Minutes of December 17, 2003

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Gary Loertscher. Members present were: Gary Loertscher, Barb Wachter, Teri Nolden, Joe Donlin, Gary Zieger, Ken Klink, Jerry Remy, Ray and Ann Legris, Torey Schauff, Steve Rohde, Joan Hollis, Bob Hoffman, Mike Warmuth, Jim Kniffin, Jerry Jansen, Doug Waelti, Kay Parish, Yogi Brown, and Carla Wolf.

kk opened with a prayer.

Gary Loertscher introduced John Richert of Phoenix Fundraising Counsel, Ltd. John presented an overview of the Feasibility Study giving preliminary impressions and answering questions. His remarks included:

· To date, 114 responses have been gathered; 48 by interview and 66 through surveys. The goal is to gather 200 responses. Surveys have been sent to all families not interviewed. Surveys are due by December 19^th.

· There is overwhelming admiration for kk in his role as pastor.

· There appears to be no significant “counter movement” to the plan to build; much information is begin received on what to build and how to build.

· Though the highest number of responses is from Belleville, many have come from surrounding communities; people are attracted from a wide geographic area to St. Mary and St. James.

· Respondents have been very open.

· Most respondents indicate there is a need to build; the diocese-clustering plan is cited as the primary reason to build.

· Many parishioners have indicated a willingness to volunteer in a capital fund campaign.

· Only a few respondents have indicated they will not give money for a building project.

· Many people, including a number of planning committee members, have been recommended for leadership roles in a capital fund campaign.

· John’s impression is that we are 90% unified in the need to build.

· John will issue the Feasibility Study Report to kk by January 1^st. It will analyze and show evidence of:

1. Confidence in the parish and its leadership.

2. Perception of the need to build.

3. Availability of leadership.

4. Indication of sufficient fundraising potential.

The report will also identify possible barriers to the building process, indicate whether there is potential for significant funding sources, and recommend a schedule on which to proceed.

The next Planning Committee meeting will be on Monday, January 5, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall. John Richert will present an overview of the Feasibility Study.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

NOTE:

· A special thanks you goes to Pauline Fahey for contacting people to set up interviews for the Feasibility Study. John Richert said they have never worked with anyone that set up the interview schedule faster or more efficiently. No one would say “no” to Pauline. Thanks, Pauline.

· Thanks to kk and the Planning Committee for moving things along without skipping a beat when Gary was occupied with caring for his parents.

· Thanks to all of the volunteers that helped with the Feasibility Study process, especially mailing of the surveys.