August 29, 2010 Called Session Meeting

Attending Elders:  Ford Heath, Lynne Hoerter, Marcia Ladd, Michelle Morehouse, Jerry Wehmueller, Jack Zollinger (Treasurer), Mindy Douglas Adams (moderator), Mary Donna Pond (clerk)

 

The meeting was called to order at 9:45 a.m.  in the art room at North Chatham School.  Mindy opened the meeting with prayer.  A quorum was declared.  The purpose of the meeting was to hear a report and act on two motions from the Building Planning Committee.   

Lynne explained that the committee experienced growing dissatisfaction with our architect, Gray Hudson of WKWW.  The committee was unhappy with his visual renderings, that effective communication was lacking, and most importantly his cost estimates continue to exceed our budget.  Therefore, the committee asked the Session to approve dissolving the contract with WKWW and Riggs-Harrod, the design-build team we have been using.   Responding to a question about the financial loss involved in ending this contract, Lynne reported that we will have spent about $14,000 so far in lost cost.  After some brief discussion, the Session approved the motion unanimously.

Lynne presented a second motion, to enter into a contract with local architect Keith Shaw, starting with the schematic phase.  Mr. Shaw has agreed to serve as the project architect for a flat fee of $50,000.  Since this fee is not a percentage of the building cost, as was WKWW’s fee, we should recover the entire $14,000 spent previously in savings.  Mr. Shaw will also let bids for the construction which may also result in overall project savings.  Lynne talked about Mr. Shaw’s presentation to the committee, his understanding of what we envision as our "chapel" in the pines, his interest in caring for the land and recommendation to have a topographical survey done to assist in more environmentally-aware building siting, etc.  The fact that he is local will also allow him to be on site during construction more often than a Charlotte-based architect.  He told the committee he can have plans ready in 3-4 months so that construction can begin in early 2011.  After brief discussion, the Session approved the motion unanimously.

Ford agreed to assist Lynne in a conference call to Gray Hudson and a follow-up letter ending our relationship with the firm.  After this has been done, an announcement will be made to the congregation.

Following a closing prayer, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Mary Donna Pond,  Clerk                Mindy Douglas Adams, Moderator

 

Approved by Session September 12, 2010