November 21, 2002

Present:  Fr. Steve, T.Jack, D. Kennedy, L. Sellars, J. Finnegan, B. Montgomery, W. Nelson, M. Olson

Absent:  P. Kempe, K. Goldenstein, J. Gilberg, S. Clarke, J. Sekevich

Others Present:  M. Edwards

Listening Sunday:  Suggestions received from parishioners include a request to have The Flag placed in a more prominent place on or near the altar.  Stairs at the northwest corner of the church building to be better lit, and assurance the new ramp will be adequately lit.  Nuns have mentioned the windows in the Parish Center are drafty and need replacing (Fr.Steve mentioned this would be a $180K project).  A “mini-statement” of each parish department be made available for parishioners, summarizing their finances.

EAC Committee Report:  Discussion of possible partnership with Neighborhood House wherein child care activities can take place in the Child Care Center while other activities could be done on the current Neighborhood House site.  Will be formulating a discussion with Ramsey County to relax rules to implement partnering, establish a new program, & build enrollment.  Also,  M.Edwards will disseminate EAC reports to extended email list consisting of members of Parish Council, various other Committees.

Finance Committee Report:  Discussed Carver Moquist Audit and long-term viability of the Child Care Center.  Partnership with Neighborhood house can have a positive impact on the Child Care Center’s future.  Stewardship letters went out and follow-up calls will be made Monday and Tuesday after the Thanksgiving holiday.  New reporting format for Parish financials reportedly were a great improvement on previous formats. 

Liturgy Committee Report:  Christmas Mass will be set at 4:30 PM and Midnight on Christmas Eve and 8AM & 10:30AM, Christmas Day. NewYear’s Masses are 5PM NewYear’s Eve & 10:30AM NewYear’s Day.

Capital Campaign Report:  Ramp at the Main Entrance of the Church will be done by Thanksgiving.  Slab for elevator shaft is in after much water pumping.  Project is delayed but bid is firm & thus no more expenses.

MLK Breakfast:  Discussion of St.Matt’s role as location for MLK Breakfast on January 20, 2003, 7:30AM to 9:15AM.  Mexican food will be served.  Don’t miss it. 

Operations Manager (OpsMan)/ Development Director(DD):  Suggested that filling DD position should be done 1st, especially since it’s compensation is based on performance (commission).  S.Breimhorst offered suggestions for duties of DD from his (school’s) perspective.  It was decided by The Council there would be definition of the duties of the DD.  A job description of the OpsMan was also submitted.  Ideally the OpsMan’s salary would be paid from the new revenues generated by DD.

Charter Schools Memo:  Humphrey Institute Staff toured St.Matt’s recently to examine potential to setup charter high schools for blind and deaf students.  Three to 4 classrooms are needed & St. Matt’s has a very desirable location.  Additionally, a Montessori high school may also be interested in St.Matt’s, especially the 3^rd floor space.  The school will be tri-lingual (English, Chinese, and American Sign Language) & would like to be associated with the blind and deaf students.  All meetings are preliminary and both groups are encouraged to pursue a partnership with St. Matthew’s School and Church.

Meeting adjourned 8:45 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Marty Olson, Secretary, Parish Council