St. Mary’s (Manhattanville) Episcopal Church Property Committee Meeting Tuesday, February 8, 2011
MINUTES
Present: Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, Dorothy Ross, Janet Dorman, Stephen Thake, Liz Mellen, David George, Linda StrubleWe reviewed Minutes of January 4 meeting. Next meeting: Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Four items from Dorothy:
a) Parish Records Management Manual, downloadable from Diocesan website – Link shared.
b) Architect friend of Columbia med student Danny has undercroft storage ideas for all its programs. Link and attachment going to those interested – Janet, Stephen, Liz.
c) Report that chair stair is not working. Earl thinks it is. If broken, we should contact installers for names of service people. Earl is getting additional keys to chair mechanism for leaders of various undercroft programs.
d) Problem–poor copies from duplicator machine. Earl will call service person at cost of $125 for diagnosis. We’ll go from there. (New drum would cost ca. $1200; new bare bones duplicator $3,000-4,000. Ultimate multiple copying cost, much less than xeroxing). Office fax machine also on the blink. Janet will check Coalition Against Hunger website for what may be on offer in relation to both.
Larry Jones visit report
On January 27, Stephen Thake and architect Larry Jones met and talked together with Earl and Liz, walked through Rectory interior and looked at Rectory blueprints in archives. Larry’s offer to take blueprints (some of them the worse for wear) to a special shop to be duplicated and also digitized and put on DVD’s for computer retrieval–accepted. St. Mary’s to pay charges.
A Capital Program for St. Mary’s. Having taken in the three buildings & many property conversations, Stephen has drafted a proposed Capital Program for St. Mary’s to be comprised of four sections.
1. Mission/Vision. Spells out a narrative for St. Mary’s church for the 21st century, building from what we have been and are. This will draw from previous work Dorothy has done. It’s import: “Wow, What a place! What an important future!” The vision, our commitment and some first steps is what it takes in his view to overcome our own resistance and move forward.
2. Capital Assets. In this section Stephen develops a creative description of St. Mary’s that names each area of use, including outside, describing what happens there–what people do in that space. Each area, its own story. The outcome is a remarkable, compelling, enthusiasm-generating, integrated portrait of our life at St. Mary’s, our ministries, our outreach and community service.
3. Capital Program. Then, an outline of property work done & capital funds expended over last 25 years to keep the place sound. Demonstrates care taken and responsible handling of finances, loan servicing, etc.–a good base for what needs to be embarked upon now. Then a Description of conditions, including pictures–what needs doing in each area for maximum return and, in an Appendix, the costs of the program, based on the work of Larry Jones in 2009, with inflation and fees now counted in.
The conclusion: St. Mary’s is embarking on a 10-year, sequenced, $1.5 million program to ensure it has physical assets fit for the purpose of meeting its own needs and those of the wider community for the future. Needed funding comes from various streams: capital campaign, bridge loans, long-term loans, new rental income, grants, possible state tax credits, energy saving incentives. The task is worked on steadily through the years.
Property Committee members were enthusiastic and thanked Stephen. Next steps are thinking it through, sharing with the Vestry, and conversation with Diocesan property people for support and advice. (Michael Rebic and treasurer Allen Barnett.)
Assignments:
- Dorothy and Earl work with Stephen to edit document; expand Mission/Vision (case for giving) section using previous Dorothy work; fill in missing pieces, correct details. Keep it fairly compact so it retains punch.
- Find out if lowering rectory basement would be cost effective–Earl to call Larry
- Move forward with Energy Audit
- Appreciative Inquiry with congregation
- Ponder Stephen’s recommendation regarding a capital program manager
- Move to get a consultant for a capital campaign on board
Energy Audit We received formal Energy Audit proposal from Andrew Rudin of Philadelphia. It is for $2,640 instead of the $2,200 Michael Rebic supposed it would be. We need to put the matter to the vestry, which has approved the work at the lower rate. Recall: Diocese provides $1,500 grant.
Stained Glass windows. Liz talked with Landmarks Conservancy Grants and Technical Services Dept.
- Learned: small grants for sanctuary interior work are available from the Sacred Sites fund; and borrowing possibilities for larger sums, once an earlier loan to Conservancy is paid off. It is possible to get free estimates now of what window restoration would cost–from specialized stained-glass studios in the city.
- Agreed: This we should and will do–to help with projecting capital program costs.
Liz Mellen 02-15-11
St. Mary’s (Manhattanville) Episcopal Church Property Committee Meeting Thursday, December 2, 2010
MINUTES
Present: Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, Dorothy Ross, Liz Mellen
Opening prayer
Bell Cote/Front Facade. Bridge and scaffolding now up. Masonry Consultant Ron Iles came for a close-up look. Recommended additional cast-stone work to repair broken sloped corner coping stone on the east side. This work will be an Addendum to the contract we have with Solution NY Contracting (not eligible for 1/3 of funding (grant or loan) from the Diocese). Bid for the work is $800. The Property Committee voted to recommend to Vestry. Fr. Kooperkamp will poll Vestry by e-mail and phone for expenditure approval. There will also be some slate replacement– portico roof and south edge main roof.
Property Conditions a) tours . Noted: Dorothy’s display of pictures showing conditions and the tour for Vestry members went well. Tours of the 3 buildings for church member will be held Sunday, December 19 after 8 and 10 a.m. services. Liz will type up info that can be read by anyone leading the tour. b) pictures. Dorothy will take more pictures. We will mount pictures below the windows in the sanctuary, removing and re-framing the photos now there, hanging those elsewhere. Dorothy and Liz will work on this Monday, December 6 during Sanctuary clean/polish up evening.
Capital Campaign. Where are we? Earl reports that Fr. Gordon Duggins (Associate clergy at St. Mary’s) is expressing strong interest in serving as a Capital Campaign Consultant for St. Mary’s. He is a professional in the field. He lives in North Carolina but is frequently in NY. Remaining issues: a) Need for an appreciative-inquiry type session involving the whole congregation in question of Campaign. b) Financial recording and reporting improvements. Recommend: a meeting of finance & property people concerned, including Stephen Thake for capital budgeting and Janis Jasper-Gray, bookkeeper, to discuss problems, possible solutions, objectives and some time goals.
A review of capital projects at St. Mary’s over last 20 years, reveals responsible investment in our buildings of more than $700,000 and our steady repayment of loans taken out for this work. Major loans will be paid off in 2013 and 2014. Liz will complete her written report on this. Agreed: Given this history of responsible care-taking the church deserves a sense of confidence about itself.
Note: The mostly interior work we need now will not be eligible for the kinds of loans for external work we’ve had from NY Landmarks Conservancy, with the exception of some help available for sanctuary interior restoration. So another way to raise money for the improvements needed now has to be found.
Friends List. Last summer Liz entered names and address information available last sumer–pulled together by Kooperkamp, Mellen and Dorman–into a spread sheet format supplied by Dorothy. That has been forwarded to the office. Thanks to NY Intern Nick McBurney, temporarily between jobs, additional addresses were researched, added and the information transferred to a name & address mail label document, with Secretary Gwen has gaining some skills in the process. Earl will send current up-dated spread sheet list to Janet and Liz for review, possible additional addresses. He is in process of drafting a letter we hope will go out this month.
Cadets. We’d wanted to meet with leader Anthony Diaz about common understandings, mutual support. We aim for a written understanding between Cadets and church. We hope he’ll return a call from Earl and that we might meet with him next month.
Grounds and Garden. Date for the Citizen Pruners–126th Street trees– Saturday December 11. Liz will arrange for Parks Dept pick-up of bundled branches afterwards. We think it would be good to meet with those who frequent the church property–as a group– to talk about issues of comportment, respect for the church as sacred property, representing the church to others and their support and protection of the church as well. We found barbeque bins and a sack of dry concrete can be moved from front to back yard.
Greening St. Mary’s. a) Energy Audit. Earl and Liz reported on a meeting with Lauren Williams who offers churches assistance in getting low cost NYSERDA energy audits, in implementing Report recommendations, retrieving monetary incentives offered for getting new equipment and informing churches about available grants –for a fee of 35% of energy savings achieved by the church in the first year following implementation. Liz’s write-up of the conversation seemed clear, and will be forwarded to wardens, other Property Ctte members, to Michael Rebic at the Diocese and to Nikki Coddington.
b) Adult Program on Greening and Environmental Justice issues. After-church program with Nikki Coddington, former director, NY Interfaith Power & Light, November 19 a success. High interest. And a strong desire to continue the conversation–with a focus on food issues. There is a film Food, Inc. A newer member of the congregation’s partner is studying food issues at NYU and can be called upon. St. Mary’s Intern Christopher Robinson wants to be involved in this SEE excellent posting of 11-24-10 about the Coddington event at stmarysharlem Harlem Blog. More Greening info and bibliography at Greening St. Mary’s on tool bar. (Thanks, Dorothy)
Report from Dorothy Ross 1) Was able to talk to the artist who did our exterior banner. Learned that it is to be cleaned with ivory soap and a soft sponge. Touch up with Galleria acrylic paint. 2) We need to paint the bannister in the stairwell to the undercroft. Should go on project list.
Carpentry and other projects. For list, SEE Agenda. Earl’s addition to the list: Replace rotten upper window sill, Rectory.
Recording Property Work done. Discussion of desirability of on-line and physical records. No actual steps taken.
Archives. Liz reported from recent Piece of Pizza evening that Intern Nick McBurney is very interested in being on a Committee for St. Mary’s archives.
Maintenance schedule chart. Still needs review, and expansion to include less frequent items. Earl reminded us we need to add what we learned from Richard Scott Walker (May he rest in peace): 3 x yearly organ bellows motor needs to be oiled. Earl knows of a maintenance schedule chart form on the internet–Will send it to us.
Pruners for trees on 126th Street
Dear tree and garden people, To remind everyone: Citizen Pruners under direction of Sam Bishop will be on our 126th St. Saturday morning at 10:00. I plan to be there. Who else is coming? I hope David George–who wants to, will in fact be able to–and unlike me actually participate in the pruning. He’s had the training. Camilo will be busy teaching that morning. Called 311 and arranged for a Parks Dept pick-up of the branch bundles for Monday morning. It can mean that they don’t get there til Tuesday or Wednesday — but at least it’s arranged for. We’ll have to assess on Saturday whether the bundles should best go in the church yard until Sunday eveing — I have no idea what the volume will be. Earl can perhaps help us decide. Sam — I noticed that the branches of the trees next to the handball court are pushing against the high chain link fence. Perhaps your crew might could help with that. It’s fairly high up. Don’t know if you can get to it. I look forward to meeting you and the CPs. Perhaps a few from St. Mary’s besides myself will be there to greet you and/or pitch in as well. Sincerely, Liz Mellen
St. Mary’s (Manhattanville) Episcopal Church Property Committee Meeting Thursday, November 4, 2010
MINUTES Present: Stephen Thake, Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, Dorothy Ross, Janet Dorman, Liz MellenOpening prayerBell Cote and Sanctuary Front Facade. Contract has been signed with Michalski of NYSolutions, Inc. Work will begin when bridge sub-contractors get needed NYC permits. We have: NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission go-ahead ; Diocesan loan & grant. As part of the Capital Campaign discernment process, Dorothy and Liz will give Vestry a tour of property conditions–November 18. We brainstormed about showing conditions in the Rectory. Liz and Dorothy will confer further and plan an efficient, informative, interesting tour. Garden Committee Report A Beautiful review of Accomplishments with Suggestions for the future submitted by Chairperson, Stephen Thake. It covers work of this sub-committee since its beginnings in March. It is attached to these Minutes. Stephen stressed owning a strength–a willingness to go out and do things. The chancel is often consider the most sacred of spaces. But all of church property is sacred, and St. Mary’s property needs still more attention, care and respect – respect for ourselves and for the church. He would like to see community garden linked to Sunday School and tutoring program and to farms upstate. Janet: the farm supplier for the Food Pantry (Gblock) has already had 4 young people from St. Mary’s visiting. Stephen also suggests spring &fall Work Days, starting next spring. Involving Cadets. Sanctuary Cleaning Event: NOTE date: Early Monday evening, December 6
Carpentry and Other Small Projects: Current projects: a) wheel chair ramp railing b) construct insulated cellar door –boiler room rear-access area. These are FINISHED: c) replace panes–sanctuary rear window d) back yard clean out Phase 2 e) door frames–sanctuary and sacristy stabilization/insulation. Other projects To be undertaken: (How/Who not necessarily decided. For additional outside projects, see Thake report)Chair stair a) Needs repair b) Additional people need instruction on use Gate to back yard Back steps for the Rectory Tool shed Install new exterior announcement board; Recycle old board. When contractor is finishedRectory basement organization. Is proceeding. Cadets want to paint the 2 rooms. There is room to build a work bench for the sexton. Parish hall carpet. Replace some time. Meantime, Velcro for scatter rugs Earl will investigate Painting: touch up Parish Hall interior; Parish hall outside porch. Possible this fal) Replace practice piano in Parish Hall Janet will advertise for one. Prune tall trees in front yard and back (professional help needed) Prune street trees on front side walk (Use volunteers. See article) Darkness issue Replace tree in front of church (or not). How defend trees from careless bumpers?? Speakers and Audio Cabinet Earl and Greg Scholl have some plans Foot locker needed for storing various items in choir loftChancel–Mary Painting/Window Committee Earl will in due course activate the committee. Archives – We aim to have a mini consultation about the care of the church’s historical records, involving two willing consultants: Jeannie Terepka, professional archivist at St. Michael’s and Eric Washington, our local historian. Eric: St. Mary’s is a small church with a big history and must protect and care for its records. Q. What to keep; how care for and organize valuable materials; fire protection. Storage issues. Dorothy report: She and Lysander are assessing needs and spaces in Undercroft and Parish Hall. Suggestions: a) Clean out closet on south wall of choir room used for office storage; Clean it; Sort and weed materials for possible gain of shelf space. b) Re-configure framed space on same south wall containing painted-over window. To provide new shelf and cupboard space. Janet reported 5 or 6 Coalition Against Hunger volunteers will come on MLK, Jr. Day in January. She will use them to clean out/reorganize the big Food Pantry closet at south end of Undercroft. Would it be good to put white wash or other sealer on the closet walls at that time?? Regular Maintenance chart. We aim to review and improve what we drew up in 2009. Add check-ups needed less frequently. (Cf. Keucher, p. 97. e.g. roofing slates. ) Greening St. Mary’s – We are learning & thinking.
a.) Consciousness-raising efforts. 1) Nikki Coddington, former Director, NY Interfaith Power & Light network speaking here after Service November 21. 2) Possible Earl sermon for national IPL February Preach-In on Global Warming. b.) What we’re doing: Done: Earl has replaced missing panes in the large window on south (street) end of sanctuary. He & Robert have insulated and stabilized sanctuary and sacristy door frames–eliminating air leaks. To Do: Take out air conditioner in Parish Hall main meeting room for winter. Build insulated cellar door for steps leading to areaway beneath hallway that connects the bldgs. Make and post signs around the buildings about Closing Doors. Work with various groups to help keep the Undercroft exterior door closed during the cold months. Show and tell people with signs and by word of mouth: The door is Not locked–It only needs a strong press on the latch No need to keep it open c.) Learning more: 1) Energy Audit. Dorothy Ross is donating $100 to engage EnergySurvey to assess our use and waste of energy and what can be done. They work with NYSERDA. Earl will call them. 2) Goal: List what needs to be done. Distinguish between low cost items we can take care of and those requiring larger capital investment Property/Finance 1) Earl’s use of Discretionary Fund account to pay immediate property related expenses now clarified. 2) 2011 budget. Again there will be a line in the Operating Budget for regular property maintenance and repair. 3) Liz is writing a Report for the Vestry on expenditures for capital improvements over the last 20 years and how we have handled it, with a related report of current debt servicing–our loan paybacks. 4) Stephen Thake is willing to share his knowledge and experience of capital budgeting and reporting with Treasurer Allen Mellen.Friends List Liz will re-send to Earl and Janet the spread sheet version of names & addrs. so they can add report new info and we can get appeal letter written and sent. Ramp and Stair chair celebration Earl will work with Marcia Bernstein, Director of Disabled in Action chorus to find a date-Spring 2011. Her nos. (H)718-796-6668 Cell 917-520-9226
Topics covered in Conversation with Earl – Property Matters Thursday a.m. Sept. 30
St. Mary’s –Liz’ notes
Meeting dates: (Take Note) Property Committee–Thursdays, October 14, November 11, December 2 5:00 p.m. Capital Campaign initial task force – Tuesday evening 5:00 p.m. October 19 Monday Oct 4, 12 noon – Earl and Liz meet to help prepare for that Chancel Painting/Window Task force. Earl wants to move on this. (Marilyn Seven, Lisa Rivers-Mazza, Harriet Wyatt. Assume Property chair people should be part, if available. Earl – another person who might enjoy being part of this–as well as an asset–is Stephen Thake (architect). ) [Thought: Would it make sense to get Jay Potter’s wife to this first meeting so it will seem real? i.e. Since the Vestry has made the decision to move forward by getting concrete suggestions/plans for moving forward, rough costing out and determining who might do the work (RE the painting; RE the window), shouldn’t this meeting represent real movement? ] October Yard Clean-up Day Earl proposes a day when all the regular people around the church would pitch in to build from Clean-up Work already done, esp. in back. Dorothy – We can pick a Saturday in order to extend a broader invitation to interested volunteers. Your suggestion? Re: Bundles of sticks in the back. Liz will call 311 – arrange a date for a Parks Dept organic debris pick-up and inform Earl and staff so they get the bundles out on the correct day. Enclosure for the back cellar way entrance to the boiler room. Earl’s suggests for preventing heat loss in hall way between buildings. Members of the Garden Group have suggested using the good bit of room down there for the garden tools. Earl will bring a preliminary design to the Property Ctte mtg October 14. High priority carpentry work a) Railing for wheel chair ramps; b) stabilization of frames of sanctuary front door and sacristy door. Earl assumes responsibility, working with Robert. Is happy to be reminded/pushed! Bell cote work – Contract Since we talked, Liz has informed Chris Michalski of Solutions Contracting (per Vestry resolution) that he has the job and has informed and masonry consultant Iles. Earl will talk to Chris about the starting and contract-signing date and inform Amy & Ron Iles what that date is, as they want to come and talk things over with Chris before he starts. Diocesan Property Support Loans Earl will contact Carol O’Neale at Comptroller’s office (212- 316-7457) who will process the necessary paper work on our behalf for the 2 loans we’re going for. Friends List Liz suggests we wrap this up. Earl will attempt to fill in any addresses/locations he can in the next 2 weeks. Liz has asked Janet Dorman to do the same. Next task: Draft a winsome letter. New Handicapped Access–Ramp and Stair Chair. Service of Celebration/ Dedication/ Commemoration – partly to acknowledge Mimi Lamb’s gift of $500 to the cause –with members of the NY Disabled in Action chorus participating. Director (Marcia Bernstein 718-796-6668) is suggesting a spring date. We like idea of a long lead-up time. Some time soon, Earl should contact her and begin the conversation. Noted: Ash Wed is March 9; Easter is April 24. Building a small bathroom in area beyond sacristy now. A topic for the next Property Meeting
Report on Vestry Retreat discussion Saturday afternoon, July 17, 2010.
Present: The Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, Wardens Lysander Puccio and Dorothy Ross, Vestry members and others concerned and Anne Ditzler, Staff, Episcopal Church Foundation member of St. Mary’s.
Background Note on Capital Campaign Discernment Process at St. Mary’s
We are not starting from scratch on this process, as some or many of you well know. We began work about two years ago, and succeeded in getting a pretty clear understanding: a) of what needs to be done to keep our property–its three buildings–in good and solid shape for the years ahead, and b) of what that is likely to cost — actual figures (professional estimate). (List of Priorities and Costs for the 3 buildings available) We also have become aware that we can situate ourselves along a trajectory of responsible work done on our church infrastructure (all buildings) begun in 1989/90. (List of major projects & dates available) That is to say, that if we commit now to addressing additional significant work that should be done, we will be part of an on-going narrative of physical repair, renewal, renovation and restoration already begun here at 521 West 126th St. It is also important to note that–thanks to Dorothy–significant thought has gone into what would go into the Case for Giving (that is, the argument one makes as one seeks to persuade others that it is a good, significant, important thing to contribute in a major way, to the on-going life–to the future–of this place (this community) St. Mary’s. (Copies of her work available) Case for Giving–a key piece in a Capital Campaign. If we go for a capital campaign, I expect Case for Giving work would continue under Vestry guidance, perhaps through a designated Capital Campaign Committee, with help of professional consultant. Stephen Thake a new member with relevant background, who’d like to be part of our discernment process but could not after all be here today, mentions a critical building block for a capital campaign at St. Mary’s: trustworthy current management of finances and assets. You cannot venture to ask people to ‘invest’ in your cause if there is not firm confidence in present stewardship of resources. That is strong encouragement to us continue the shaping- up activity already begun. Stephen has read the Keucher book and thinks it very fine. (copies of e-mailed remarks he’s made are available.) In closing, we note that the more active players in the discernment process to date have been Property Committee members. The Vestry has weighed in and given its encouragement and blessing consistently, however. In particular, it authorized engagement of consulting architect Larry Jones. It has received reports on our process. The congregation has been informed and been engaged in a beginning way at two Annual Meetings. Now the discernment process moves into a new phase–a movement beyond the Property Committee to the Vestry — who will now engage hearts and minds around the issues and think about ways to engage the congregation in these questions and decisions relating to a sound future for St. Mary’s. It’s good moment. You are a great vestry. Liz Mellen, ChairProperty Committee
St. Mary’s Property Committee June 23, 2010
Catch-Up Report for Vestry members and members of the Property Committee A busy spring. The two great things behind us ; One big thing coming up: a) Completion of sanctuary roofing work. For those interested, find attached Final report and sign-off by Diocesan-provided roofing consultant Russ Watsky on work of Solutions Contracting (Chris Michalski). At Dorothy Ross’ suggestion, Vestry approved sending letter of thanks to Mr. Michalski who went beyond contract to help us in several ways.b) Successful outdoor volunteer work day June 19. (hope to get a story out on this later) c) Current assessment of bell cote condition from Diocesan masonry consultant Ron Iles (Building Integrity, Inc.). Strong recommendation not to let crumbling cast stone go through another winter. Michael Rebic of the Diocese has approved St. Mary’s applying for another loan and grant to get this work done and assigned Iles to us as consultant–to develop a bid document for contractors, and work with the contractor chosen. Deadline for application which has to include 4 contractors’ bids (each one of whom will have to come and look it over) is July 15, 2010. Earl and Liz on the job. Tight deadline. Stress.. .
Other Matters a) Beautiful additional progress made on Parish Hall painting. Gary Sharp’s work (with Kym Roberts) is superb; we have solid agreement on what’s left to be done. We need to ascertain from Gary Sharp his time frame for completing the work and ask his help in this. b) Liz and Robert Jones’ organ loft clean out. Major part accomplished.
c) Recycling bins now up and running in the parish hall. We need educational effort, reminders to each other about their use and reports from Robert Jones about how well it is working! d) Successful garden effort on hold for the summer, except for tending present beds and plants. A great new presence at St. Mary’s, this active garden group, who have transformed the area to the east of the Parish Hall, sparked the great back yard clean out and worked successfully to get us an old fashioned working rain barrel. That’s Stephen Thake, chair, Camilo Lopez, David George, Earl Kooperkamp & Liz e) Maintenance storage improvements: Sexton’s metal cabinet now in Rectory basement; some serious clean out of under stair area by parish hall bathroom done. New personal storage policies are being implemented and attention being paid to rectory basement use. Things evolve slowly but steadily. f) Additional concerns: undercroft bathroom ceiling tiles; organized record of property work; front garden gate to back yard; and more.
The Long Term. a) Discussion needed Re: a suitable time and audience for presentation by Nikki Coddington of NY Interfaith Power and Light about greening St. Mary’s. Another possible resource person: Joel Kovel. b) Our need for community building infrastructure: 1) Church directory; 2) Mailed communications to the congregation; 3) Church newsletter. These seem essential building blocks for a more coherent church life, not to mention for a capital campaign. They signal that we are a corporate body, help develop in us a deeper commonality. We ‘re working on 4) completion of the Friends of St. Mary’s list –for an annual appeal and use in capital campaign. c) Finding common direction re preserving our property assets at St. Mary’s for the future life of the church. It will need developing common pool of information and concepts and best practical advice on the way to a decision about a capital campaign. Property Committee needs to sit down for extensive conversation with other leaders and to draw together on Keucher for invaluable concepts and practical advice. A resource person among us: Stephen Thake. Liz Mellen notes, 06-23-10
St. Mary’s (Manhattanville) Episcopal Church Property Committee Meeting Friday, May 14, 2010
MINUTES
Present: Stephen Thake, Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, Dorothy Ross, co-chair, Liz Mellen chair.
Opening prayer. Dorothy Ross led us in prayer.
$6,000 for 4 Projects Campaign. Earl submitted final accounting of Contributions and Expenditures relating to the 4 projects. $2,900 received from church members; $1,160 donated by supportive friends of the church, and $2,500 from a foundation Earl had a connection with. Total: $6,500 taken in. Of that: $2,057 was expended to cover final costs of the Chair lift, 850 for lumber for wheelchair ramp under construction by G. Sharp and E. Kooperkamp 2,500 for sanctuary gutter work by Salvatore Contracting. Total expended: $5,407 At its last meeting, the Vestry approved setting aside ca. $500 of the $1,153 left over to cover the 4th project (storage cabinet for audio system–amplifier, power source, preamplifier, microphones) and using the rest for other immediate projects that enhance our church life. Proposed by the Property Committee so far: lumber for repair of Garden furniture and sidewalk level window screens, and possibly for building a shed to hold garden tools. Liz will draft a Report to the Congregation on the Campaign and Vestry action.
Three initiatives noted 1) Dorothy, Earl and staff are at work eliminating drafts to help keep heating bill down [to include repair of sanctuary main door with insulation or weatherstripping ]. 2) Dorothy wants to contribute cost of purchasing a new enclosed sign for the front of the church, larger than the old one, mounted a bit lower for better visibility. We will ask Gwen for the research to get us a good deal on this. Banner hung at the church gate will come down for a cleaning as part of this. 3) Gary Sharp is willing to include painting of outside porch entry to the Rectory/Parish Hall and of the ante room to the parish hall bathrooms in current face lift of the Parish Hall so long as volunteer assistants get modest stipends, lunch money. Liz willing to donate exterior paint for porch. NOTE: Item 2) needs blessing of Vestry.
Garden Committee report – Stephen Thake. The group met with Louise Parks from the Floyd BennettGarden Association (friend of David George). Learned much from her. Clean up of back area continues, with hot dog stand being re-cycled to a new owner; and Camilo Lopez working to remove giant tree trunk, some of which will be good mulch. Propose June 12 or June 19th for carpentry work on the grounds.
Saturday, June 19th is proposed as outdoor Carpentry Day. We would like to invite members of the congregation, cadets and interested interns to come out and join the Garden Ctte workers. NOTE: needs Vestry blessing
Chancel Painting/Window. To move this project forward (for which we have a $10,000 grant), now that the congregation has now been sounded out, Earl will assume responsibility for contacting Brooke Andersen about getting specialists here to explore costs and feasibility. He will invite some other members of the congregation into this exploration. – 1 –
Capital Campaign Discernment. To continue this process, the Committee reviewed Dorothy’s enormously helpful Property Summary draft document, which combines:
Listing of special and salient features of St. Mary’s;! A review of the serious investment in capital improvements already made at St. Mary’s;
Suggestions for the work needed or desired now–with telling photos;
Review of why St. Mary’s is worthy of major investment and funding;
Additional Questions for Reflection on our calling and future.
Its purpose: to present a broad context (prequel) for anyone coming to architect Larry Jones’ costed-out list of specific work to be done on various parts of the church property. On May 27, the committee will present it to the Vestry for its deliberation and decision-making process RE: formal steps towards undertaking a Capital Campaign.
We made suggestions for document refinement: Attach some additional items and figures–in today’s terms–to the review of capital investments already made; e.g. undercroft kitchen and bathrooms. (Earl can help with figures) Begin to bring a Green Church framework to Work Needed or Desired (3rd bullet) ; Perhaps add more from Ackley Center period–its social outreach programs- 4th bullet; (Liz)
Liz will share with Committee members insights and information from the Green Theology conference she and Gwen Walker attended in October. Stephen believes we can think beyond members and friends in this campaign. Because of St. Mary’s focus on community well-being and social care and its previous responsible care and investment in physical infrastructure, it may be that foundations/ other funding agencies may be interested in supporting our capital campaign. Earl suggests we explore possibilities with Harlem Community Development Corporation. Another suggestion: work with City College School of Engineering. Elizabeth Mellen. Notes written up 05-16-10
Staff meeting 04-06-10
Celebrated:: Beauty of sanctuary on Easter. Chandelier bulbs replaced in the nave. Sanctuary steps audio wire now camouflaged . – Another white wire &box needs removing
Dysfunctional electronic organ disposed of. Boiler room cleared and undercroft cabinets re-organized by Kym & Lysander. Cabinet space made for dental equipment; – Objective: additional organization and labels for each cabinet
Finding of Undercroft bulletin board Objective: Put up and use (Lysander)]
Two Garden beds in and much clean up done in Parish Hall side yard..
Painting is happening! – Prop Ctte approved putting up wood trim where needed and painting of wooden benches and beat up metal cabinets incl. choir robes.
Richard Scott Walker organ-builder & tuner has been contacted. – Came 04-21-10; met with various; much learned; clean up can proceed.
Undercroft closet and personal belongings–Plan being implemented. – Dorothy will propose longer term personal storage policy to the Vestry
Earl has an idea about nave spotlights. – He laid out thoughts about current bulb replacement options Robert’s idea of a posting space for official bldg notices/certificates. – An area has been set aside. Notices/certificates need to go up. 2.
Discussed:: General Appearance Philosophy Sacristy area; mail clerk/reception area; in Parish Hall rooms, need for general tidiness, keeping them clear; not using as storage space; vacuum cleaner storage issue. Glad paper cutter is gone.
Bathroom: supply issues; soap dispenser now up. – Add’l Property Committee concerns: Storage of supplies; Under-stair clean out; swept sidewalks.
E-Waste collection Sunday April 18, Morningside Park 10:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Noted: St. Mary’s e-waste was taken there successfully. Recycling containers – progress report. – Stickers/decals coming; Cynthia Doty Sanitation Coalition offer to do a recycling workshop at St. Marys – Liz Kym & Robert offer: Chair Lift training sessions – – Need to follow up on? Who. . .When . . How. Vestry? Review of Procedures/routines for ordering office and maintenance supplies Church has account at Glick Hardware; Robert takes signed check to Twinkle, Home Depot, and for office supplies, Quill or Staples. – Issue: Noticing in time that stuff is running out & having Printer cartridges in reserve.
St. Mary’s (Manhattanville) Episcopal Church Property Committee Friday, April 22, 2010
MINUTES Present: Janet Dorman, Stephen Thake, Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, Dorothy Ross, co-chair, Liz Mellen chair. Excused: Lisa Rivers-Mazza Opening prayer. Solutions Contracting roofing work. Liz and Earl reported things are going well. Snow guards, ordered, have not arrived. Parks permit for chainlink fence work should come soon. Staff meeting 04-06-10. Liz reported things noted and discussed there. Property Committee members were interested and engaged in the topics; took the discussion further in relation to some items. SEE appended sheet BELOW. For topics, comments, actions Garden group report. Chair Stephen Thake submitted a report TO BE SENT LATER. We applauded the progress made and considered various requests. Property Committee approved: a) Removal of huge 5′ bluestone slab to area west of Parish Hall; b) Use of other smaller bluestone pieces for landscaping; c) Getting a free truckload of good topsoil; d) Use of Shakeaway (fox-urine based) deterrent against squirrels; e) Acquisition or construction of a porch (perhaps a temporary holding place) or shed to hold garden tools; (money of course an issue) f) Camilo Lopez’s wonderful offer to chop out gigantic trunk at western edge of back yard; g) Any cleaning out (incl. vendor cart) and constructive greening of yard to west of Parish Hall is welcome. Earl said Kooperkamp mulching boxes need to stay on western edge of yard to get heat of p.m. sunlight. Garden group welcome to use mulch. Agreed: A community mulching project not feasible now. Garden Group has a vision of a broader role to be played in relation to church and community. We deferred that discussion but it will be taken up in earnest at a later Property meeting. Thanks were expressed to Garden group for willingness to help with front fence and furniture repair. Energy-saving Steps. The committee approves Dorothy’s recommendation to repair broken panes in sanctuary, insulate front door frame as part of its repair, stop other air leaks this summer. We also spoke about formation of a more general church-wide Energy or Green Committee. Costs and Funds concerns. a) Earl distributed a report on the $6,000 for 4 Projects campaign. He will revise based on additional info and re-submit. b) We noted Parish Hall painting is costing a bit more than was anticipated and approved by Vestry. (Additional paint, cost of workers’ lunches, perhaps window blinds). We are getting a good deal on this and no one is dismayed. Liz will inform the Vestry. Longer Term concerns. a) Chancel painting/window; b) Capital campaign discernment;. c) Appropriate property records, and general care/preservation of St. Mary’s records. Discussion of these deferred until the next meeting–where a) and b) they will be the main matter. Getting Smarter. Gerald Keucher, Remember the Future: Financial Leadership and Asset Management for Congregations. Liz donating 2 copies– to enhance our wisdom. Dorothy and Stephen took copies. Elizabeth H. Mellen written up May 7, 2010
Report to Annual Meeting 2010
St. Mary’s Church Property Progress
General
The Property Committee is the Vestry committee responsible for focusing on property matters. It investigates, consults and makes recommendations to the Vestry for its discussion and action. Current members: Elizabeth Mellen (Chair), Dorothy Ross (Co- Chair), Janet Dorman, Lisa Rivers-Mazza and the Rev. Earl Kooperkamp. We are grateful to Mario Clemenzio and Gary Sharp for their participation in 2009. We met frequently, and took on much that needed doing. Our thanks to the Vestry for their supportive engagement and deepest gratitude for the involvement and support of staff and volunteers_ Please share with us your property questions and concerns.
Infrastructure: Sexton job description drawn up after a good and thoughtful process, using helpful material off the internet and discussion with major parties involved. We learned along the way how blessed we are to have the long-term, caring and responsible service of Robert Jones in this post.
Sexton log book initiated. Rector and others can alert Sexton to matters needing attention
Property Maintenance Chart drawn up. Shows a) the schedule of required city inspections; b) frequency and timing of routine property maintenance tasks.
Routine Repair and Maintenance. A line for this is now in the annual church budget.
II. Looking to the future:
Assessment of conditions and needs of our old buildings and what it will cost to address them. We reviewed previous major property work done (chiefly exterior) and integrated into one composite list our current concerns (chiefly regarding the three building interiors). We contracted with Architect Larry Jones (who has worked with St. Mary’s previously) for a professionally drawn up and costed-out list of the restoration and renovation work in the Sanctuary, the Rectory and the Parish Hall.
Other helpful documents now at hand:
Eric Washington’s architectural history of the three buildings written for Landmarks designation application in the ‘90′s and a New York Landmarks Conservancy Chart showing all conservancy grants and loans to St. Mary’s (when and for what) from.
Next Steps . . . .?
Now all of us need to address the question: Should this church undertake a capital campaign to address the needs?
A Process of Discernment involves a) acquainting everyone with the property problems and needs, and b) inquiring just how important to us, and to the life of the church, it will be to address them. All of us will be involved in looking into the question – hearing and learning more – in the year 2010.
III. Major Property Projects Addressed this past year.
A. Drainage System cleaned out. The drainage system to the street sewer carries exterior rain roof runoff and interior water from kitchens and bathrooms. Clean out involved both professional RotoRooter Co. and additional work of volunteers.
Still needed: Chart showing the system.
B. Sanctuary Roof conditions. Worked closely with the Diocesan Property Support Committee to address problems:
a.) leaking gutters resulting in water infiltration into interior brick walls;
b.) high-up dormer windows in need of painting;
c.) gable roof over choir loft: woodwork & windows in need of repair and painting;
d.) leaking roofs over undercroft closets (on east side between exterior buttresses)–need to rebuild;
e.) ‘hinge roof’ over area between sanctuary and parish hall–in need of redesign/replacement;
f.) decorative masonry on bell cote chipping off;
g.) need to protect against bird- and squirrel-damage;
h.) need to re-fasten loosened copper covering over roof ridge;
i.) needed slate repair;
j.) snow guards needed. (Along with Access question below)
The Diocese sent roofing and masonry specialists. Specialist Rus Watsky drew up a “Scope of Work Bid Package” sent to 4 contractors known for their work on churches. All of them came to inspect, we talked with all four, and each submitted a bid. St. Mary’s pulled together its application and finally at the end of 2009 we learned we’d been granted $14,300 outright, another $14,300 in a low cost loan. The church will add its own $14,300 to meet the low bidder’s cost of $43,000. Chris Michalski of Solutions Contracting will begin work immediately.
C. Parks Dept &Contractor Access – We engaged the NYC Parks and Recreation Dept on the question of cutting into the handball court chainlink fence next to the church for contractor access and for fence revision by the contractor, to ensure on-going access into the future and allow us to keep the space between fence and church foundation clear of vegetation (weed trees). Various Parks Dept people came up and looked at the situation. We are being granted a permit for the fence alteration. Cost covered within roofing project above.
D. Installation of Chair Lift in stairs to Undercroft. Total cost $15,350. The church received an original $10,000 grant for this from the City. There was a further gift of $2,000 through the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. We raised the balance ($3,350) of what was needed through our successful end-of year “$6,000 for Four Projects” fund raising drive. [Report on that below.]
IV. Hands on Volunteer work.
Clean Up/Repair/Project Days at St. Mary’s. Results:
a) de-cluttered Parish Hall meeting rooms; (Gwen Walker and many others)
b) Choir Loft cleaned out; carpeting installed over worn floors; (Mario Clemenzio, Gary Sharp)
c) Backyard clean out;
d) Front yard – garden care, plus repair of outdoor furniture begun;
e) New flower garden in north west area of backyard by Parks Dept swimming pool (David George,
Camilo Flores, Earl Kooperkamp);
f) Secretary’s Office painted (Mario Clemenzio, Gary Sharp);
g) Re-surfacing of interior walk-way between church gate and parish hall door. (Gary Sharp,
Kym Roberts, Robert Jones)
V. “$6,000 for 4 Projects” end of year fund-raising campaign. At last count we raised $6,460 towards 1) gutter repair, 2) chair lift, 3) wheelchair ramp and 4) choir loft audio cupboard. Some of the items have turned out to cost less and some more than anticipated. It is balancing out. Chair lift is installed; Gutter is repaired; Ramp and audio cabinet are in progress. Congratulations and thanks to all.
April 14, 2010
A good phone conversation with Eric Michalski confirms what I thought: He is working with Parks Dept staff Denise Shanks, supplying what they want for us to get our permit! Not only insurance proof with NYC as an added insured (a standard requirement), but also a version of Watsky’s description of the work to be done on the fence, with drawings etc. to meet their requirements. Very reassuring.
My in-person conversation with Chris Michalski, earlier in the day, yielded this:
a) Water in the vent system for the kitchen range is because there is no cap on the huge vent bowl, up there at the northwest corner of the sanctuary. Vents generally vent sideways. Compare the other, old one that is also attached to the north wall of sanctuary. Chris will construct a cap for that bowl that will allow the heat to vent and keep the rain out.
b) Chris will be able to divert water from the hinge roof downspout to therain barrel in the location that Stephen thinks desirable (and I concur). That location at south end of gardening area is more easily shown than described.
Chris thought he was supposed to convert current plastic barrel to a rain barrel and was perfectly willing. I told him Earl and Robert are warming to the project — He’ll go with that – whatever way is useful.
c) The crew has started on east roof slate replacement now. Chris has more negative reactions to the work of previous roofing contractor. Has been correcting a good deal of it. He was showing me what they did. Earl — please ask for the demo, when Chris is present next week. You will understand it better than I.
He says he is likely to use almost all of the slate delivered from Delaware.
d) The scaffolding on the sidewalk for bell cote close-up inspection will go up on a Saturday — a quick up and down. Absence of bridge less likely to be noticed when city depts are closed. I will advise the Iles’ — with our hope that Ron can be available.
Chris says the bell cote brick structure is quite stable, but that it has to be taken down partially in order to get at and repair the masonry arch over the bell and stop the water infiltration. I asked him to venture a rough estimate. He said $20,000 — including casting of new masonry – coping stones et al.
This would be an opportunity to correct the brick mortaring done previously — Michael Rebic’s concern –which was not in keeping with historic restoration standards. Chris is extraordinarily impressed with the quality of the brick mortaring used 100 years ago. He used up a diamond tipped saw blade on a couple of small places they had to saw through to do the undercroft roof job.
This is a big topic to discuss at Property meeting and then Vestry and to be in touch with Michael about: Can we apply again to the Property Support Committee? We could meet the June 1 deadline — with three estimates, etc. — using Iles’ scope of work, brought up to date from June 2009 with a current up-close look.
e) Chris believes he sent his proposal for fixing undercroft closet ceilings to prevent further disintegration. I have re-checked, still can’t find it. I will call Eric and ask him to send it. This is another money item, I fear.
Liz
Our next meeting: Friday, April 23, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.
Property Committee March 19, 2010
Present: Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, Dorothy Ross, co-chair, Stephen Thake, Liz Mellen, chair
Excused: Lisa Rivers-Mazza, Janet Dorman
Earl prayed us in. We welcomed new committee (and church) member Stephen Thake. He introduced himself, sharing some of his wholistic concern about urban neighborhoods, both personally and as an academic, (architecture/community development), his being drawn to St. Mary’s and finding his own way to contribute in his new NYC context esp. through his interest in food, gardening and community. He is a happy transplant from London, having just married Ruth Price, an American and living near by.
We also expressed happiness that Dorothy was elected to serve as one of our Church Wardens.
We reviewed the Scope of Work detailing the current roofing work being done by Solutions Contracting. Vegetation clean out by the handball court fence will be a chore. We look forward to getting that area covered over, preventing further water infiltration and growth. We are working on getting the Parks Dept permit for cutting the fence.
Earl will remind Chris Michalski to check the exterior kitchen range hood. We have found him a pleasure to work with.
We noted that a sizeable chunk of masonry (an old repair patch) fell from the bell cote, the very day the roofing contractors started work. It seems to have fallen away from the street side onto the roof and down, fortunately. Contractor’s men went up and put netting around the deteriorated area.
Keeping the Diocese informed, we will ask masonry consultant Ron Iles to give his charge for coming for a close-up inspection of the bell cote, using roofer’s scaffolding, and for adding to his previous June 2009 Bell Cote Description of Needed Masonry Work anything he thinks needed after that inspection.
Regarding Parish Hall painting project, we agreed a light green paint we have should be used throughout (the two rooms and hallway) with white trim and some artistic highlighting of molding with darker green. Stephen will advise on this last. The scalloped wooden valences will come down and we will look for horizontal blinds to replace the current vertical blinds so that full breadth of light can come in through the wide windows. Liz will inform Gary Sharp that with color issue resolved, he may start work – consulting with Earl along the way as to when thet work will be least obstructive of other church activity.
Liz reported briefly on the first meeting held with staff people Robert Jones, Gwen Walker and Kym Roberts (mail clerk), and Vestry member Gary Sharp shared her written report of items discussed. This first meeting allowed various frustrations to be aired with some concerns referred to Wardens and Finance Ctte and was useful in that way. It also began a process of addressing daily and perennial property cares in a collective, organized way. Everyone seemed pleased. Meetings will be held weekly for a while and then bi-weekly.
Stephen presented in two drawings a proposal for use of the gardening space to the east and north of the Parish Hall showing location of beds and alternation of paths and beds, including a plan for burying the large amount of rubble, and for replacing and relocating the current fence and gate. The committee was most affirmative. He and Liz announced the inaugural meeting of the Garden Group, Property Committee sub-committee, will be Tuesday a.m. March 23.
Chancel painting (copy of Murillo’s La Inmaculada del Escorial) and the rose window beneath. Church members’ reaction at the Annual Meeting to a proposal (with grant money available) to move the painting to another location in the church and to expose and back light the window was open and positive. We discussed various issues. 1) condition of the window beneath. It needs structural reinforcing, which could be done as a cross symbol. 2) The back-lighting system could allow for adjustment bright and less bright. 3) Another possibility – new stained glass. Nothing specific proposed at this point.
Capital Campaign Discernment Process.
Dorothy Ross presented St. Mary’s Property Summary, a document she has created which 1) draws upon a meeting of a few old time members whom she called together on February 15 to reflect on the heritage we so deeply value at St. Mary’s, i.e. upon the “Why” of a capital campaign, 2) reviews major property work accomplished at the church in the last 15 years, and 3) pulls together a compelling overview of present conditions and needs, drawn from our own assessment efforts and the professional and costed-out Needs Report of architect Larry Jones which the Vestry called for in 2009. We will review this document carefully at our next meeting.
Small room where air-pump mechanism for organ pipes is housed. Parts of the dried out deteriorating ceiling there have fallen and need cleaning up. Robert Scott Walker, our organ builder and tuner, noticed it at Christmas time and wants to be present when it is cleaned up. Liz, Janet Dorman, Gary Sharp and Robert will help make this happen.
[NOTE: The Organ loft proper, containing the pipes, is located in the sanctuary above the sacristy, and separated by a brick wall and metal door from this room which is above the hallway that links rectory to parish hall. Ceiling replacement in this room should happen during planned Rectory renovation.]
Final report on $6,000 for 4 Projects fund-raising effort. Fr. Kooperkamp is pulling together a few more pieces of information and will soon be able to give us the final count of funds raised.
Liz Mellen
Property Committee Minutes
March 30, 2010
Things to Know About Rain Barrels
Rain barrels are perfect for conserving water and money. A rain barrel can save up to 1,300 gallons of free water during summer months. Dark colors, like dark greens, browns, greys, and blues, are best for large rain barrels, as the color helps to block out UV rays which foster algae growth.
Rain Barrel Installation Tips
Level Surface: Safety first! A flat, level surface for placement of your water barrel is key. A full rain water barrel can weigh in excess of 300 lbs. – you don’t want the rain water barrel to tip.
Downspout: Once you position your rain barrel, you will need to remove a section of your gutter downspout to redirect water into your barrel.
Overflow Water: Make sure the overflow valve or pipe in your water barrel is positioned or pointed away from your home’s foundation.
Winter Storage: Empty or drain your rain barrel, remove spigot, run-off hose, and drain plug before storing for the winter. When possible store your barrel in a protected/indoor area but if the rain barrel must remain outside turn it upside down and secure it to prevent animal inhabitation or water accumulation which can freeze, expand, and potentially crack the barrel wall.
Helpful Information for Selecting Rain Barrels
1. Elevating your water barrel on cinder blocks or a stand makes water retrieval easier and improves water flow. If you do elevate, make sure everything is level, stable, and secure. A full rain water barrel may weigh more than 300 lbs.
2. An environmentally friendly choice, rain barrels store and use rainwater to water garden plants. They save money, too, considering that we use 40% of our water caring for plants and yards in the summer.
3. Decorative rain barrels also prevent polluted water from entering streams and other natural water resources. The first few inches of rain runoff are the most polluted – rain barrels can capture this water.
4. Plastic barrels can range in size from 40 to more than 200 gallons. You’ll find a variety of sizes here from which to choose.
5. Typically, for every inch of rain received, about 600 gallons of water can drain from every 1,000-square-foot roof area.
6. Keep runoff from washing into yards and nearby drain systems or streams by placing rain water barrels under downspouts.
7. In areas that receive heavy rain, homeowners may choose to link several large-capacity gutter barrels together to maintain and prevent overflow.
8. In areas that receive little precipitation, or during drier months, homeowners may find a small-capacity rain barrel galvanized can best suits their needs.
9. In dry areas of the country a smaller barrel will serve as a better guard against evaporation.
10. You’ll find a wide variety of wooden rain barrel designs – traditional barrel and decorative shapes, or with functional elements, such as a flat back to allow it to be placed close to a house or shed.
11. One inch of rain on a roof yields over 600 gallons of water! That’s the beauty of freeze proof rain barrel usage.
St. Mary’s – Meeting of Staff March 19,
Present: Gwen Walker, Robert Jones, Kym Roberts, Gary Sharp, Liz Mellen
Scripture: I Corinthians 11:4-11; and Jeremiah 29:11 : For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, too give you a future with hope.
All agree – It was very helpful to meet. We’ll do it weekly and then probably move to bi-weekly. But in any case some important work on our team spirit and a sense of our ability to solve problems will be a-building. It became abundantly clear we can solve many property concerns at that level. Neither Earl nor Lysander could come this time. Their presence can only enhance future meetings.
.
There were also some non-property matters that came up that I will refer to the Wardens – Will get something written up after this meeting is over.
Chair lift key distribution – Food Pantry, Tuesday Medical Clinic and one key for the use of Gwen, Robert and Kym to be kept in Administrator’s office. CUCS is deciding–want/need it?
Audio cabinet – Gary Sharp recommends getting a foot locker (ca. $50 — less than $200 previously approved for a cabinet) to store wires and mikes. Later on a replacement for the crummy metal box in the choir loft which houses the audio system can be a nice wooden cabinet located in corner of the sanctuary by the grand piano.
[At Property meeting Friday evening, this move was agreed to. ]
Little non-functioning electronic organ – Staff will dispose of it.
Electrical work – Two lights need fixing: above organ bench, in rectory basement. Cadet chief Anthony Diaz has an electrician friend who can help. Liz also recommends trying handyman Chuck McDonald. Robert will try one first, and then go to the other.
Garden and yard work – Clarity about Parks Dept (not Sanit. Dept.) Organic Materials pick-up. Call 311 and schedule for a MW or F pick-up. Heads-up re bricks (that they are valuable since they match the original sanctuary bricks, a kind no one makes any more.) Thake’s proposal and Camilo’s work on fence..
Cleaning out rectory basement. Precipitating concern: the need for current contractor to store materials helped a clean out happen–Robert’s work. Long term hopes to keep area open, stop storage of private individual’s things, have a storage area for sexton supplies. By product: Stair well to basement door has been cleaned out.
I offered copies of the Roofing Scope of work which gives details on what these contractors are doing. Staff were interested and each took a copy. We meet again next Thurs.
Liz Mellen
March 12, 2010
Doug,
Attached please find photos of a church roof in Manhattan where repair work is in progress. I’m suggesting to the contractor – Chris Michalski at Solution Contracting – that he send you samples of the existing slates to see if you can provide an inventory of repair slates that will look right. You can see from the photos that previous repairs have used a variety of different colors. Our hope is to acquire about 400 pieces of slates to use for current and future repairs. The sizes are graduated 20”, 18”, 16” x random widths x 3/8” thick.
Chris – here is the contact info for Reclaimed Roofs:
Reclaimed Roofs, Inc.
Doug Cochran
4001 Kennett Pike
Suite 134 #213
Greenville, DE 19807
(302) 369-9187
Thanks for your help.
Russ
February 17, 2010
Vails Gate “Rose” window
Artists conception of possible St. Marys “Rose” window
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