6:40 PM – Called to Order
Agenda, March meeting minutes, and finance committee reports were approved.
Tallahassee Homeschool Group Contract
Ken discussed three potential concerns regarding the Tallahassee homeschool contract: using the piano, service animals, and liability insurance impact, and closet space usage. Insurance would address liability issues, and Adriane confirmed there was no issue with using full closet space instead of two shelves. Ken plans to follow up with Valerie in person to discuss the piano usage for performers at recitals.
Addendums to the Tallahassee Homeschool Group contract were approved. These include liability insurance requirements for animal handlers and restrictions on piano usage (approval contingent on getting Valerie’s approval).
Security and Safety
Bonnie provided updates on safety policies, including private spaces, the weapons safety policy, and a statement of protection sign. She presented a proposal from Mannheim Security Solutions for $50/hour during a 3-hour Sunday shift. Kim expressed reluctance about implementing security services at this time, noting we haven’t had threats, and questioning whether an obvious security presence might make some people uncomfortable. The discussion included exploring the UUA’s democracy defense training and possibly having trained volunteers to handle disruptive situations. There was also mention of reviewing UU Gainesville’s safety policies, which are now in the April 2026 folder on Google Drive.
Board members are to review updated safety policies and procedures in order to discuss and vote on their potential implementation at the May board meeting.
2026-2027 Budget
The following discussions and decisions were made:
- Current recorded pledges are $227,925, which is slightly under the projected $228,315.
- Reduce the reserve fund transfer from $12,000 to $4,000
- Raise the endowment fund transfer from $55,000 to $60,000
- Reduce the annual program fund pledge by half to approximately $20,000
- Add a $3,000 pledge to the budget, specifically recommending it be allocated to pastoral care
- Potentially eliminate unused special funds like the Spiral Scouts and Pagan funds
Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP)
Sections of the MPP’s proposed revisions will be sent to board members for review before the May board meeting. Board members will review these in order to discuss and vote on their potential implementation.
7:07 PM – Public Meeting Adjourned and the Board went into a closed session
Board Members Present:
Annette Pearce, President
Bonnie Abellera, President Elect
Ken Kent, Finance
Sally Andersen, Member at Large
Kim Ross, Member at Large
Prepared by Sadie Ragans, Secretary, (paraphrased, reorganized, and summarized from the AI transcript provided by Zoom) May 12, 2026