Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Raleigh
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Call to Order: President George Kapetanakis called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Father Paul
led us in prayer.
Members Present: John Fakiris, George Kapetanakis, Frank Nixon, Katerina Knezevic, Sophia
Myers, Joanna Biliouris, Harry Nicholos, Toula Capetanos, Meg Economy, George Pappas, Nik
Kamilaris, Risa Poniros, Frances Mathes, Connie Kledaras and Greg Delage.
Members Absent: None.
Approval of Minutes: Joanna Biliouris presented the minutes from the June 18, 2014 meeting. A
motion to accept the minutes of the June 18, 2014 Parish Council Meeting was made by Connie
Kledaras and seconded by Meg Economy. All approved, motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Harry Nicholos presented the June 2014 Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss
Statement. He noted that all non-budgeted expenses were reflected in account 5514. This
categorization will assist in identifying these expenses for 2015 budget planning. Harry also advised
that the Parish Council will be receiving a proposal to acquire a credit card to be used for festival
purchases. He is also working on obtaining remote deposit capabilities through Wells Fargo. A
motion to accept the June financial statements was made by Meg Economy and seconded by
Frances Mathes. All approved, motion carried.
Insurance Update: John Fakiris updated the PC on the status of updates to our insurance
coverage:
 The PC had approved increasing medical expense limit from $10,000 to $25,000. Michael
LaSorsa looked into this and advised that the state of NC did not allow more than $10,000
coverage for medical expenses so additional coverage cannot be obtained. Higher claims will
have to be filed against our liability insurance.
 The PC had approved increasing our liquor law liability coverage to $3.5M (it is currently
$500,000). Michael LaSorsa advised that the $500,000 coverage we currently have will cover
facilities liability associated with church activities involving the sale of alcohol. If alcohol is sold
through a caterer or in conjunction with rental of the church hall, the caterer and/or renter is
liable for any losses per our rental agreement. Higher coverage is not available through the
current insurance policy and it will be expensive to buy it through another company. The current
coverage of $500,000 remains as is.
 The additional $3M in coverage we may obtain would be for the festival only and is classified as
coverage for a single event (The Main Event insurance). Michael LaSorsa has requested we fill
out a form providing information on our festival so he may submit it to various carriers for a
quote for coverage. George Kapetanakis will work with Jason Kekas to get the form completed
and submitted to Michael so we can evaluate the cost of this coverage prior to the festival in
September.
Page 1 of 3
Exterior Painting and Interior Cleaning/Painting Update: George Kapetanakis updated the
committee that we continue to obtain quotes for 1) cleaning the sanctuary 2) cleaning/painting and
carpet cleaning in the sanctuary 3) exterior painting of the church. Once all bids are received, we
can evaluate the best course of action.
Restaurant Inspection: George presented the most recent inspection results from June 27, 2014.
Many of the findings could easily be avoided, particularly those involving cleaning of the kitchen,
utensils and cookware. The PC felt utilizing Dove’s Nest (our janitorial service) to provide cleaning
services for cooking events would address these issues and improve inspection results. A motion to
approve using Dove’s Nest for cleaning after festival cooking on July 28-29 was made by Nik
Kamilaris and seconded by Harry Nicholos. All approved, motion carried.
Risa Poniros will provide George Kapetanakis with contact information for someone who could
repair the condenser leak in the ice maker.
Nik Kamilaris will research other cleaning options for the kitchen.
A motion was made to approve contracting with a pest control company to treat the church (interior
and exterior) on a quarterly basis for a cost of $130 per quarter by Connie Kledaras and seconded by
Harry Nicholos. All approved, motion carried.
Chris Pappas will obtain quotes to repair the awning over the freezers.
Executive Session: The PC went in to executive session to discuss hiring and employee matters.
Old Business: Frances Mathes updated the PC on her recent meeting with Betsy Higgins to
discuss the Sunday School and Pre School.
 Betsy was disappointed that stewardship was no longer tied to Sunday School enrollment.
Frances explained that this change was at the direction of the Metropolis.
 We are understaffed for Sunday School teachers so Betsy is evaluating combining classes to
accommodate fewer teachers.
 Pre School enrollment is low and if it does not improve, we may need to consider phasing out
our Pre School program in the next three years.
 The PC will invite Betsy to an upcoming meeting to discuss these concerns and brainstorm ways
to improve Sunday School teacher recruitment and Pre School enrollment.
ServSafe Training: Nik updated the PC that there has been limited response to requests for
ministries to assign someone to become ServSafe certified. Joanna and Nik will work on another
communication that gives specific instructions to complete the online certification. All PC members
were encouraged to contact the ministries for which they are a liaison and promote participation.
Movie Update: Toula updated the PC that ticket sales are lower than expected for the movie
(Christmas with the Karountzoses) on September 6th. We have sold 144 tickets so far and must
reach our ticket sale goal of 400 tickets. All PC members were encouraged to promote ticket sales.
Page 2 of 3
Clergy Laity 42 Congress: Father Paul, George Kapetanakis and Connie Kledaras gave updates
about the conference. All information on the conference can be found on goarch.org. All PC
members were encouraged to review the information.
New Business:
 Greg Delage advised that there is a wedding on July 26th at 2pm that needed coverage. Father
Paul advised he could open and close the church for the wedding.
 Risa Poniros presented a request from Elia Nicholas that the $10,000 salary budgeted for the
choir director be allocated to the following:
o $3,000 for choir member registrations at Metropolis Conference
o $1,000 for choir director room and registration at Metropolis Conference
o $1,500 for choir director room and registration at Clergy/Laity Conference
o $500 for choir ads/sponsorships in conference programs supporting Holy Trinity
o $4,000 for substitute choir assistant director stipends for the year at the discretion of
director ($200/Sunday)
All were in favor of this request and Risa will advise Elia to include this information in his
budget submission for 2015.

Frances updated the PC that all edits from the General Assembly Meeting were made to the
Bylaws and they were being submitted to the Metropolis this week.

Father Paul asked for the PC to consider someone to be the representative for Habitat for
Humanity.

Father Paul advised that the Eritrean Church would like to use our facilities for worship services
on Saturdays. While there were no initial objections, additional information was requested to
fully consider the request. Father Paul will get more information from them on their needs so
the Parish Council can determine how to proceed.

Father Paul advised that Rhonda Milkovich had inquired on behalf of Russian Orthodox nuns
about selling items for which the proceeds would be sent back to Russia. The PC was not
opposed to exploring this.

Father Paul advised the Altar Boy outing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29th.

Toula advised that there are 28 people going on the next St. Anthony’s Group trip to see Fiddler
on the Roof on July 26th.
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 9:55pm by Frances Mathes.
Father Paul asked Risa to lead us in singing the hymn of our church.
Next Parish Council Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 7:00 pm.
Page 3 of 3