6:33 PM – Called to Order
Opening words and Chalice Lighting was led by Annette Pearce. Following a check-in with all attendees, the agenda was reviewed and revised. Motion to approve agenda revisions passed.

Process Observer
Annette proposed we all serve as a “process observer”, one who gives constructive feedback regarding the processes and effectiveness of our meetings, since our group is small. All agreed. Sally then asked if we have a current Board Covenant. We do not and Annette would like to create one during our upcoming Board Retreat.

Adriane Pitt, Chief of Staff
Annette let us know Adriane has put a report of her duties in our Google Drive. Annette will send this link out to all Board members. The Board acts as Adriane’s supervisor and Annette will meet with her once per week to check-in and to ensure the Board is handling all our expected responsibilities. Annette proposed we dive deeper into this during our Retreat. Adriane is wondering if she needs to come to Board meetings as the Minister once did. Annette is concerned, considering all of Adriane’s duties, regularly sitting in on Board meetings may not be the best use of her personal time. Annette would like the Board to read the list of Adriane’s responsibilities and send her (Annette) a couple sentences of response. She (Annette) is also concerned that since Adriane is the person here on Church grounds that people will go to her for things that the Board should really be responsible for.

Oversight of Board Committees:
Annette asked Ken whether or not the Finance Committee has someone to handle fundraising activities. Ken replied there is not but if we know the date(s) of future fundraisers he can take the necessary steps to prepare back to the Finance Committee. Adriane is to send Annette the contracts for these events. Marty used to do the fundraising contracts and Adriane took care of the rental contracts.

Proposed Fundraisers, Howard Pardue
● Howard moved “to approve the use of the UUCT Sanctuary for the proposed Songwriters Concert Fundraiser, without charge/fee. All proceeds to benefit Grace Mission.”
○ Motion approved.

This fundraiser will take place on Friday, November 14th, 2025. UUCT will provide our sanctuary for the event and the Songwriters will use their own equipment along with their provided professional. Somebody from Songwriters or Grace Mission will be in charge of ticket sales and/or donations. UUCT will not provide any accounting resources or run any of this fundraiser through our books. Howard will follow-up with Songwriters regarding publicity via COCA (Council on Culture & Arts) and
The Democrat. Sally is the representative for UUCT and Grace Mission.
Howard is the site supervisor. Bonnie will send Howard site manager information.
● Howard moved for the “approval to proceed to work with this artist (Joe Newberry) using the approach and contract/agreement that we have successfully used for such community concerts.” (Community Connections Concerts)
○ Motion approved.
The date of this event is TBD.
Howard noted that past Community Connections Concerts were fundraisers where the artist and UUCT shared revenue. The artists historically received 75-80% and UUCT received the rest.

Ken offered for someone from the Finance Committee to assist with the accounting. We will need to go over payment methods in order to streamline the fundraising process and ensure musicians receive payment the evening of.

Hiring AV Specialist, Jennifer Carver
● Jennifer moved to:
○ Approve the candidates who interviewed for the position of AV Specialist.
■ Motion approved.

Jennifer noted our AV volunteers, Alessandra, and Adriane have been a great help throughout the hiring process. Alessandra will contact candidate(s) since she will be the AV Supervisor as Worship Coordinator.

Safety
Bonnie has completed the Emergency Procedures and has submitted them to Adriane for review. She would like help with Active Shooter and ICE procedures. Sally is willing to help with these. Annette wonders if the UUA addresses ICE procedures. Howard wonders what the procedures are for a “red flag” person. Bonnie replied we have put up signs, installed cameras, and placed curtains in windows. Annette stated we should make the congregation aware of all safety policies and procedures.

Church Grounds
Bonnie called a tree service and was quoted $9,000 for the three trees that need to be removed (two Water Oaks and one Pine). It is high in price due to the difficult location of these trees. The Finance Committee has approved this expense since there is $10,000 in the corresponding fund. Bonnie stated we need sturdier supports for a new banner. She also updated us on the renovations of the bathrooms. There will be an email sent out to update the congregation as well.

Retreat

The Board discussed possible dates for our Retreat. It will be 3-4 hours and will be done off-campus. Annette will email us to shore up dates, times, and location.

Announcements
Annette announced, thanks to a vote by the Board via email, Fenix Moon has been approved to be on the Committee on Shared Ministry. Phyllis Thompson needed to resign from the Committee due to health issues. Erika Frisby has been notified of Fenix’s approval. Ideally, there would be at least four members on this Committee. Annette stated UU Board Presidents from Florida are coming together remotely in order to support one another, share resources, and discuss programming. Annette would like Alessandra, as the Worship Coordinator, to also help coordinate with these other UU churches but also doesn’t want to add more work to her plate. However, she is wondering if crowdsourcing programming would potentially take work off of her plate in the long run.

Closing Discussion
Process observations were shared by members of the Board. We will discuss how others can contact the Board while also making it well known to the congregation as a whole. We will make this a priority at the Retreat.

Church lock-up assignments for September were completed.
8:09 PM – Adjourned

Board Members Present:
Annette Pearce, President
Bonnie Abellera, President-Elect
Ken Kent, Finance
Sally Andersen, Member at Large
Sadie Ragans, Secretary
Others Invited:
Howard Pardue
Jennifer Carver

This version of the Board Meeting Minutes has been summarized for The Meridian. To see the Meeting Minutes in full, please contact Sadie Ragans at secretary@uutallahassee.org

Prepared by Sadie Ragans, Secretary (September 14, 2025)