PRESENT: 47 members and one non-voter signed the sign-in sheet, which is attached

Called to order at 11:38 am, Mike Briggs, President, presiding.

Ken Skog presented the following resolution and moved its acceptance, seconded by Mary Lou Diehl:

“RESOLVED: that the Society shall offer the position of quarter-time consulting minister for a period beginning November 1 2006 and ending June 30 2008 to the Rev. Ralph Tyksinski, and that the Board is authorized to determine the terms of a contract with the Rev. Tyksinski with annualized financial packages of not more than $18,000 through June 30 2007 and not more than $19,800 for the period July 1 2007 through June 30 2008.”

There were questions and discussion. In response to questions regarding the proposed financial package, Dirk Herr-Hoyman, Treasurer, responded that it is within what was budgeted for this year, and would presumably continue to be so if pledging continues at least at the current rate. Ken indicated that the financial package is within UUA guidelines. It was also noted that Rev. Tyksinski has already attended our retreat and multiple committee and other meetings. Regarding how often he would be speaking and/or presiding at our services, this is to be worked out in discussion with the Program Committee and Committee on Ministry, with attention to balancing this with the other tasks and roles expected of a quarter-time position.

Voting was done by paper ballot, with results being announced later in the meeting. The resolution passed, with 44 yes votes, two no votes, and one abstaining. Ken will call Rev. Tyksinski regarding this.

Mike announced that by petition of at least ten members as the bylaws require, a second item has been added to the agenda. Sarah Lord, representing the Social Action Committee, presented the following resolution and moved its acceptance, seconded by Barb Park:

“RESOLVED: that Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society of Madison is opposed to returning the death penalty to Wisconsin. The willful taking of a human life by the state violates our belief in the intrinsic worth of every human being. We believe the state should continue to impose nonviolent penalties for violent crimes to set a positive example aimed at reducing the violence in our society. We believe capital punishment degrades and brutalizes any society which practices it. We find the death penalty particularly abhorrent because it is based on an unjustified assumption of infallibility in the process of determining guilt, with the greatest risk of error being borne by those who are economically disadvantaged. We find the death penalty wholly unacceptable, whether imposed to prevent repetition of a crime by an individual, as a deterrent to others, or as social retribution.”

Following discussion, voting was done by paper ballot. The resolution passed, with 42 yes votes, three no votes, and none abstaining.

Al Nettleton expressed gratitude to the Minister Search Committee.

Adjourned at 12:07 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Jerry Simmons, Secretary