Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of Board Meeting
October 23, 2002

Present: D�Angelo, Vinokur, Ahronheim, Berman, Taylor, Sussman, Rosenberg, Schiff, Klein, Finerman, Hamermesh, Kraut, Spoon, Gershowitz, Dobrusin, Sorkin

Call to order 8:10PM
Agenda approved
Minutes of September 25, 2002 approved

President�s Report: D�Angelo reported a decision by the Executive Committee to include only selected items from HaShaliach on our website. The committee believes there is too much personal information available if the entire HaShaliach is published on the internet. Carol Finerman received complements from D�Angelo for the fine job she has done scheduling photos of our members for the new directory. He also reminded all present of the special meeting on Monday, November 18th , 8:00PM, to discuss the building renovation project.

Treasurer�s Report: Sorkin gave the report. Given the dues and pledges received at this time, it looks as if we may not have sufficient funds to meet budgeted expenses this year. The situation bears close watching. The congregation has five Torahs, and they are in need of repair. Sorkin provided details of a program to raise funds for this purpose. This program might raise other additional funds for the congregation as well. In addition, Beth Israel will look for members to sponsor special programs and kiddush. The Board approved the Treasurer�s Report.

Executive Director�s Report: Sorkin provided a written report to the Board, detailing actions on a number of maintenance and facility issues. In addition he reported changes the Cemetery Ccommittee wishes to make. These changes relate to costs and proper maintenance of our area in the cemetery. Board members made several suggestions, and Sorkin and the committee will continue to seek a solution to all the problems with Arborcrest. The congregation was successful in raising enough money to meet the challenge grant from the Sinai Fund and Sinai Guild to purchase a defibrillator. Which Fund should hold the additional money raised beyond the challenge grant will be referred to the Finance Committee.

New Business: The Board unanimously passed a motion to allow online viewing of our National City Checking Account and to designate Klein as the super user. He will determine who else may have a need to view the account. No online banking will take place.

Old Business: The Board unanimously passed a motion to authorize the properly designated person to sign the policy for property and liability insurance recommended by our insurance agent.

Vice President�s Reports:

Finance: Vinokur will carefully watch the projected budget balance during the upcoming month to determine if we will need to make cuts. She continues to work with the Federation to develop the Endowment Fund. The ad hoc Kitchen Cabinet Committee is revising the kitchen fees, and Bar/Bat Mitzvah families will be informed of new fees as soon as possible thereafter to aid in planning of their events.
Religious: There is nothing to report at this time. The committee meets next week.

Program: Sussman reported that plans are underway for a Founders� Shabbat and a Hanukah Program. A U of M intern, Jenny Cohn, has started working with the Program Committee.

Education: Taylor stated the school is functioning well. The school plans several special programs for the year.

Administration: Berman reported that he continues to meet with committees involved in finance and the building renovation project.

Committee Reports:

Building/Construction Committee: Spoon reported the Building and the Finance Sub-Committees have met. There will be a full presentation to the Board on November 18th.

House: The Board passed a resolution authorizing Spoon to spend up to $3000 to install fixtures to better light the front steps of the synagogue. The money will come from the Building Fund.

Communications/HaShaliach: There is nothing to report at this time.

Men�s Club: Gershowitz reported Carl Cohen will speak at a brunch for usher appreciation. He further brought up the need for ushers at Shabbat services. D�Angelo agreed and suggested the Men�s Club work with other synagogue groups (such as Synagogue 2000) who have also mentioned this as a need.

Sunday Night Lecture Series: Ralph G. Williams, a very popular UM lecturer, will speak on November 10th at 7:45PM

Kitchen Committee: Kraut provided a very detailed report. The committee, which has been meeting since early June has identified four major areas of concern: cleanliness, Kashrut, caterers, costs. Kitchen fees have increased as the amount of supervision necessary for kashrut has increased.. During the last year, income from the kitchen covered 1/2 the cost of running the kitchen. Kraut stated that 50% of kitchen costs are attributed to synagogue programming. The Kitchen �Cabinet� Committee is trying to determine a fair system for charging fees.

Meeting adjourned at 10:00PM

Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Rosenberg, Recording Secretary

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