Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of the Board
April 28, 2004

Present: Ahronheim, Bardenstein, Berman, Bernstein, D�Angelo, Finerman, Gershowitz, Kaplan, Klein, Landau, Liberman-Lampear, Rashes, Sorkin, Sussman, Tankanow.

Meeting called to order 8:05 p.m.
Agenda approved
Dvar Torah given by Sussman
Minutes of March 24, 2004 were approved as corrected (Motion made by Klein, seconded by Bardenstein � passed unanimously).

President�s Report: D�Angelo reported that he 1) received report with financing options for renovations � we are in good shape and banks are competing for our business; 2) we will review the 2004-2005 budget tonight � we are in better financial condition this year then one year ago; 3) Thank you to all for a �fun, light-entertaining� evening for the BIC Yom Ha�atzma�ut party. Congratulations to the committee.

Executive Director�s Report: 1) Sorkin reported that we had 96 paid guests, 26 donors and grossed over $9,000 for the Yom Ha�atzma�ut party on April 25, 2004. After expenses we netted around $6,000, which was under budget by $4,000. 2) BIC is offering AFLAC to employees; some have already taken advantage of the insurance. 3) Sorkin shared his concerns about
Arborcrest Cemetery. They now are insisting that we pre-purchase vaults when purchasing more plots. Though we wanted to buy 40 plots without vaults, they would not consider our request. The committee has found Arborcrest rude and �uncustomer� friendly. He has been asked by the Cemetery committee to examine other cemeteries, and the possibility of purchasing new plots in an alternative location. He will be meeting other cemetery proprietors, perhaps along with the Jewish Cultural Society. Will report back at a future meeting. There have been some changes in the state laws regarding cemetaries and Rashes will investigate and get back to Sorkin. 4) The Kadima Youth Group had sixteen kids at the Saturday program. 5) On May 2-3, 2004 we are hosting the Israeli Traveling Gallery (Sunday � Monday, 9:30 a.m. � 5:30 p.m.) 6) Our Building Renovation Pledges stand at $972,000 with $386,000 in cash to date.

Treasurer�s Report: Rashes reported that the spreadsheet information was YTD March 31, 2004 which includes the fundraiser which was not expected to meet its targeted goal. Budget and actual assume that we will break even (or close) for this year.

Old Business: Renovation Project � Klein reviewed the 5 banks that he asked to lend us money for the project. At this point National City never sent in a proposal, Standard Federal and Fifth Third made offers but Ann Arbor Commerce Bank and Comerica made offers worth consideration. Both have a lot of interest in our business. Klein recommended that we go with Ann Arbor Commerce Bank � their offer is very good and they are a local bank.

MOTION: Bardenstein moves that the Board recommends to the congregation to go with Ann Arbor Commerce Bank for the loan but if something happens we could go back to Comerica. Rashes seconds.

Discussion: The question was asked if Klein would be further negotiating with either bank. Disclosures were made that Klein does business banking with Comerica and Berman indicated that his firm represent Comerica, Standard Federal and National City. At the last Executive Board meeting, it was decided that if all things were equal, we would go with the local bank.

Motion was passed unanimously.
Loan information will go before the congregation on May 11, 2004. Klein was commended for his work in putting the loan packages to together.

New Business: The 2004-2005 Budget was presented by Rashes. Discussion- fundraising shouldn�t be tied to debt, it should be done because it is fun and raises funds, debt or not. Bardenstein asked to amend the budget to not include the Passover Candy sale as an expense and revenue but just a $500 line item. They will probably not sell Passover candy again but there will be some sort of fundraiser.

MOTION: Klein moves to approve the budget as presented and to submit it to the congregation in June for approval with Bardenstein's amendment. Ahronheim seconds.

Motion passed unanimously.

Education & Programs: Bardenstein reported for both Sussman and herself. They are currently interviewing three candidates for the religious school Director. They hope to make a decision in the next week.

Building/Construction: Finerman reported that some final decisions have now been made with regard to paint, materials, etc. They will be looking at moveable chairs for the sanctuary and social hall.

Men�s Club: The Yom Hashoah candles were mailed. The club is in need of a new President; if none is found then the by-laws will be suspended the club will focus on events lead by chairs.

Meeting adjourned 9:46 p.m. (Motion by Finerman; second by Berman)

Respectfully submitted
Anita Liberman-Lampear, (sitting in for Valerie Rosenberg, Recording Secretary)

Please send comments or suggestions to The Beth Israel Webmaster.