Planning Advisory Committee
Minutes of
The meeting was called to
order by Gary Loertscher at
Tim Blair, Russell Cichy, Ken Remy, Rick Francois,
Carla Wolf presented the
building fund summary. It shows a total value of cash and land of $1,397,954. Remaining
pledges to be collected are $1,192,453.
The Fundraising Committee and
the Finance Committee now report directly to the joint parish councils. Carol Eberhardy reported that the Fundraising Committee has met
and is considering the sale of cards featuring the artwork of parishioner
Gloria Jacobson, sale of Bucky Books, and raffling a
car as possible fundraisers.
Discussion of the amount of
revenue generated per year in the parishes was discussed. The average amount
given per family is approximately $360 per year. Donations must increase
substantially in order to pay for the operating expenses and debt retirement of
a new church. This is seen as a major hurdle in getting diocesan approval to
build and in securing a lean from a financial institution. Planning for a new
facility can only go so far until this is resolved. Despite this, the Planning
Committee will move ahead as directed by the joint parish councils.
That directive says that the Planning
Committee's proposal to build a new church, chapel, gathering area, and office
complex was accepted. Estimated cost is $4.6 million. The council directs that
adjustments be made to lower the cost to $4 million without compromising the seating
capacity and integrity of the worship area. Revisions will be presented by
early November, 2005.
Jerry Rabas
presented correspondence he sent to Angus Young Associates and Findorff. He
also distributed copies of "Recommendations to the combined Parish
Council's of St. Mary of Lourdes Parish and St. James Parish".
Joe Stadelman of Angus Young
plus Dave Beck-Engel and Kevin Hammer of Findorff were present to ask for areas
to prioritize for cuts.
A committee was formed to
meet with Angus Young and Findorff to discuss possible adjustments.
A Planning Committee meeting
will be held at
meeting will be held on
kk will contact the
Diocese Building Committee to schedule a meeting before the Christmas holidays.
kk presented a
letter from Bishop Morlino putting a moratorium on
all new projects dealing with future buildings until the initial results of the
diocese long range planning process is completed. This should be done by spring
of 2006. Indications are that projects already started such as ours should
continue their planning process.
The meeting was adjourned at