THE GREEKORTHODOXCHURCH OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC.

a/k/a St. Michael the Archangel Greek Orthodox Church

4705 W. Gulf-to-Lake Hwy, Lecanto, Florida 34461

MINUTES

A duly noticed meeting of the Parish Council was held on DecemberNovember 15April 11May 8thth, 2 2004th, 20040056June 19th, 2006

MEMBER ATTENDANCE:

Parish Priest and Officers / Present / Absent / Council Members / Present / Absent
Samaras, NicholasVernikos, Ioannis Fr., Priest / XX / X / Churpita, Dimitri (John)Aucoin, Dorothea / XXX / X
Mavros, George S.; President / X / Dalmanieras, Alex / XX / X
Kanaris, George R.; Vice-President / XXX / Lazar, John / XXX / X
ParkerBinikos-Brom, Athena, Secretary / X / XX / Lovelace, Richard / XX / X
Ponticos, Stephan A.; Treasurer / XXX / X / Marcuri, Drosos;Vassiliou, Dimitrios / XX / X
Minnelli, Diane / XX / XX / Nestor, DanCologna, John / XX

GUESTS PRESENT:

Sylvia Lovelace

John Cologna, Drosos MarcuriDonna SlusserNancy Ponticoisla, John Stavros, Dimitra VassiliouSylvia Lovelace; Sylvia Lovelace, Mike Trimis

Demetri Vassilou

Jack & Nancy JarnasGeri Zysopoulos

CALL TO ORDER:

The Parish Council meeting was not called to order due to the absence of Council Membersat 6:0405 pm with an opening prayer.

by the President, Dr. George Mavros, at 6:00 p.m.

Summary of MeetingSUMMARY OF MEETING

A. RE-OCCURRING BUSINESSReading and approval of last meeting’s minutes:

ApprovalReview of Minutes: : Minutes of the previous meeting were approvedreviewed with no correctionsMinutes aApproved from Mmarch 14thJanuary on a motion by John Lazar and 2nd by Doey AucoinSteve PonticosDoey Aucoin

Treasurer’s report: Approved. on a motion by Dan Nestor and second by Russ Marcuri.

Approval of Treasurer’s Report: The treasurers’ report was reviewed and approved on a motion by Russ Marcuri and second by Alex Dalmanieras.

B. Standing ReportsPresident’s report:

Dalmanieras that all existing officers be re-elected to the same positionsNo objections were raised. Motion passed unanimously. Officers are:

George Mavros, President

George Kanaris, Vice-President

Athena Binikos-Brom, Secretary

Stephan Ponticos, Treasurer

Father went to Atlanta, spoke with Metropolitan; no assignment as of yet. Father probably will not have assignment until after Clergy Laity Conference in mid-July.

Testimonial dinner- 105 tickets sold

George K and George met new priest in Atlanta. Father Ioannis Vernikos; Assistant in Columbia, SC. Presvitera Efrossini will be in town to look for rentals asap. Father Ioannis can be contacted at

Welcome luncheon for Father perhaps on Father’s Day? June 18th. Philoptochos to buy cake; Russ and Dominic Minnelli to provide spaghetti dinner.

Gift suggestions for Father Samaras? Motion for 1 month severance pay ($3000) from S. Ponitcos. 2nd Diane Minnelli. Unanimous vote.

  • Need nominations for Archangel Michael AwaThe President welcomed Fr. Ioannis and expressed the positive reactions of the parish to Father’s arrival.
  • Dr. Mavros circulated ballots for the nominees that had been submitted for the Archangel Michael Awards. Members present completed their ballots, submitted them to Mrs. Minnelli who tallied the votes. This years Archangel Michael Award recipients will be: Steve Mavrigian (Adult) and Daniel Kirkendall (Youth).
  • The President discussed the gas pipeline going through the county and the process underwent to determine whether the pipeline will directly impact the parish’s property. After significant investigation, rd.the pipeline will not affect our property.

1. Priest’s Report:

– Father advised that working from the Church location a couple days a week is working well for him. He also advised that he is continuing to work on completing the Fund Raising Brochure and other related material.

Father requested to look for a Volunteer that may be able to assist him with record keeping and filing

within the church office.

Nancy Cologna has expressed interest to be reinstated as the Sunday School CoordinatorFatherFather is in the office during the week with flexible hours. Anyone can call anytime.

Lenten Services beautiful thanks to the choir

EEveryone please be careful with the swinging doors and the conversation during Orthros.

2.President’s Report- (Throughout)

Father announced a new choir member: Joseph Gallant

C.C.C. MinistryVice President’s Rreports:

  • None

The 2. 2. President’s Report - President stated that we have been selected for a Financial Audit by the

Archdioceses which resulted with an increase of our Fare Share Commitment from approximately $540.to $708 per month. George adviced that this was based on our New Church Portfolio. it is time to review the new budget.

1. Parish

D.Secretary’s report:

  • None

E.Treasurer’s report:

a. Philoptochos.Fund balance- See attached

b.YTD-See attached

c.Cantonis Sanctuary-See attached

All reports were approved on a motion by Mr. Alex DalmanierasRichard Lovelace and 2nd by Mrs. John LazarDiane Minnelli.

Motion to approve all-D. Minelli

2nd-D. Aucoin

Meeting Saturday

May 15th- Parish Picnic Tickets to go on sale Palm Sunday

Bread/ Easter baskets will be on sale for 4 Sundays

Formal Ratification in fromor New YorkAtlanta- Officially a Philoptochos

F.Committee and Ministry reports:

Choir- Really appreciate Gerri doing the fine job

Organ removed by Saturday, will use the one in the back

Atlanta Conference coming up-will attend these as Church is built

1. Ministries

2a. YouthParish Lifeby J. Lazar

  • Lenten activities a successNo reportMr. Lazar indicated he did not know what his “ministry” responsibilities were. The President indicated he would e-mail the job descriptions for each ministry to all council members.

All night vigil Holy Thursday-the Reading of the Hours

Picnic preparations

Philotochos Chapter will be insured under our current policy as a rider. Cost of dues would increase to $17.00 per year per member to the national and diocese .in addition to our local dues.

3b. ReligiousYouthby G. Kanaris

  • Men’s Club to ready for Holy WeekNo report

c. Religiousby. G. Mavros for

D. Vassiliou

  • No reportThe President reported that he will be out of town for 2 consecutive weekends beginning 6/25. He asked Dimitri to insure Father is provided with assistance as it is unlikely altar boys will be present, as well as identify individuals to read the Epistle, Creed and Lord’s Prayer.
  1. Stewardship: by R. Lovelace
  2. No reportRichard thanked everyone for helping clean up the Altar and office area prior to Fr. Ioannis arrival.
  1. Outreach and Welcome:by D. Minnelli
  2. 1 babyGeorge asked Diane to be sure to let Fr. Ioannis know about anyone that has needs for pastoral ministry when she learns of illnesses, etc.
  1. Budget and Planning:
  2. None
  1. Facilities: by A. Dalmanieras
  2. i. AC repairs-pending/ filters changed; return choking outpresently underway
  3. Grounds Keeping: The president indicated that George Kanaris had obtained a bid for grounds keeping work because he was informed that we were having problems with our grounds person. Everyone agreed that there was no problem and the grounds keeper was doing an excellent job. The council did discuss the sprinkler system and determined that we should wait until the Sanctuary Project is complete and have the system repaired and return to functionality.

ii. Father’s office needs fixing. Motion to make repairs not exceeding $1000- S. Ponticos; 2nd Diane Minnelli

iii.Tidy altar area

Sprint phone issues- pending

hot water line leak under slab- under construction

  1. Building and Finance:
  2. Sanctuary Project by. G. Mavros

Project continues to progress, albeit slowly. See building committee report

  • Capital Campaignby G. Kanaris

No reportthing of significance to report.

  • Grantsby N. Cologna

Our application to the Farah Foundation was received enthusiastically by the foundation. Unfortunately, they will not be able to fund our request – however, their letter indicates that due to the worthiness of our project they will disseminate information regarding our request to various philanthropic organizations and philanthropists for us.No report

  • Building Committee Reportby G. Mavros
  1. Civil Engineering

SWFMD and Site Permits are now being \obtained. Site work at the County being reviewed

b.Structural Engineering

Is effectively completed, awaiting some minor HVAC data being supplied by Paul LesightIn progress.

c.Preliminary Project

CompleteDone

  1. Final Drawings

C97% complete

  1. Bidding and Cost Proposals

in progress2 solid bids received. Architect to review and meet with bidders. Meeting in early June.Due to the Architects illness, the meeting will be postponed until the week of July 10th.

Cantonis Sanctuary

Building Committee

  1. Education and Cultural Life:by D. Aucoin
  2. Perhaps Church Picnic needs to be less formal next year. To discuss tents and pot luck.

2. Committees:

a.Festival: noneby G. Mavros

The President discussed the need to begin the process of preparing for the festival. He reported that many pre-festival duties were performed by the late Dan Nestor, and new people must be assigned for these tasks: discussion ensued with the following decisions:

1. Advertising – Diane Minnelli

2. Signs – Richard Lovelace

3. Album – Marianne Dorsi

4. M.C. – Garfield Aucoin

5. Children’s Activities – Dimitri Vassiliou

b.Food Service: noneby G. Mavros

George Mavros reported for George Kanaris. He indicated we had one affair in July. The council engaged in some discussions on ways to increase Banquet Service volumes. Several ideas were presented.

c.c.By-Laws Committee: none by G. Mavros

Metropolis has indicated they have. George attempting to communicate with Chancellor to ascertain what the area of concern is.Flowers and Ferns del. Thursday

G. Organization Reports:Stewardship

No report

1. OutreachPhiloptochosby D. Minnelli for D. Kanaris

  • No reportNo Report

2. BudgetYouthby N. Cologna

  • Discussed throughoutNo ReportLast meeting until Fall

3. FacilityChoir

Lawn guy back on track

  • Getting estimates on Aerators for septic tank. Sounding great! Getting more members and more supportPractice is now scheduled for every Thursday at 5:00 p.m.
  1. Sunday Schoolby N. Cologna
  2. No report
  1. Report from Priest requiring Parish Council action:by Fr. Ioannis
  2. No reportFather thanked everyone for the warm welcome he and his family have received. He indicated that:
  3. All Parish Council Members should set the example and attend services every Sunday.
  4. All Parish Council Members should schedule an Agiasmos for their homes soon, so Father can not only bless their homes, but also provide an opportunity for him to meet with them and get to know them.
  5. Father emphasized that the parish needs to be vibrant and how we must make Christ the center of our lives. In an effort to move the Parish in the direction, he will be scheduling several weekday services throughout the month in commemoration of various saints and feast days of the church.
  6. Father also participated in a discussion about the amount of Greek vs. English in the Liturgy following some comments raised by Dimitri Vassiliou. Although generally speaking there is about the same amount fo Greek used vs English (as in the past) Father emphasized that the language of the Liturgy should not be an issue as the faithful should know the liturgy and participate in the litourgia.

Getting estimates on Aerators for septic tank. Will take lowest bids and get fixed.

8. Building & Finance

Sanctuary Project Status

1. Capital Campaigns

Recv’d $106,000 in Cash and Pledges to date

Visual tour presentation available for Palm Sunday

Presentation from Raymond James Trust Division on “Giving”, thanks to Mike Trimis for coordinating.

hThermometer getting done for pledge tracking

Nancy Cologna working on 4 separate grants; also attending workshops for grant writing

Construction cash flow issues possible therefore a line of credit would be advantageous to insure the construction project can move forward smoothly. The President reviewed the general terms of Am South’s Line of credit approvedproposal. The president indicated we are approved for a $250,000 L/C Prime + .25 interest + $ 3,500 cclosing fees; 24 mo. Will term out then pay Principle and Interest

A motion was made by Stephan Ponticos, 2nd by Alex Dalmanieras authorizing the Officers to execute the Line of Credit from AmSouth sometime within the next 6 months (closer to when construction contract would actually be signed).MOTION TO MOVE FORWARD W/ SECURING LOAN WITHIN 6 MONTHS Steve Ponticos 2nd Alex D The President is authorized to sign on behalf of the Parish.The motion passed unanimously.

in Dunnellon may be in Dunnellon

Building Committee Report

Civil Engineering70% complete

Structural EngineeringIn progress

Preliminary Project ReviewComplete

Preliminary PricingComplete

Final drawing 90% complete

Final BidddingPending (June timeframe)

9. Education and Cultural Life- Sunday school to begin Sept 4 on the 1st & 3rd Sundays.

Sanctuary project radio advertising is in the works. List of mailing for groundbreaking will be sent to approximately 400 families. Brochures are at the printers and will be mailed after Christmas.

Invitations for groundbreaking dinner are almost complete and plans continue for food and dessert.

D. Old Business:Preliminary plans are approximately 70% complete. Building to be constructed of cement and block material. Civil engineering is in progress. Discussions for possible tree replacement may be necessary. Pricing for sanctuary will be proposed in two phases.

Discussions on tonsuring during the Archbishop’sMetropolitan’s visit- submit names.

Youth Group groundbreaking project- raffling 8 of the 9 ceremonial shovels, to raise funds to purchase the icon of Christ with the children. Letters and tickets will be mailed after the New Year.

The Chapel will be named St. George as originally planned at the time when St. Michael’s Greek Orthodox Church was established.

Russ Marcuri reports the final festival total is $36,633.55

EI. New Business:

  • The Council discussed the Festival (see above).

George Kanaris raised the Back room paint job approved pending details and color schemesqas to He also raised several concerns whether or not Fr. Samaras posses the qualities desired in such a priest. George reviewed the parish’s financial and membership progress with the Council members base don data he had requested from the President. Following significant discussion, the President requested that the issue be broken into several components:

The President asked if the Parish Council wished to take a position on whether or not the Parish needs / wants a full-time priest. He reviewed the financial implications of such a decision and circulated a summary of the “costs” of a full-time priest. A few corrections were needed in that document and would be corrected and reviewed at the next meeting.

Motion was made by G. Kanaris and 2nd by D. Aucoin that the The Parish Council must arrange for a full-time priest to serve to needs of the community. The motion passed unanimously.

The President asked if the Parish Council felt that Fr. Samaras is the person to fill that role.

Following significant discussion, no consensus could be reached.

The President subsequently suggested the following:

A sub-committee would form and review a salary package to be offered to Fr. Samaras that he feels would allow him to dedicate his full and undivided attention to the parish on a full-time basis. Subsequently, that “package” would be reviewed by the Parish Council and upon approval would ask Fr. Samaras IF this package were to be offered to him, would he serve the parish on a full-time basis. If Fr. Samaras were to respond in the affirmative, then the issue would be brought back to the Parish Council to decide whether they were willing to extend that offer to Fr. Samaras or if they would rather pursue discussions surrounding a transition to a new priest.

A the present such to the Parish Council was made by , and passed unanimously. The Sub-committee appointed was: John Lazar, Dorothea Aucoin, Diane Minnelli and facilitated by George Mavros.

Fountains Memorial Park re: starting a garden area specifically for the Church parishioners. 10% of funds regulated for upkeep; 112 spaces placed aside-can be expanded. Will draw up detailed sheet for General Membership for handout. Church will set out sign up sheet for interested parties.

3. John Cologna reported an estimated cost to clean and level the higher elevation of the groundbreaking location at $200.00. Lower level at the entrance of the property would need to be cleaned by hand to prepare for grade elevation. In the present condition pricing would be very high due to labor costs.

FJ. CorrespondenceGood of the Council:

  • NoneStavros Minnelli

Received email from Nebraska. Family interested in helping build and becoming part of the parish

K GK. Good of the CouncilCorrespondence:

None

Presidents meeting in Atlanta next weekend. George to attend

HL. Next Meeting Date and Time:

Father decided to announce the need for volunteers to help clean the lower level after the Liturgy on January 9th.

John Cologna reported that the road side sign has been repaired and functions as normal.

C. MINISTRY REPORTS:

1. Parish Life:J. Lazar

a.Ladies AuxiliaryD. Minnelli

The Ladies advised that a meeting will take place on December 4th with Metropolis of Atlanta District Philoptochos President to discuss our position to possibly expand in this direction.

b. Choir: S. Lovelace

Sylvia Lovelace advised of a new member, Joseph Gilbert. Also choir practice will take place on Saturdays at 10 am.

Two names were submitted for greeting cards to be sent to those serving in Iraq.

c. Other:

2. Youth Ministry:A. Parker

Elections took place this past Sunday results are,

President, Sophia ……………….Moumouris

V. President, Daniel…………….. Kirkendall

Secretary, Armando (Strati) Cologna

Treasury, Michael Mavros

3. Religious Ministry: R. Marcuri

No Report

4. Stewardship Ministry:R. Lovelace

George Mavros requested that Stewardship Card be submitted by councicel members at the same time to coincide with the rest of the parish members submission thereafter.

Richard Lovelace submitted 3 different sermons to Father along with other recommendations and procedures.

5. Outreach and Welcome Ministry:D. Minnelli

Diane has requested to address and greet new members on behalf of all parish members.

6. Budget and Planning Ministry:D. Nestor

No Report

7. Facility Ministry: A. Dalmanieras

Intercom System – Partial system has been replaced for Festival and Building service.

Balance of Audio system has been put on hold until further notice. Members expressed an interest in the poor visibility of our Church signage. John Cologna agreed to look into the cost of enhancing the lighting for this sign.