Council met on February 16 , 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Boardroom with Cliff, Cathy, Raymond, Earl and Benita attending. Regrets form Intern Pastor Heather. Susan Riediger attended at the beginning to present an update on the sound system upgrade.

Old Business:

• Electrical upgrade of lights in Youth Room/plug-in in Kitchen. Ian Pinette has not been here yet and may not be before the Pancake Supper on February 21st . Cathy will clean in Youth room this weekend and clear the supplies by coat rack.
• Sump Pump drains tweaking and extension of hoses away from the building foundation will be done in the spring.
• -Sound system upgrade: It looks like the new sound system will be completed in the next couple of months. A couple of years ago a Fender sound system (speakers and soundboard) was purchased. The system requires other pieces to fully work. These past couple of years, due to COVID it has been impossible to get these missing pieces. We recently found a local person (Dustin Smith) to help us with this Sue has met with Dustin Smith of Smith & Sound Productions. Discussion on what is needed: fully wireless options for 1 wireless microphone, 1 headset microphone, 2 wireless DI box (includes pickups for instruments, transmitters and receivers), cable and 2 speaker wallmounts for upstairs. All hardwiring from sound board to speakers needs replacement. The cost is approximately $3500 which includes initial consultation, market research/ equipment acquisition, installation and 5-year service warranty. In addition to this the Council approved the installation to include a speaker in the narthex and 1 speaker downstairs. Sue will consult with Dustin about the compatibility of our mic stands and the two speakers in the sanctuary for use in narthex and basement. If these speakers are not compatible there will be an additional cost. In total the Council had approved spending of $5000 for this project using part of the Manitoba Bridge Grant ($15,000) received during COVID. This will bring the sound system to where we want it to be both upstairs and downstairs. This system is transportable for outdoor services. Earl thought the old sound system could be sold to recoup some of the cost.
• -Scandinavia Cemetery ditch improvement: Cliff will talk to Chad at Beatty’s to ensure that this is in their que first thing in the spring. Cathy will check with Ian at the Municipal Office about the grant application.
• -Land Titles changes: Church and Bethania Cemetery titles have been received. Documentation for the transfer of Bethania Cemetery to Bethel Lutheran Society should be ready by end of February. Sylvia-Linda is working on new affidavit for name change on Scandinavia Cemetery and the request to bring the deed into the new Land Titles System early in March. A meeting will be required with the lawyer for ELC and Bethel Lutheran Society to sign all these documents.
• Installation of baseboard heating system at the parsonage has not been done by Ian Pinette yet. Burton Electric will be asked to do this and check the air exchange system since the main motor does not seem to be running. Tenant’s January hydro bill was $700 so this is a priority. Cliff will fix the leaky kitchen tap and check with the tenant about the report of bathtub overflow not working. Front step railings will be replaced in the spring.
• Kelly Hackenschmidt has finished the suspended ceiling in the youth room except for where the electrician’s lighting install is unfinished. The countertop flip up extension for PYH computer workstations and pool table cover are completed.
• Antique film projector and films: Intern Pastor Heather will ask Viola.
• -Gail & Boniface Sawchuk were asked to do the audit on the church books and have completed the job. A special “Thank you” to Gail & Boniface!

REPORTS:

• Financial: Cathy presented the month’s Financial reports for review. Sylvia-Linda went to Kerri Butler for help with QuickBooks and thought it would be beneficial to have a one hour session with Kerri to upgrade QuickBooks. Council approves this session and to reimburse Kerri for her services.
• Worship & Music:
  1. The Hymn Sing Band is willing to be responsible for a Gospel Service whenever there is a fifth Sunday in a month. The Gospel Service will replace the Sunday evening Gospel Hour. There are three left this year with April 30th being the next one. There will be Bible readings, lots of Gospel music but no sermon; Gospel music has very interesting history and this may be shared during the Gospel service.
  2. Communion Sundays have been arranged until the end of May: February 19th - Pastor Laurel Seyfert, March 12th – Pastor Rick & Elaine Sauer, April 2nd - Rev. Don Phillips & Nancy Phillips, May 7th – Pastor Rick & Elaine Sauer.
• Maintenance:
  1. New timer for cross light is needed. Ian Pinette will be asked to do this and check the blackened plug in where large coffee makers/Bunn coffee maker are usually plugged in.
  2. Ceiling tiles at front entrance are watermarked. Cathy will paint the ceiling tiles with paint we have on hand.
  3. Carpet cleaning is not necessary at this time.
  Intern Pastor:
  1. In the office 4 days (January 23 -27) and provided 3 Sunday services since January 19th. Visits: 3 phone visits and 1 in person visits
  2. . Seminary Courses: in person courses: Preaching Part 2 , Theology Part 2 in Saskatoon February 27 – March 3. Leadership in the Church Part 2 February 7th to 9th in Winnipeg and February 10th to 17th in Hamilton and homework. Clinical Pastoral Experience arranged tentatively May 14 to July 14th or in September (will not interfere with Ordination). Oral exam is April 23-24.
  3. Outreach Activities include Foodbank Board Meeting January 26th, Main Street Community Market. Food Security Hub Main contact is Krisjanis Kaktins-Gorsline (phone 1(431)335-1710).
  4. January 31st Erickson & District Chamber of Commerce AGM – Krisjanis did presentation on Food Security Hub, Parklands Youth Hub and our role.
  5. Seminary Convocation/Graduation date is May 5 & 6 in Saskatoon. Ordination will take place here at ELC in June or July when Bishop Jason’s schedule permits.
• Administrative:
  1. Scandinavian Cemetery: Renumbering plots on hold until March.
  2. MNO Synod Acts Grant: Sylvia-Linda has prepared and submitted the report to the MNO Synod in regards to first year funding.
  3. Parklands Youth Hub: Sylvia-Linda is administrative and support person but will be at the Youth Drop-in from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. while Heather is away.
  4. Usual monthly duties in office, Newsletter, calendar, bulletin printing, webpage updating, cleaning and garbage collection completed. THANK YOU, Sylvia-Linda!
• Parklands Youth Hub: See report below
• Nominating Committee: Shaun Oakley is interested in coming on Council.
Correspondence: None. New Business:
1. Burton Electric was called to check the thermostat which does not control the heat output in the building as it should. An electric valve needs a new spring. When they come to install the needed part, they will do the work at the parsonage.
2. Minimum wage as of April 1st will be $15/hr. Our Admin. Assistant is paid $16/hr.
3. 2023 Pulpit Supply is $225 and mileage is 0.68/km for first 5000 km then 0.62/km.

The next meeting will be Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 7 p.m. at ELC Board Room. Adjournment at 9:07 p.m.

Submitted by Benita Nylen, Secretary