[Fuusm-l] Regarding Buildings and Grounds, from Joe Baker

[Dawn Hewitt, FUUSM office assistant]

There is an effort afoot to re-energize our FUUSM Buildings & Grounds
Committee (B&G). As part of this effort, B&G is seeking to attract a few
new dedicated members who may have a general sense of "how things work," or
who may simply want to learn about and contribute to B&G activities and
responsibilities. We have been blessed with a number of longtime veterans
who have a lot of institutional knowledge about the Church, the RE
Building, and the Grounds around our buildings. I have spoken to most
of these folks and they are willing to stay active on the committee
in order to acclimate new folks coming on.

B&G activities are based around various projects that need attention in and
near our historic properties. We have a huge advantage currently because we
have two individuals who keep a very close eye on issues
that sometimes arise simply from careful observation. Wendy Paskawych is
the FUUSM Building Steward. She does an awesome job with weekly cleaning
and maintenance chores and has been instrumental in forwarding issues
that B&G needs to look at to Dawn Hewitt, the FUUSM Office Assistant. Dawn
then forwards information from Wendy to the appropriate B&G source for
further attention. This is a crucial step in getting the right people
involved.

B&G can then look at the situation and determine whether it is an in-house
job or if outside contractors need to be approached for cost estimates. If
estimates are submitted, B&G can evaluate each bid and determine which
contractor offers the best value for the project. If it is a
significant project and additional funding is required (beyond funds
available in the B&G operating budget), B&G can send a request for funding
to the Board of Trustees. If the Board approves the request, it will be
forwarded to the Board of Trust Governors for an approval of funding from
the FUUSM Trust or the Ting Trust.

That sounds like a long and complicated procedure, but having that process
in place ensures that there is no wasteful or unnecessary spending from our
trust funds. It also provides reassurance to B&G members that the work
they do on a project is not wasted at the last minute due to a lack of
funds.  Thankfully, FUUSM has these two trust funds, established in part
to help finance needed upkeep, maintenance, and improvement. This procedure
has been working successfully for years and it is a vital function
within our congregation.

B&G's regular schedule consists of a monthly meeting, either in-person or
via Zoom, or both. The next one will be an informational gathering for
current B&G members and for those interested in possibly becoming a member.
A date and time for that meeting will be announced for the latter part of
January 2026. With an effective chairperson (or possibly co-chairs), the
regular committee meetings can be focused and efficient, not nearly as long
winded as this description has been. B&G is looking for a few folks to step
up and join in the work of preserving our historic properties. Please me (
jbaker0509 at gmail.com) if you "feel the call," or text or call my cell phone
at 740-434-3839.

Thank you very much,
Joe Baker
for the Buildings & Grounds Committee

-- 
Dawn Hewitt
Office assistant
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Marietta
232 Third St.
Marietta, OH 45750
(740)373-1238
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m.--2 p.m.
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