M I N U T E S
Rutland Center Church and Cemetery Committee

Monday, October 13, 2003: 2:00-3:30 p.m
Oregon Historical Society

A. Call to order by Mark Hanson, Assistant co-chairperson
1. Introduction of members present: Jennifer Ehle, Elinor Runney, Eileeen Fix, Cindy Bacon, Chuck Anthony, Mark Hanson, Clarence Runey, Gerald Neath and Rebecca DuBey.  Jean Hanson joined the group about 20 minutes late.

B. Brochure
1. Format and Content
a.  Committee was pleased with the changes that were made based on previous comments.
b.  Only the Mission Statement must be approved before the document is ready for printing.
2. Distribution
a.  We could include in mailing from the Town.
b.  Send to relatives of people buried in the cemetery 
c.  Posters with brochure in a pocket could be distributed around the area.
3. Printing
a.  Printer in Evansville will given non-profits 20% if there is no rush.
b.  Mark will check with Kinkos
c.  HP makes a brochure paper but inkjet ink is expensive and it takes a lot of labor to print hundreds of copies.
d.  Copy Max behind West Towne has good rates

C. Barneveld Church:    Cindy described the church for the group.
-The booklet that the Bacons brought back from the dedication was distributed for the committee to see.
-Mark will try to post selected pictures of that building in the next few days.
D. Long Term Plan
  1. Question: Do we hope to restore the church to its original condition or do we restore it to modern codes (bathrooms, kitchen, etc.).  The committee decided that it made sense to first restore it to its original condition and then discuss modernization after that.  It was pointed out that people could rent tents and portapotties to use the building in its original condition.

  2. Another privately owned church that is currently being used: Cooksville Church owned by Larry Reid.  Apparently individuals rent the building, which is said to be beautiful inside.

  3. Question: Could we put another small building on the back of the property?  The problem is that cemetery plots surround the church and there is no space to accommodate an out building.  That is one of the reasons why we were trying to obtain extra land from the Anthonys.

  4. Comments:
    1. A basement would help make a wedding a lot more feasible.
    2. Would be a shame to not use it because its such a beautiful place.
    3. Building a basement, adding bathrooms, hiring staff to maintain would be a huge expense.
    4. We are just a temporary committee, not owners.
    5. Could we sponsor a questionnaire asking Rutland township families if they would use the facility?  The committee agreed that this is a possibility.  It could be sent in February with the township annual newsletter, along with a copy of our brochure.  Gene DuBey has some experience writing questionnaires... must be careful on how its written.  Others could do that too.
    6. Could professionals at Old World Wisconsin give us some ideas?
    7. There are many people who are not affiliated with any church who might use the facility at time of need.
    8. Perhaps we are at the point where we need figures.
    9. Could do the project in stages.
    10. May not need to do a questionnaire before proceeding with the project.
    11. Have been advised to not spend too much on publicity.  Get to it!

F. Mission Statement
1. Should be approved by the Town Board.
2. Says we're going to "secure funding" so that the Board can do a number of things.
3. Two or three of us should take the mission statement to the Town Board for approval
4. Some concern that we're spinning our wheels, talking too much and not getting much done.
5. After discussion, the Committee instructed Becca and Mark to meet and work out a compromise version of the mission statement.   Mark and Jean will then distribute copies via email or letter to the committee for comment.  The hope is to have consensus by the next meeting.

F. Priorities -- The Committee agreed that we must:
1. Get Board approval of the mission statement.
2. Get bids for new general external repair, foundation, windows, porch, painting, railing and ramp.  This is all for external appearance.  Windows should be single pane and thermopane.
3. All items added to the building must be "historically accurate."   This may depend on whether the township wants to go for historical registry or not.
4. The value of having a building registered must be discussed.  Becca does not know all of the ins and outs of registry.  There are people who do assessments who can tell us about level of quality that's appropriate for a registered building.
5. We need to identify individuals who might be able to help us get the work done.  Jennifer knows a person who might help us with the evaluation.

G. Next meeting: Nov. 3, 2003 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Prepared by Mark Hanson

Return to Minutes Index