Report of the Fiscal and Property Committee

by David Gregg, Chair

 

The last year was one of visible changes at Central under the committee’s watch.

 

Though the project to replace the sanctuary roof was initiated in the previous fiscal year, the majority of the work took place last summer. We once again have a slate roof our beautiful church was designed to support, and with care and a bit of luck it may last 100 years. The South Commons entry is also protected with a metal roof with a longer life than the shingled one it replaced. With some additional work done on various flat roofs, we should be free from rain leaking into our structure for a while.

 

The South Commons was a beneficiary of some Forward in Faith funds, with the bathrooms getting a much needed overhaul. The inclusion of a new hospitality area and security station and new carpet have rejuvenated the commons and should make Central more welcoming. Getting this project under way was more arduous than the committee had expected, but it all now seems worth the effort.

 

The more convenient location for the nursery has been appreciated, and it was completed with minimal expense. The loss of convenient overflow space from Fellowship Hall and a small kitchen will have an impact on hospitality, but action on a more convenient nursery was overdue.

 

In the lower level of the education building, the new Restoration Center holds great potential. Rooms left vacant from school projects that have ended are again put to good use, and the Clothes Closet ministry should benefit from a dedicated space.

 

The first step of the rain leader project, the creation of a detention pond on the northeast corner, was completed last fall. We hope to finish the effort this summer, resulting in all of our roof drains sending their water into the storm sewers rather than the sanitary sewer system, a practice that the city allowed for too long.

 

There is still much work to do on our campus. The committee continues to work on prioritizing and looking for funding for a number of projects driven by postponed maintenance and new opportunities. We look forward to engaging the council and the congregation in this process.

 

As always, the committee provides oversight and direction where others do the actual work. At the top of the list of contributors is Franklin Dietrich whose advice and direct involvement in the roof project and the South Commons renovation in particular were invaluable. Business Administrator David Alexander’s understanding of Central’s needs and management of the church’s operations are exceptional and simplify the committee’s primary role of advising him and the council. The committee has definitely been blessed with competent staff and supportive members to work with.


                              return to table of contents

 

 

 

 

333 South Twelfth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Infoline: 612-767-9101
Main line: 612-870-4416