Annual Report of the Facilities Board (2003-2004)

The Facilities Board (commonly known as The Board of Trustees) is a Board with a Mission to oversee the regular maintenance and care of First Parish Church’s buildings and grounds (Real Estate Property). The Facilities Board (FB) also oversees building use by church groups and other community organizations, and reviews First Parish Church (FPC) insurance requirements. The FB Goal is to act in alignment with the First Parish Church’s Mission Statement.

2003 – 2004 was an active and “Year of Change” for the FB. Completed Actions are listed below. All activities were funded by budget money, and donations by church members.

• A Ground-Water Problem occurred in the Boiler Room (below the Main Office) and an action plan was worked out and is due to be completed soon.
• The new Sanctuary Carpeting was installed (just prior to the Christmas Services), with other minor renovations scheduled for early Y2004.
• A window was added to the Associate Pastor’s Office, improving the lighting and ventilation.
• Repairs of Front Cement Stairs (Entrance to Currier, & Noyes) were made, which minimized ice build-up, reduced Safety Concerns, and improved the looks.
• A replacement of the Noyes Building “Back Cement Stairs” is underway and should be completed by July.
• Through coordination with the Board of Christian Education, Nutfield School, and the East Derry Fire Department, the requirements of the Facility Fire Evacuation Plan were fulfilled.
• With the “cleaning out” of the parking lot drainage system, we avoided the anticipated major Drainage Perimeter Excavation Project.
• Coordinated a Summer Cleaning Schedule w/ C&M.
• Overhauled to the Tower Clock. A maintenance schedule, performed by Paul Dionne, is in place. Further improvements are also being reviewed.
• Reviewed and approved all “Building Use” requests, and reissued a new form with a better tracking system for payments of the users.

New Members joined the FB this year. They were Bob Ward and Les Roy. Dan Allen remained an inactive FB member, while he assisted with running the Sunday Evening Service. Paul Dionne has acted as Dan’s alternate, until Dan’s contributions for the Sunday Evening Service are completed.

Thanks to Paul again helping out. The Weekday Custodial Assignment was fulfilled, this past year, by C&M Cleaning Service. They continue to be a proven & reliable provider. The majority of feedback supports that fact. The FB continues to review this approach and will make adjustments when it is in the best interest of FPC. Leo VanSteensburg fulfilled the general maintenance position and has done an outstanding job this past year. Rod Hunt has recently assumed the duties on a temporary basis, while the FB re-visits this approach. The Weekend Custodial Services also remain very well done.

The Facilities Board BUDGET was well managed and, we are happy to report, was “under-run” with money being returned back to the General Fund.

The Lawn Mowing and Parking Lot Snowplowing Services, with Thompson’s Lawn Care, have continued this past year. Thompson’s Service has been excellent and Mr. Thompson’s personal “Responsiveness” to our calls has been exceptional and extremely appreciated.

The Parsonage Committee did another excellent job managing the Parsonage Property. Issues with the new boiler have been worked out and the performance has been quite improved. The Roof & Structural Issues are continuing to consume a major portion of the resources, and the FB is providing technical support & guidance, as needed.

The Restoration Sub-Committee submitted an extensive Engineering Report to the Council with the Engineering Consultant’s recommendations for reinforcing the integrity of our historic building. Council has the project under consideration as to how to proceed with those improvements. The FB did speak to the Congregation dispelling any Safety Concerns and highlighted a 4-Phase Approach Plan.

Projects still in Planning Stages are:

• Design “Facility Storage Control Plan.”
• Improve “Facility Key(s) Control Plan.”
• Management of Bats Nesting in the Bell Tower and the Sanctuary Attic.
• Further improvements to the Conference Room.
• Replacement of the Sanctuary Furnace.

This coming April, 3 FB Members will not be returning. The Nominating Committee will welcome any volunteers to join this wonderful and vibrant group of people from our congregation. If interested, please contact either Sandy Carter or Bill Armstrong.

Respectfully submitted by FPC Facilities Board –
Jim Degnan, Rod Hunt, Paul Dionne – (for Dan Allen on leave), Bill Armstrong, Wendy Carter, Bob Ward, Les Roy, and Ed Sullivan.