Vestry Minutes - September 21, 2026

Present: Presiding; Rich Gabrielson (2); Deb Marrer (2) Brian Erle (1); and Maui Palmiter (1)

The meeting focused on reviewing the church’s financial status, property updates, and plans for clergy transition. Rich and others discussed the balance sheet, the new escrow fund for a future rector, recent large gifts, and the setup of a sustaining fund with Vanguard. They reviewed income and expenses, noting underspending in some areas and the impact of one-time gifts. Property issues included water in the basement, possible French drains, and ongoing cleanup and organization of the garage and other storage areas. The group talked about groundskeeping, and arrangements with Good Shepherd, and the need for and in-person meeting with Matt and Jonathan. They reviewed a draft announcement about the new rector and sustaining funds and considered how to communicate this to the congregation. Rich presented a spreadsheet with compensation estimates for a new rector, compared them to Anglican diocesan and Lutheran guidelines, and discussed the role of housing allowance and health insurance, including the possibility of Medicaid. They also mentioned a recent visit by Howard Smith to tour the church and updates on upcoming events and music recitals. The meeting closed with prayer.

Next steps

Deb
·Arrange an in-person meeting with Matt and Jonathan to discuss the agreement, overall communication, relationships, and care of St. Andrew's grounds and property.

Rich
·Send a copy of the letter of incorporation to Colgrove's executors to close out the matter.
·Redraw the compensation list for the next rector and send it to the group for review before sending.
·Update the wording of the financial initiative announcement to use "we" instead of "I" and consider sending it by snail mail.
·Confirm logistics for Emily's recital, including free will offering and access to the church.
·Alert Craig and Diane about Bob Carlson's arrival and coordinate altar and music.

Spruce Up Day
· We discussed what each person would focus on doing around the church and grounds on Saturday. A few others will be cleaning and organizing inside the church.

Summary

Financial Report Discussion:
Rich reviewed the balance sheet as of August 31st and discussed the escrow fund for the future rector, which shows $500 per month being saved. Rich also updated the group on a new financial initiative, explaining that the church has opened a rector and sustaining fund with Vanguard to better manage finances while awaiting a new rector. He mentioned that Dan Self will be visiting a parish in Schenectady next week and noted that Saint Andrews paid for his mileage. Rich reported that church maintenance spending was under budget and discussed income figures, noting that 3 large monetary gifts affected total income calculations. He provided an update on the past incorporating as a free church and mentioned that Debra had found the necessary documentation for Vanguard and potentially for Colgrove's executors. The discussion concluded with property maintenance issues, including water in the basement during heavy rain, and plans to address debris in window wells.

Cranmer Agreement
The group discussed meeting with Rowan and Jubal but decided it was not necessary at this time since all parties had signed the agreement (waiting for the GS senior warden's signature). Details still need to be gone over regarding the care of the property, and responsibilities moving forward. The team concluded that Rich and Deb would reach out and revisit the agreement in person with Matt and Jonathan.

Document Revisions and Event Planning
Rich discussed revisions to the hard copy letter to the parish intended to announce and request additional giving for the Rector/Sustaining fund that has been set up and is being managed by Vanguard and overseen by the St. Andrews Finance Committee. He will edit "I need" to "we need" and adjusting language about a full-time rector. He proposed sending information by snail mail since not all parish members read the Friday Update. The group agreed to use a free will offering instead of charging admission for an upcoming musical event, and charge $50 for her son's birthday party in the undercroft.

Rector Financial Planning Discussion
Rich discussed financial planning for a new rector, reviewing salary guidelines and benefits including housing allowances, health insurance, and Medicaid eligibility. The group examined compensation standards from the Evangelical Lutheran Church, noting that total package calculations in New York would need to account for costs like health insurance and self-employment taxes. They agreed to prepare ballpark figures for the candidate and send the figures to Deacon Szomor.

Meeting closed in prayer at 2:45. Minutes edited by Maui Palmiter, Vestry Clerk