Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church (M)

Property Committee Meeting

October 6, 2015

Building Relationships with People in Christ    

I.          Items to be included in Session's consent agenda:  none

II.        Items to be voted upon or needing discussion by Session:  none

III.       Items for information only:  please see below

Members present:  Sally Ingram, Bob Lockwood, Paul Luce, Christi Neal, Gary Oberlander, John Starcke, Paul Vance, and Bobby Neal, Moderator.

Bobby Neal opened the meeting with prayer.  Minutes of the 9-1-15 meeting were approved.

Building Usage: 

·         Sloppy Joe Café and Talent Show - Property Committee will fill out a building request form for Missions and Outreach for 10-10-15 event.  Bobby will apprise Marsha Elbasani of procedures for future.  Family Fun Night, previously approved for 10-24-15, has been cancelled.

Old Business: 

·         2016 Budget Proposal - Finance Committee will have proposed budget next week. 

·         Elevator Repair Bill - Bobby and Gary had follow up efforts to address exorbitant bill.  We were told that rates are published, but we have no records.  Gary spoke to company again and got bill reduced in half from $542.02 to $271.01.  Paul Vance will handle our annual end-of-year inspection.

·         Air Conditioning/Furnace - Session approved the purchase of two portable infrared heaters with timers, one for the upstairs Sunday School room and one for the A/V loft.  Bobby has ordered two online for approximately $280.  They are quiet, cool to the touch, and safe. 

·         Roof Leaks - Paul Vance reported that we have recently had only one leak with the recent heavy rains, and it was in the computer room.  Sally reported that we have been told it would cost $3,000 to remove the solar panels for any needed roof repair.  Paul will continue to monitor and document where and when leaks occur.

·         Bug Extermination - Our recent outside spraying seems to have eliminated the bug problem.

·         Alarm System - Chris Metzler, Progressive's VP, looked at security needs in basement and sanctuary and will provide recommendations and a written bid.  Since the cable was run to the NE alley door, we have not had any problems with the security system failing. 

·         Door Fobs - Session approved the recommended $10 deposit fee (retroactively) for everyone using a fob.  Will cover replacement cost of any fob not returned.  Gary reported that there will be no deposit fee for BRPC employees or fobs issued for emergency purposes.

·         Document Shredding - We have received a quote from a company, but we cannot watch the shredding.  We will plan for a November 4 deadline for any BRPC members who wish to bring documents to be shredded to do so.  Paul Luce will pick up materials if contacted.  Paul will plan to arrange for an appointment to take the materials to the company to be shredded, with a target date of November 6.

·         Brightergy/Sunny Portal - Bobby shared with graphs that BRPC is still ahead on energy costs with the solar panels.

·         South Fence Repair - This will be an Eagle Scout project, most likely in November. 

·         BRPC Manual of Operations - Gary reported changes to numbers and small edits.  Committee members discussed and approved changes to building use fees.  Changes will go to Session.

·         Trash Bin Containment - The approved Eagle Scout project will start October 10 and continue on October 13.  Thus far, John Lark has gotten over $212 donations, but he is still short.  Gary will help with getting materials at a reduced rate.

New Business:

·         Donations - Donations of a pool table from Connie Oliver and tables/file cabinet from Avis Odenbaugh were discussed.  Bobby and Christi will look at the items, and the committee gratefully approves the donations pending those inspections.  Donation forms will be filled out.

·         North Exterior Lighting - Committee members discussed the continuous challenge of keeping the lighting on at the front of the building.  The need for either a new switch or entire box will be determined and addressed.

·         Dishwasher Instructions - Additional signage will be posted outlining the need to turn on hot water heaters well before time of use.

·         Lighting of Pulpit - Possible solutions were discussed further, and the committee will explore options.

·         Piano Needs - Questions were brought to the committee by Mike Pagan as to whether additional window sealing, insulating, and changes in the heat near the piano could be made to protect the piano and facilitate it staying in tune longer.  We will try to redirect the heat near the piano with vent guards.

·         Old Paint - Paul Vance reported that we still have several cans of old paint that need to be disposed of.  He will collect any remaining cans, and Paul Luce will set up an appointment with the local hazardous waste company and deliver them.

·         Snow Removal - Charlie Hartman can no longer remove our snow, as his work has changed.  Christi will contact two local men who do this kind of work and get quotes for the circle drive, alley, and parking lot with 3" or more snow.  Charlie did this for $250.

·         Water Bill Increase - It was reported that the water bill rate will increase by about 10%. 

·         Concrete Blocks - We will plan to keep the concrete blocks that Bob Fray has moved to the east fence line.  BRPC will find a use for them.

Christi closed the meeting with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Bobby Neal

Next Meeting:  Tuesday, November 3 at 7 PM