building Use
Guidelines. A few items of concern were mentioned regarding childcare. The committee will
meet again before presenting to the Council in March.
Pastoral Search Team Selection – The Pastor Search Team is in process.
Fireproof File Cabinet – Diana presented a bid from Cavener’s for a four-drawer fireproof
cabinet for the office from Sentry for $1,532. The Council requested additional details about the
description of the cabinet with a comparative bid.
NEW BUSINESS
Part-time Employees – Information was shared regarding benefits for part-time employees but
will be discussed in further detail at the next meeting.
Sound Proposal Bid - Bryan Townsend presented a Sound Proposal bid from CCI Solutions.
1) Assistive Listening System: Listen Technologies CC-22 wireless, 17 channels, topmounted antenna, SQ noise reduction, 600 ft. Range, 1 transmitter, 4 receivers for
$889.00
2) Soundboard for Family Life Center: PreSonus StudioLive 16.4.2 A1, 16 channels, 6 aux
channels, fully programmable and customizable, Mac functional for $1,995.95
3) Soundboard for Worship Center: PreSonus StudioLive 32, 32 channels, 14 aux channels,
fully programmable and customizable, Mac functional, wireless, all software provided for
$3,999.95
4) Total price of all three items was $6,898.90
The council recommended that Bryan check into a multi-purchase discount or a discount for
returning current items. The council moved that Bryan be allowed to spend up to $7,000.
Motion by Casey Campbell. Seconded by Harold Gragg. Motion approved.
E2 – Report given in Transitional Ministry Update section above.
TEAM REPORTS
Building and Grounds
Driveway Trees – Further discussion will be held in the fall regarding the Bradford Pear trees.
Misc Concerns - Ron Grant discussed the water leak in the Family Life Center from the
previous summer as to possible defectiveness in the copper pipe. Brandon asked Ron to send the
old pipe off for testing. With the sprinkler valve leak on Saturday, February 8 causing flooding
in three classrooms in the Children’s Wing, Ron volunteered to check with Bill Shafer and the
Security Company as to whether the alarm panel was connected properly. Ron will report back
next month. Ron Grant also presented a report from Steve Dean for an estimate of $16,000 to
seal the roof on the Green Room. The Council recommended getting comparative bids and
pictures from Garrett along with a report.
Personnel
Job Descriptions – The Personnel Policy handbook continues to be in progress.
Finance
As per the recommendation from Miller Management, the signature cards on all accounts will
remain as they currently stand.
ADJOURNMENT – The Council meeting adjourned in prayer by Brandon Fisher at 4:25 PM.
NEXT COUNCIL MEETING – Sunday, March 9 at 3:00 PM at FBC