At the July 29th Board of Directors meeting, we planned the August 1st Congregational Meeting that was held after service via zoom. Meeting purpose is to present the findings from discussions with building inspectors, realtors, architects and an engineer that led us to propose that UUFF sell the Annex Property in order to provide funds in the coming years to repair and maintain the main Fellowship building.
At the congregational meeting, Leanda explained the details of the inspector’s report on the Annex building. Elizabeth reviewed our current financial status, and Joe gave an overview of the options available to us at this time. Fawn sent out informational emails/paper mailings as appropriate (as some members are unable to use internet) with paper/online ballots to vote.
According to our By-Laws, a two-thirds majority vote by UUFF members is required to sell UUFF land or buildings. As we discussed in the congregational meeting on August 1st, the Board proposed that we sell the annex property and earmark the proceeds from the sale for maintenance of and/or improvements to the main building. The recommendation by the Board to list the Annex Property for sale came after 2+ years of discussion and careful study of UUFF’s financial situation and our current needs and from recognizing (following a thorough professional inspection report) that the annex building, as it stands, is not only unfit for use, but is a liability and safety hazard.
Of our 100 verified UUFF members, eighty-nine (89) total voted – with seventy-nine (79) voting to approve listing the annex property for sale, four voting to not approve, and six abstaining from voting. Sixty-seven (67) votes were required to pass, so the proposal has passed.
As discussed during the congregational meeting, this listing/selling process will be handled thoughtfully, and the Board will explore the different options carefully in consideration of our UU principles.
Thanks to everyone who voted.
Burnetta Hinterthuer, Board President
