ARCHDIOCESE OF PITTSBURGH AND WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

ARCHDIOCESAN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

9 SEPTEMBER 2009

A meeting of the Archdiocesan Council took place at the Cranberry Township Diocesan Center on September 9, 2009. His Grace, Bishop MELCHISEDEK called the meeting to order with prayer at 6:35 PM.

In addition to His Grace, the following members of the Archdiocesan Council were present: Archpriest Paul Ziatyk (Chancellor); Archpriests/Priests Igumen Patrick (Carpenter), W. Evansky, D. Hendershot, G. Johnson, J. Kopcha, J. Wargo, G. Yatsko, M. Zahirsky; Fr. Deacon J. Mell; Messrs. G. Avdakov, S. Daniels, E. Markoff, G. Nescott, (Subd.) J. Schultz, G. Sidorick, R. Skvir. Excused: Frs. J. Govrusik, A. Matychak, J. Reeves; Subd. E. O’Brien.

1.         A motion was made (Fr. Zahirsky/ G. Sidorick) to waive the reading of the August 12, 2009 meeting minutes and accept them as e-mailed. Motion passed unanimously.

2.         Bishop MELCHISEDEK then reviewed some of the decisions reached at the Holy Synod meeting held earlier in September as well as issues to be clarified at the regular meeting of the Holy Synod later in September. The Holy Synod will meet in session in Syosset as well as jointly with the Metropolitan Council.

3.         The recently purchased 2008 Grand Prix automobile was delivered and is currently in the Diocesan Center garage ready to be used.

4.         The status of the St. Michael (Reed Street, Pittsburgh) property was reviewed. Igumen Patrick (Carpenter) distributed a written report concerning the status of both the financials and property. It was reported that the Trek Development Group had made a preliminary bid of $250,000.00. The proposal included a $250.00 payment for the first six months to hold the property; $1,000.00 to continue the hold for a second six month period; and $5,000.00 for the hold to continue for a third six month period. It was reported that Trek Development Group sees the church property as part of a larger area development, including the adjacent school.                             

Bishop MELCHISEDEK noted the possibility of developing our own plan with the church property and school - possibly included could be an O.C.F. center and senior citizen housing. The possibility of obtaining a donor to finance this concept is being explored by the bishop. The consensus was not to offer a counter offer to the Trek bid at this time.

A discussion concerning the property’s financial accounts resulted in a motion being made and then quickly withdrawn concerning placement of the funds. Next, a motion (Igumen Patrick (Carpenter)/ G. Nescott) was made to close the low interest-bearing St. Michael certificate of deposit, transfer approximately $5,000.00 to the St. Michael checking account for maintenance of the building through 2010, and the balance be provided to the Archdiocesan Treasurer to create a new high yield CD to benefit the Archdiocese. Motion passed unanimously.

5.         A preliminary written 2009 Diocesan Family Day event report provided by Archdiocesan Treasurer Fr. Dennis Hendershot was reviewed - a record income was reported. It was noted that the final figure should be higher since some money for raffles is still outstanding.

6.         The proposed 2009-2010 diocesan budget as prepared by the Budget Committee was presented and discussed at length. It was the consensus to add an “Education Funding” line item under “C. Education.” This line item is to be funded from an existing account earmarked for educational purposes. Also discussed was whether the item for “Synod expenses” was sufficient. However, the item was left untouched with modifications in spending made throughout the fiscal year as deemed necessary. A motion (Igumen Patrick (Carpenter)/ S. Daniels) was made to accept the proposed budget (as modified) for a positive recommendation to the November 7, 2009, Diocesan Assembly in Charleroi, PA. Motion passed unanimously.

7.         A motion (Fr. J. Wargo/ E. Markoff) was made to contract with “Orthodox Web Solutions” to host the diocesan web site. Motion passed unanimously.

8.         It was reported that the repair to the retaining wall at the Diocesan Center was still in the process of being accomplished.

9.         The Chancellor noted …  

            * … that some parishes still need to return the census form; he hoped they would do so promptly so the numbers could be compiled and reported to the Archdiocesan Council in the near future;

            * … that the certification form for delegates to attend the November 7, 2009, Diocesan Assembly at the Holy Trinity Parish (Charleroi, PA) will be mailed soon to the parishes;

             * … that the annual Stewardship Appeal letter was sent to the parishes and will be mailed to the laity shortly.

10.       A motion (J. Schultz/ Igumen Patrick (Carpenter)) was made to purchase a G.P.S. unit for the new diocesan vehicle. Motion passed unanimously.

11.       A motion (Fr. J. Kopcha) to adjourn was made at 8:30 PM; the meeting closed with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Archpriest William J. Evansky

Secretary