JUDSON NEWS FLASH April 28, 2020

April 28, 2020

What’s Happening?

At its April 21, 2020 meeting, the Judson Council focused on the process for conducting Judson business in the time of COVID-19. The Council passed two motions that address business that would normally be considered during an annual business meeting. The highlights of these two motions are:

• To notify and inform  the congregation (via this news flash and an early-May mailing) of a project to replace the flat roof over the Judson Preschool and install solar panels on the new roof, and to solicit approval of this project from the congregation through mail-in ballots due in the office by May 25, 2020. (See section below “What Does the Judson Council Want from You?” for more information about how this will work.)
• To postpone the adoption of a 2020-2021 budget and election of new Judson Council and committee members until about August 1, at which time we hope to be able to gather again for an actual meeting. The current Council and committee members will continue to serve until that time, and the current budget will serve as a guide for spending in the interim.

What’s Going On With the Roof?

The flat roof over the Judson Preschool needs to be replaced. Why?

• The current roof is 30+ years old. Replacement is due under normal circumstances, but in the last few years it has frequently leaked during rains. Several valiant attempts to stop the roof from leaking have been made by the Property Committee and professional roofers. There is general agreement that the roof has seen its day.
• Solar panel contractors have told us that we must replace the roof before the panels can be installed, but as noted above we need to replace the roof regardless of the solar opportunity.
• We anticipate the cost of a new roof to be in the $90,000 to $110,000 range based on the bids received so far. The Finance committee believes that by using some of our Property Reserve Funds in combination with our line of credit we can finance the roof project without conducting a capital campaign.

What You Need to Know About the Solar Project.

This is a fortuitous time to pursue the potential of creating some of our own energy through the use of solar panels:

• First and foremost, reducing Judson’s carbon footprint is consistent with the desire to be good stewards of the earth. The 50^th anniversary of Earth Day seems like a good time to be acting on this possibility.
• Our relationship with Minnesota Inter-Faith Power and Light has enabled us to partner with other churches and non-profits to create an economically viable coalition of solar energy users. This opportunity is available now at favorable terms with Xcel Energy.
• Loans to purchase and install the solar equipment emanate from the Minnesota Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program at a moderate rate of interest.
• Projected energy cost savings resulting from installing solar panels on the flat roof above the Judson Pre-school will be more than sufficient to pay for the PACE loan.
• We must have a signed contract in place with the solar installers by May 31 in order to be eligible for the terms currently available. Delaying could reduce our savings.

What Does the Judson Council Want from You?

We will mail you additional details in early May (including a Q&A) about the solar project and roof replacement. The mailing will also include an appropriate motion printed on a mail-in ballot. Please:

• Read the information about the benefits of installing solar panels on the new roof, focusing on how the opportunity exists now, on the potential energy savings to Judson, and on the benefits to the environment.
• Read the information about the need for replacing the roof and how it will be financed.
• Consider attending one of the information sessions that are being planned via Zoom.
• Mail your completed ballot back to Judson so that it is received by May 25.

The Two-Month Committee and Budget Extension

The Judson Council recognizes this is a challenging time in many ways for all people, and the challenge trickles down to the level of deciding on a 2020-2021 expense budget and slate of officers and committee members in a manner consistent with our practices and values. Our intent is to conduct Judson’s business in such a manner that includes as many people as possible during a time when we cannot gather. As a result, the Judson Council has voted to implement what might be called a “continuing resolution” which pushes the formal 2020-2021 budget and committee slate decisions off until the first part of August, when we hope to be able to meet again in person. In the meantime, the current Judson Council and committee members will stay in place and spending will continue at the level adopted in the 2019-2020 budget. If we still cannot meet in early August, an alternative approach to soliciting your input and vote on church officers and expense budget will be implemented.

We know this alternative process is not what we are accustomed to. We are trying to be consistent with spirit of the Judson Constitution regarding decision making but are somewhat hindered by the effects of the coronavirus. Thank you for your understanding, patience, and action in this time. We are blessed to be in such good company.

Travis Norvell, Pastor: Brad Joern, Moderator; Judson Council Members