Planning Committee Meeting

Minutes 10/10/07
 


Present:  Fr Jim, Paul Fitzpatrick, Larry Tewey, Jim Wezensky, Chuck & Mary Lou Villa,Charlie & Mary Alice Woerner, Debbie Knarr, Nadine McGrady, John Wynne, Jim Lee

Absent:  Cheryl Davis, Charlie & Mary Alice Woerner, Ray Beattie, Barb Burg
 
Jim Lee welcomed Mr. Henry Harris, AIA, of Wm. Henry Harris & Associates, Inc. to the meeting on behalf of the Planning Committee.

Mr. Harris was given a brief tour of the property which included pointing out some of the major safety concerns prior to the meeting.  He was also was given a copy of the Vision Statement to help him gain a better understanding of our goals.

Jim led the team in an opening prayer.
 

Mr. Harris began by telling the team about the firm.  He stated that his firm primarily does church work.  They have been involved with over 200 church projects in Virginia.  Mr. Harris prepared a power point presentation beginning with an overview.

Some examples of work done included the following: Our Lady of Lourdes Church, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Christ Church, St. David's Episcopal Church, Church of the Visitation, St. Matthias Episcopal Church, Singleton Chapel, and York Minister Presbyterian Church.

The Firm's Master Planning process was quite typical: analyze existing facilities, analyze current programs, evaluate projected programs, evaluate existing facilities capabilities, determine need for new facilities or adaptive reuse of existing facilities, and develop a plan for program growth.

Mr. Harris talked about how the firm would work with the Parish to develop a Master Plan. The Master Plan would feature: a program covering the available space, space use options, site recommendations, cost, phasing, and fund raising materials.  If desired they can provide documents for construction or act as our agent to contract work needed. 

The team asked Mr. Harris several questions pertaining to how a Master Plan would address parishioners concerns including drainage and safety.

Mr. Harris concluded with answering more questions. Jim Lee indicated that we would get back with him regarding our decision.  Everyone thanked Mr. Harris for coming and for providing an excellent presentation.  

Old Business:

Jim asked everyone if they had received the draft minutes from Oct 2nd 2007.  He asked if there were any corrections or changes that needed to be made.  A motion was made by John Wynne to approve the minutes, it was seconded by Jim Wezensky.  The minutes were approved.

Jim asked everyone if they were prepared to proceed with the selection process after listening to the third presentation.  Everyone agreed that we should proceed to the next step.  Some discussion followed regarding the merits of each presentation.  A general consensus was formed regarding the preference of each firm.  A motion was made by Chuck Villa to approve the selection of Mr. Harris & Associates, it was seconded by Jim Wezensky.  The selection was unanimously approved.

 
New Business:

 
The team will meet Oct 24th 2007.

Fr. Jim led the team in a closing prayer.

 Note:  No additional responses to the Vision Statement have surfaced since the announced cut off date of Sept. 30th 2007.  All of the responses have been posted to the web site.  We have made no attempt to censor any of the comments received.  It is however disturbing and very disappointing to find comments that are used to personally attack individuals.  Such comments are highly discouraged and do not reflect or represent our Christian values of respect.