Financial Report: George Marinos presented the invoices to be paid. Discussion ensued with a motion to pay the invoices made by John Hajisava, seconded by Bob Donus. Old Business: • Liz Comack requested that everyone who wants to participate in the “Over the Top” journal ad submit their name(s) as soon as possible. Liz also reminded everyone on the Parish Council to turn in their journal ad(s). • Fran Lutfy gave a report concerning our Cathedral office staff. An adjustment to the church policy was discussed, requiring a six month wait period for employees going on the insurance. • Fran Lutfy advised that the Fall Festival was successful, and the approximate net donation will be $3000. A good time was had by all at the event. • Spyro Georgopalis, Tony Pantelides and George Vorkas gave a report on the 2012 Festival. The CoChairs thanked all of those who helped with the event. The Festival will be netting approximately $90K for this year. The Co-Chairs advised that while we all have a good time at our Festival, there is so much room for improvement and they will do their best to help the next chair people. New Business: • John Hajisava gave a report on Recognition Sunday. John advised that Recognition Sunday will be held on October 28th. There will be a continental breakfast served and there will also be an occasion cake. • George Hadjoglou gave a report on Mommy and Me and advised that the program is growing and needs to be evaluated in terms of space. This will be discussed with the Planning and House Committees as to the proper usage of space at the basement level. • George K. Lavas gave a report as to the status of the cleaning of the Archive safe. In the report, George made recommendations as to the disposal of various items. George made a motion to approve the recommendations in his report. Michael Gurlides seconded, motion carried. Records earlier than five years will be disposed, unless otherwise noted. George also discussed the purchase of a dehumidifier and how to shred the old paperwork in the safe. An update will be given at a future Parish Council meeting. • George K. Lavas advised that the external plaque for Father Nicholas J. Magoulias has arrived and will be reviewed by the House Committee for installation. • George K. Lavas advised that after the company that is installing the new bell system reviewed the condition of the bell tower, there needs to be a very good cleaning. There was a bid for the work submitted, but through the hard work of Lee Raptakis,the services will be donated. George made a motion to approve the work to be done. Seconded by Michael Gurlides, motion carried. • Lou Patrickakos requested that the Cathedral telephone recording needs to be updated as soon as possible.
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A motion to adjourn at 11:33PM was made by John Hajisava, seconded by Fran Lutfy. Motion carried. Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Paul Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting of Thursday, November 15, 2012 The meeting was called to order by President Jim Georgakis at 8:20PM. Father Luke led us in the opening prayer. The previous meeting minutes from October 18, 2012 were not distributed. Motion to approve will be made at a future Parish Council meeting. General Assembly President Georgakis advised the Parish Council that the rescheduled General Assembly Meeting will be held in the Cathedral, after the second Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 18. There was discussion as to the logistics regarding holding the General Assembly in the Cathedral. Because of Hurricane Sandy, the original General Assembly could not be held in accordance with the notification letter that went out to the parishioners. Father Luke spoke to Bishop Andonios regarding the rescheduling, and discussed the fact that we could not get a reschedule letter out to our Parishioners, though emails did go out. Bishop Andonios advised that due to the circumstances, we were okay to proceed. Hurricane Sandy President Georgakis updated the Parish Council about the recent damage done to the Cathedral grounds. There was damage to 2 Kensington Court with a tree through the roof. There was also roof damage to 100 Cathedral Avenue as well as roof damage to 110 Cathedral. There was fence and sprinkler damage throughout the grounds. Fran Lutfy is working with our property insurance carrier, taking the necessary steps towards repair and with estimates will follow. Fran will give updates via email. We are also going to investigate Governor Cuomo’s signing of a bill that lowered deductibles. Stewardship Report: President Georgakis presented the following report as of October 31, 2012:
Year 2012 2011 2010 Increase (decrease)
Number of Pledges 860 919 937 (59)
Amount Pledged Average Pledge $417,981 $486.02 $437,577 $476.14 $427,194 $455.92 ($19,596) $9.88
George Marinos spoke on behalf of the Stewardship Committee and he gave a report on the efforts to increase Stewardship. George discussed the following regarding the Stewardship Committees analyses and action to be taken: + The Committee has done a year to year analysis + There was also an analysis as to the handling of sacraments and how we were booking Stewards. This represented approximately 20 Stewards. + Father Panagiotis has been reaching out to Stewards who are currently not in good standing from the Greek School