Monday November 17, 2025

Present: Rev. Bob Carlson presiding, Rich Gabrielson (2); Deb Marrer (2) Brian Erle (1); and Maui Palmiter (1)

The meeting opened at 1:05 with prayer. We continue to pray for guidance for the future leading of St. Andrews.

The minutes from the October meeting were approved.

Finance Report:

The October Finance report was submitted and presented by Cathy Smales, who was present at this meeting. We decided to move a few items to different categories in the report, which seems to make more sense. It was discussed that we currently have deficits for both October (and the year).  Because of this concern, Rich has written a letter regarding our need for increased pledges, praying for a 10% increase from parishioners. We are trusting the Lord in this matter, as He has generously provided for us here at St. Andrews through many difficult times.

Cathy also made the suggestion to transfer $5,000 from the general account in NBT to Everbank Money Market account under a new ledger account named “1305 General Account” This money would still be designated for use when the checking account is low, or for any other purpose other than capital improvements or memorials. She thought it would earn more interest in the EverBank money market account. We all agreed that she could move forward with this.

2026 Budget Proposal:

Cathy has been working on our new budget proposal for 2026, and we went over it line by line. We decided we cannot cut our budget much more than we already have at this point. Our discussions led to decisions to raise the stripe fees line item and decrease the snow removal budget (since the Cranmer fellows will be doing much of the snow removal). We also decided to decrease the budget for the rectory gas, electric, and water/sewage to zero, since we will be reimbursed from Good Shepherd for these things while the young men are residing there. (through the Cranmer Fellowship)

Property Report:

Deb let us know that the annual maintenance was performed on the church furnace, and the bill has been paid.  The rectory furnace has been an issue this month, and has stopped working three times. The first was because of leaves in the blower vent. Finally, after Arctic Bear came two more times, the electric circuit board was replaced under warranty.

Deb is hopeful that the de-icing and snow removal of the rectory and church walkways/ramp will be maintained daily by the Cranmer fellows throughout the winter. Timothy will oversee this task, but will receive help from the other boys when they are able. Brian will be the “backup” for this, but we are hoping this will not be necessary. St. Andrews will provide the snow blower, shovels and salt for this.

Jonathan and Rich have been discussing setting up meetings with the boys. (with Jubal taking the lead) This will help them to keep on task with responsibilities and expectations of our partnership, and what other ways they can minister to the church and community.

Old Business:

Donations to Bob Carlson’s Ministry:

The church website is not yet set up to make donations to Reverend Bob’s Linguistics Project through the International Generosity site. Rich is testing it out to make sure it is working properly for future donations. Once Rich has completed his testing, then the church website will be updated to allow for donations to the project and a link created.  We want to promote this to everyone here at St. Andrews, as there are critical financial needs for Bob to continue his ministry in Africa. There was discussion to create a donation link to the Facebook page

New Business:

Vicar Letter of Agreement: 

Bob, Deb, and Rich signed the formal letter bringing Reverend Bob on as Vicar here at St. Andrews. (Retroactive to Nov.1) It will be sent to the bishop this week. We are so grateful for his decision to lead us in the foreseeable future!

Vestry Minutes Parish Update:

Brian will continue summarizing the Vestry minutes and posting them on the St. Andrews website. He brought up the idea of printing a hard copy of the minutes to post on the board (for those who may not read them online) The Vestry felt that was a good idea and he will take the lead on this.

Meeting adjourned with prayer at 3:20 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Maui Palmiter, Vestry Clerk