Board of Trustees May 2026 Actions & News

Board of Trustees Resignation: Thanked Trustee Michael DeWitt for his service on the Board, upon receiving his resignation.

Board of Trustees Appointment:  Appointed Peter Boland to fill the Board vacancy until the February 2027 Board election.

UUA: Encouraged members to become delegates representing UUCB at the June 14-21Virtual UUA General Assembly.

2026-27 Budget: Approved a $1.3 million operating budget for a May 17 congregational vote. The budget was approved unanimously by the congregation, as was using a portion of a bequest to repay a loan from the Board-designated endowment to the Ministerial Housing Fund.

Stewardship:  Clarified that the Board’s role and relationship with the Stewardship Committee is in setting church vision – providing the “why” for generous giving, while the Minister holds responsibility for work of the Stewardship Committee.

Freestone maintenance: To fulfill responsibilities for road repairs, weed removal/fire safety, and other critical maintenance, authorized the expenditure of an additional $12,000, bringing the total budgeted amount to $24,000 – all of which would be repaid to the church in the event Freestone is sold.

In other Board news:

Freestone Discernment Task Force: The task force has completed its reflection phase and now will turn to engaging with UUCB groups and members to solicit ideas for the property’s sale or donation, along with honoring its history.

Board Retreat:  The Board initiated discussion and steps for strengthening focus on its visioning role and work.

 

Board of Trustees April 2026 Actions

Committee on Shared Ministry: Appointed Natalie Campbell

Calkins Trust: Authorized distribution of $7,500 in 2026

Nominating Committee: Recommended congregational affirmation of nominees:  Cynthia Asprodites and Kay Fairwell, to join Suzette Anderson-Duggan, Michael Armstrong, Paul Hudson, Sima Misra, Carisa Orwig, and Lorriane Schnurr.

Loan repayment: Recommended congregational approval to repay the loan from the Board-designated endowment to the ministerial housing fund using a portion of a recently-received bequest.

Policy considerations: Initiated discussion on how the Stewardship Committee fits into UUCB’s organizational structure, and on a policy for responding to external fundraising requests.

Board Actions for March 2026

Welcoming: The Board welcomed new Trustees Ryan Devine and Selene Fabiano, Board Secretary Beth Pollard, and the 18 new UUCB members who have joined since September 2025. Board Member Roles: With the new Board composition came re-assignments to Board Committees and task forces, as well as liaison roles that the Board revised to align with its governance role and responsibilities.

Calkins Trust: Appointed Anita Mermel to be a second trustee to administer this trust, alongside Anne Greenwood.