St. Stanislaus Parish

Finance Council Meeting Minutes

September 22, 2009 – 4:00 pm

Council Members Present: Rita Borski, Bill Boston, Bill Boylan, John Clifford, Bob Hollar, Marg Ostrowski, Shirley Berger-SPACS Commission Rep and Beverly Wasieleski-Financial Secretary.

Council Members Absent: Fr. George Thayilkuzhithottu, Jackson Case, Lee Falkavage

1. Opening Prayer – Rita Borski

2. Minutes of Finance Council Meeting May 26, 2009 approved as presented.

3. Liaison Reports-Email Report to Council Members

a. Pastoral Council – Lee Falkavage, no report

b. Staff – Open

*Staff Meeting on Sept. 17-Introduction of staff; Fr. George felt communication, staff

unity and being at the service of the parish were important elements of our job.

c. SPACS Commission – Shirley Berger

*SPACS Commission meeting held Sept. 10, 2009

*Challenges facing SPACS: (1)Enrollment-44 new students brought into the system while

50+ left for various reasons; (2)Increasing costs with decreasing income sources; (3)Ability

to attract and retain faculty.

*2009/2010 budget needs to be adjusted as a deficit is not acceptable. Staff reductions need

to be made to balance the budget.

*Initial staff meeting with President Jim Dyer addressed the following: (1)Difficult

financial times; (2)Need to share responsibility in addressing changes required; (3)Need to

maintain public image of SPACS; (4)Need to evaluate our current programs and adjust as

necessary; (5)Recognize our actions speak louder than words.

*New bold decisions need to be made by Pastors, Commission members, and Finance

committee members.

*School policy for cell phones and instant messaging devices developed.

*Laptop user’s agreement being developed for students and staff.

*Affirmation sent to parish/school custodial personnel for hard work done over summer.

d. SPACS Finance – John Clifford

*SPACS ran deficit of $200,000-$250,000 mainly from past due tuition accounts. Because

of current economic conditions families are not able to pay. Currently new policy in place

will prevent families from falling this far behind.

*Parish school subsidy will remain the same as last year.

*SPACS to control expenses by getting prior approval before spending.

*Can only raise tuition within reasonable limits, so will have to work on fundraising to

make up on what is needed.

4. Sub-Committee Reports –Email Report to Council Members

a. Financial Report/Budget – John Clifford

*The fiscal year ended on June 30, 2009 with $15,318 total revenue over expense. Over

$165,000 was contributed to the St. Stan’s Endowment Trust. Total parish assets are

$529,330 vs. $514,337 a year ago. Employee costs $17,000 under budget. The SPACS

subsidy was $13,000 less than the previous year.

* On the cautionary side, the Council must point out: (1)Contributions of $165,000 to Endowment

Trust are restricted; (2)Total expenses were slightly over budget due to special expenses like the

asbestos removal project; (3)The shortfall of actual spendable revenue was $103,033 to cover

expenses; (4)A total of $118,351 was withdrawn from unrestricted savings accounts to cover

expenses and start off the new fiscal year.

*For first two months of new fiscal year, weekly collections are 11% behind last year; expenses

close to budget; and sufficient Memorial contributions have us running a profit of $31,579

through 8/31/09.

b. Building & Grounds – Bob Hollar

*The lawn around the rectory was sodded and seems to be doing fine. Sprinklers working well.

*Asbestos removal in school basement is complete. The kitchen area of the school was remodeled

to comply with the asbestos removal stipulations and also to make the area more efficient for

serving lunches. Anticipate SPACS to pay around $32,000 towards the asbestos project.

*Drainage project completed in rectory parking lot.

c. Memorials – Bill Boston

*St. Stanislaus will host the next Estate Planning Seminar. Decided on May 12, 2010 for the

date, and will follow the same times and format as the previous year.

d. Diocesan Annual Appeal – Bill Boylan

*Our target goal is $71,334. To date we have received $16,155 in total pledged;

and $12,505 in total cash received from the Advance Phase mailing that was mailed out

the end of August.

*Follow-up mailing to Advance parishioner families with a reminder to make pledge or a

thank you note to those who have already responded.

*This year will follow suggestions to hold Commitment Sunday and Amen Sunday to

encourage parishioners to make a commitment to the Appeal with an in-pew solicitation.

e. Fundraising – Marg Ostrowski; Jackson Case

*Discussed Pancake Breakfast being put on by KC workers with all profit going to St. Stan’s.

5. Major Topic for Discussion

a. Guidelines/Policy for Fundraising

* Handout to members and discussion on Fr. George’s proposed fundraising policy for the

parish. The policy stated procedures when holding fundraising events keeping in mind

the idea that it is for the benefit of the parish not individuals.

6. New Business

a. Establish Annual Fundraising Events

* Discussed the need to develop fundraiser that people identify as a St. Stan’s event. Two

examples cited were Polonia’s Steak Night and Pacelli Panacea. Need to think BIG and

attract outside participation from community to bring in substantial profits to help parish

with financial obligations.

7. Old Business

a. Bingo Kitchen

*Received notice from Bingo Kitchen Coordinator, Peggy Feltz, that she has started new job

and will not be able to continue her duties. Need to look for a replacement to continue since

all volunteers are in place and an average bingo brings in a profit of $400 from the kitchen.

b. DRE Position

*Deb Spang has been hired as the DRE. She is working hard and fits in well with staff.

8. Fr. George’s Remarks

*Fr. George currently attending his annual missionary convention in Florida.

*Rita Borski reported on the new liaison reporting procedure.

*Catholic Times and the Office of Stewardship & Development are promoting a drive to collect

non-cash items needed by parishes, schools, and Diocesan ministries. Submit list by October 19.

9.. Closing Prayer – Rita Borski

NEXT MEETING DATE: October 27, 2009

PRAYER LEADER: Bill Boston