THE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC.
a/k/a St. Michael the Archangel Greek Orthodox Church
4705 W. Gulf-to-Lake Hwy, Lecanto, Florida 34461
MINUTES
A duly
noticed meeting of the Parish Council was held on November 12th, 2007
MEMBER ATTENDANCE:
Absent
Council Members
Present
Vernikos, Ioannis Fr., Priest
Mavros, George S.; President
X
Aucoin, Dorothea
X
X
X
Cologna, John; Vice-President
X
Dalmanieras, Alex
Stavros, John
Parish Priest and Officers
Present
X
Binikos-Brom, Athena, Secretary
Ponticos, Stephan A.; Treasurer
Minnelli, Diane
X
Lovelace, Richard
Vassiliou, Dimitrios
X
Patides, Bill
Absent
X
X
X
X
GUESTS PRESENT:
Emmanuel Kafes, Amy Mirialakis, Nancy Cologna
CALL TO ORDER:
The Parish Council meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm with an opening prayer.
Scriptural Reading / Reflections: Inadvertently skipped. See Father's report
SUMMARY OF MEETING
A.
Reading and approval of last meeting’s minutes: Motion to approve previous
minutes by Diane Minnelli, 2nd by Alex Dalmanieras
Unanimously approved
with a change in the Festival Report, striking all but the first sentence.
B.
President’s report:

C.
The President reported that he had received an e-mail from Jenny Phillips
requesting that she be allowed to purchase her dance costume. The
President Indicated that several years ago the church purchased material
for the making of Dance Costumes by Laurie Kirkendall. The cost for
around 6 costumes was about $300 making each costume have an average
cost of approx. $50. Following discussion John Cologna moved that Jenny
Phillips be allowed to keep her costume, compliments of the parish. Motion
was 2nd by Doey Aucoin and passed unanimously.
Vice President’s report:

No Report
D.
Secretary’s report:

Absent
E.
Treasurer’s report:
a.
Fund balance- see attached
b.
YTD General Fund (operating) report- see attached
c.
YTD Building (sanctuary) report- see attached
d.
Cantonis Sanctuary Fund Report- see attached
John Cologna asked for some clarification on the "Building" Fund and
"Sanctuary" Fund. The President explained these two funds are essentially
one. The "Building" Fund is the checking account whereas the "Sanctuary"
Fund consists of two brokerage investment accounts, one managed by a
third party money manager. For the past 3+ years, as funds have been
needed for the Sanctuary project, the money first comes out of whatever
may be in the checking account (which consist of donations made to the
"Building" fund as well as donations made to the special "5 Year Pledge" for
the Sanctuary. When Sanctuary project costs exceed what is available in
the Building Fund Checking account, monies are transferred from the
Brokerage account to pay for those expenses. Hence, the total available
funds for the Sanctuary Project is the sum of whatever is in the
Sanctuary/Building Fund Checking Account + the Brokerage Account
managed by a 3rd party + the brokerage account held at Wachovia. Since
the brokerage account managed by a 3rd party imposes a management fee
of 1/4 of 1% per quarter, monies are transferred from this account (into the
checking account) first.
The other account the church has is the General (Operating) Fund account
which is used to pay all of the churches operating expenses.
All reports were unanimously approved on a motion by Alex Dalmanieras
and 2nd by Doey Aucoin.
F.
Committee and Ministry reports:
1.
Ministries
a.
Parish Life
by J. Stavros
John Stavros reported that the Men's club will be getting together in
January (after the holidays). Amy, who was present as a guest
reported that the Philoptochos will be having their meeting on Nov.
25th and will be offering a Thanksgiving Meal (luncheon) on
November 22nd consisting of fish. At the Nov. meeting they will be
identifying what charities they wish to support.
b.
Youth
by A. Binikos-Brom
Nancy Cologna, who was present as a guest, reported that the Youth
have raised approximately $170 in the OCMC boxes that were
circulated several months ago. This money will be forwarded to the
OCMC. Nancy also reported that the Youth would like to plan an
outing on the Anclotte River. Cost, including lunches would
approximate $300 depending on the number of children who
participate. Adults would pay their own costs. Nancy requested that
the Parish Council authorize the expenditure of $300. On a motion
by Diane Minnelli and 2nd by John Stavros, the request was
approved.
The President brought to the Council's attention a request made last
month that a detail of the Youth Income and Expenses for 2007 be
presented. The report showed total expenditures so far this year of
$731 and income of $104, indicating that the Parish has supported
the youth with $627 this fiscal year. Nancy indicated that the Youth
also raised money at their Rummage / Yard sale. The Treasurer
indicated he has not received that money.
There was also discussion on the Youth having their own checking
account. The President indicated that he personally felt that until the
youth group matures a little more it may be premature for them to
have their own account. The Youth have not met at all during 2007
and meetings last year were few and sporadic.
There was no further discussion on the item.
Nancy voiced her disappointment in that her Council Liaison, Athena
Binikos-Brom, has not contacted her at all this year.
c.
Religious
No Report
by. D. Vassiliou
d.
Stewardship:
No Report
by R. Lovelace
e.
Outreach and Welcome:
by D. Minnelli
Diane reported that she and Bunny Dart have visited several
parishioners and have sent several cards as well as made several
phone calls.
f.
Budget and Planning:
by A.Dalmanieras
The proposed 2008 budget as revised per the discussions of the
previous meeting was presented. Richard Lovelace moved, 2nd by
Diane Minnelli that the revised proposed budget be presented to the
General Assembly at the Nov. 18th meeting. The motion passed
unanimously.
g.
Facilities:
by B. Patides
1.
Summary
Bill reported that the HVAC systems were repaired just before
the festival and the roof leak has had some work done on it.
The President indicated that last time he spoke with the roofer
they indicated that they think they have resolved the problem
but are awaiting word from Bill that the problem is resolved at
which time they will return to put the tile back.
Bill also submitted a summary list of "major" items that need to
be done at the hall. The list included:
Item
Flooring (to replace
existing carpet in
main hall)
Ceiling Tile
Painting
Landscaping
Description
Carpet (not installed)
Wood (installed)
Tile (installed)
2 x 4 Tile
2 x 2 Tile + cross bars
Main Hall Walls
Requires
sprinkler
system repair
Approx. Cost
$ 7,200 - $ 9,000
$ 23,500 - $33,900
$ 17,500
$ 2,100 - $ 3,400
$ 2,700
$
450
Unknown
The council discussed the projects. Following discussion it
was determined that, besides the painting, we should first wait
until after the Festival and Food Service profits are known and
compared to the budgetary expectations for FY 08 and then
decisions can be made on which items to pursue. There was
also discussion that the sprinkler system should not be pursed
until after the Sanctuary is built as the entire area near the well,
as well as the islands and parking lot area will be dug up,
therefore causing more damage.
2.
h.
Motions: Bill Patides moved, Dimitri Vassiliou 2nd that we
move forward with painting at an approximate cost
of $450. The motion was approved unanimously.
Building and Finance:
by S. Ponticos
1.
Summary:
Site work is progressing, building plans are
being finalized (MEP) and then will be ready for
submission to the county within a week or two.
Pipe work, related to the site work will be begin
in a couple of weeks and will take approx. 8
weeks to complete. A survey will also be done
soon to validate the foundation area as a survey
is required before the foundation can be poured.
Except for the site work, work on the Sanctuary
is pending approval from Atlanta to sign the
contract with the contractor.
2.
Site Safety Manager: Mr. Emmanuel Kafes, who was a guest
at the meeting, discussed his previous work in NY as a Site
Safety Manager. He indicated that he would typically review
work on a site, as well as the site, to insure safety issues are
being addressed. Such issues would include HazMat
mitigation, general safety etc. He volunteered his services as
a member of the parish. Since Site Safety Management is not
included in any of the contracts with the Contractor or
Architect, and since these services will be provided gratis, the
Council approved having Mr. Ponticos speak with Mr. Kafes
and engage his services. Mr. Kafes would not interfere with
the project, he would merely prepare a report and submit to
the Building Chairman who would take any needed action.
i.
2.
H.

Education and Cultural Life:
No Report
by D. Aucoin
Committees:
a.
Food Service:
by John Cologna
John reported that there are a couple of banquets scheduled in
December, 1 in January and one this weekend. He also reported
that he is working with Nancy to develop a marketing plan. Dimitri
Vassiliou indicated that it would be nice if the Food Service
committee could receive additional information regarding the
banquets (contracts / calendars etc.). John advised Dimitri that his
wife Dimitra had the desired information.
b.
Festival:
by Bill Patides
Bill reported that the Gross revenue for the Festival approximates
$61,000 (down from last October's $78,000). All bills have not yet
been received, hence an Income Statement is not yet available. The
council discussed the dates for the Spring and Fall festivals 2008
and settled on the first weekend in May (2nd, 3rd and 4th) and the
last weekend in October (Oct 31, Nov. 1st, 2nd). Bill and John
reported that most of the left over items, except for the skewers have
been sold or almost sold. There are a few items left from YiaYia's
kitchen which are being sold on Sunday along with baked goods.
George asked how much baked good items are left. John indicated
the two "Seia's" (Seia Moumouris and Sia Phillos) handled the
bakery and he does not know what is left.
Report from Priest requiring Parish Council action:
by Fr. Ioannis

Father began his report with Scriptural reflections. The President had accidentally
skipped this item on the agenda. Father read from Ephesians Chapter 2 and
Matthew Chapter 6. He continued by stating that what we do, we do for the
glorification of God and our salvation, not to reward individuals. When we say we
forgive, we must mean it, not just say the words. The animosity is not good for the
Parish or the individual. Father also stated that once again it is necessary to say
that what is discussed in meetings must stay at the meeting and not discussed
outside the meeting. He further stated that we must love another. Board members
were not present during the Archangel Michael services to honor our patron as well
as be prepared to receive Christ’s and the Archangel Michael’s love. We must love
one another, our hearts are not in the right place. No one on the council is worthy.
We should prepare, fast, confess, so that we change and become better. We must
change our heart and truly love each other. Instead of looking at people’s mistakes
and all the negatives they’ve done, we should look at the good they’ve done and be
positive. Let’s work together, accept Christ with joy and happiness and love one
another.
Father also indicated that he is only here in the capacity of a priest and all matters
that don’t involve the spiritual life of the parish are the responsibility of the council.
He will not involve himself in such matters.
I.
K.
New Business:
1.
The President reported that he has purchased a lockable file cabinet and
has begun moving records and securing them in this cabinet. He will
continue doing so until all the records have been relocated to the church,
organized and secured In order to make the transition following the first of
the year smooth and easy for those who assume office.
2.
The President also indicated that he and Father have had conversation's
regarding a need to create more storage space at the church. There was
discussion about purchasing a storage shed as well as constructing an
addition to the existing storage room. Father indicated that he and George
have had conversations and the fact that some records are stored at his
home are by necessity due to the fact that there is no secure storage area at
the church. George reported that there are boxes (one box per year) dating
back to 1981. These boxes contain old bills and old bank statements. All
other records are being relocated to the file cabinet that has been
purchased and if necessary and 2nd cabinet can also be located next to the
new one. Following discussion it was determined that: (1) Richard will
coordinate with the men's club to clean out the area behind the altar, the
choir robe room, the meeting room and the outside storage room in order to
dispose of any junk and organize those items that need to be retained. (2)
Richard will draft some drawings on expanding the existing storage room.
After Building Permits have been obtained the Council can review Richard's
drawings and work with the contractor through the change order process to
perhaps have this storage room expanded.
Correspondence:
a.
K.
Letter from Bunny Dart sharing her concern about the behavior of John
Stavros at the Festival and his dialogue with Steve Ponticos. (Letter
attached). John Stavros indicates for clarification that he did not touch
anyone.
Good of the Council:
Steve verbalized his gross concern about having council members making public
accusatory statement. Steve reviewed and discussed the process by which
festival money is accounted for, the fact that all monies are counted by at least two
people, sequentially numbered receipts are issued and signed by the “giver” and
the “receiver”. The process insures a complete accountability of all funds and he
was shocked that some folks either did not know the process or didn’t come ask
him of the process that did not involve him then came and publicly accuse him.
Steve suggested that such conduct is unbecoming of a Parish Council Member, is
grossly detrimental to the Parish and on a personal level certainly places him in a
very awkward situation in that he is a major businessman in the community and
such public accusations can be very detrimental to him personally and his
business. Steve gave the example that “what if a banker was sitting at the table
where this outburst and accusations were taking place? How could he (Steve) go
and meet with the bank President for a $5 million loan the next day for a project he
is developing? The banker would say – his own church thinks he’s a thief – why
should we trust him?”
Diane Minnelli asked to be recognized at which time she read a statement
prepared by her husband Dominic (see below):
Dominic’s statement:
1.
2.
3.
Sunday morning (3nd day of festival) John Stavros approached me and asked me to
speak with Steve about taking money home on Sat. nite. Amy and I did make a nite
deposit of the monies that were received up to approximately 5PM Sat. John was
referring to the money received after 5PM. He also said that he requested Amy to
talk with Steve.
He went on how Steve broke Father’s rule. He was very adamant about it.
I was taken back when he said how do I know Steve took the money home. I turned
to him and said how do you know Amy and I made the nite deposit of some $20,000
Sat nite. The answer was there were two of us.
His reply was that you trust him. My reply was of course I do. Do you think the
Ponticos need this money.
I called Diane over, she said I should tell George Mavros and at that moment Nancy
Ponticos and George came by and I informed them of my conversation with
Stavros.
Following discussion, John Stavros apologized for speaking loudly and indicated
he did not mean to call Steve a thief and does not believe Steve is a thief. He was
merely concerned about Steve’s safety and security.
L.
Next Meeting Date and Time:
The next meeting is scheduled for December 10th 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
M.
Closing Prayer and Adjournment:
Following a closing prayer by Fr. Ioannis, a motion was made to adjourn by Steve
Ponticos and 2nd by Doey Aucoin. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 pm
Respectfully Submitted
George Mavros, for
Athena Binikos-Brom
Secretary
Approved by the Board
Dr. George S. Mavros
President
Rev. Fr. Ioannis Vernikos
Parish Priest