Called to order at 2:09 p.m. Jean introduced all those in attendance.
The group briefly discussed the sign at the church, its origin and the possible location of the original church records.  It was noted that church records often revert to the home church office.  We agreed that someone should contact the Methodist office in Sun Prairie.

2.   Discussion of progress made so far.

Report on meeting with Rutland Town Board on March 4.   See handout.

The committee discussed the lot at the corner of Rome Corners Road and Hwy 14.  Jean mentioned that we would like to buy the land. It is low and small. She believes we should find out if its buildable, and to what extent. DOT and the town probably can give us some answers on this.  Drive way access is also a concern.

Jennifer Ehle has an uncle who is a lawyer who will review this question .  It was pointed out that the town is responsible as far as liability goes.  They must have a policy requiring a signed form or insurance in place to cover.

Tax exemption for gifts to the Friends organization needs to be explored.  The question is would money given to the Friends group be accepted as a tax deduction by the IRS?  Someone needed to research this.

It was suggested that we have a newspaper article written. We agreed that we need to do more research before calling the media.

Need to get layout drawing of old town.  Sharon George is said to have published such a drawing in the paper Jerry will contact her. He has copy from newspaper.

Must be able to document who is buried in the cemetery before it can be registered with the National Registry.

Question: As we gather information, where will it be stored?  Oregon Historical Society?  The Church itself?  Becca says that they would be happy to house our records .

Ruth Ann Montgomery....Dane County Rootsweb site. Said to have information about people buried in Rutland.

Jennifer Ehle will write press releases for Capital Times, Evansville paper and others .

During the meeting a number of people volunteered for tasks on the task list. See that list.

Mark will call Capital Times.  Have Jerry, Jennifer, Jean Chuck, and others meet the author at the church.

Jerry will go through all his material and organize a timeline of the information he has.

Joan suggested that we become a project May 13-17 for State Historic Preservation Week.  She is on the Village of Oregon Historic Preservation Commission.  We will nominated to be the recipient of their focus.  Submit to the state.  Will give us lots of publicity.

Should check with the Oregon and Brooklyn Methodist Churches to see what they know of the Rutland Center Church and how they might want to be involved in our project.

History and Restoration committees want to do study of the building soon.  Need a structural engineer. Melissa Destree is a designer, architect.  Cindy has some people in mind that might be able to help.

3.   Development of more complete Task List . See www.rutlandchurch.org/tasks.htm

4.   Discussion of subcommittee structure
              Suggested and approved by members present:

History Cemetery Church Restoration

Grant & Finance Public Information Legal

5.   Assignment of subcommittee chairpeople and committee members

History	Chairpersn: Jerry Neath, with Becca Dubey, Joan Gefke & Jerry Neath
Cemetery/Genealogy	Chairperson: Jennifer Ehle with Joan Gefke
Church Restoration	Chairperson: Cindy Bacon with becca Dubey
Grants & Finance	Chairperson: Myron Bacon
Public Information	Chairperson: Mark Hanson with Jennifer Ehle
Legal	Chairperson: Chuck Anthony

6.   Assignment to individual tasks: See Task List

7.   Next meeting: Friday, April 25 at 3:00-4:30 p.m. at the Historical Society Museum. 159 W. Lincoln in Oregon.