B & G Update: June 28, 2015

SENIOR WARDEN’S BUILDINGS & GROUNDS ADDRESS TO BOTH SERVICES   – JUNE 28, 2015

Good Morning!

I am here today to update you on all things Buildings and Grounds.

ITEM # 1  --  HAFER HOUSE

Since the all-parish decision at the Annual Meeting to sell Hafer House, we have made progress at bureaucratic pace! 

Three things are needed before Hafer House can be put on the market:

  1. a legal survey.  CHECK!  The survey is complete.
  2. a lot line adjustment to sell the practical legal minimum and retain maximum property for St. Mark’s.  HALF A CHECK!  The application has been filed with the City of Medford.
  3. an appraisal so we can set a price.  HALF A CHECK!  An appraiser has been selected and stands ready to work once the lot line adjustment is approved by the City.

ITEM # 2  --  HOW WILL WE REPLACE OUR OFFICES WHEN HAFER HOUSE SELLS?

In March, the vestry hired Gene Abell to be our architect for future building projects.  He has guided the Architect’s Committee through his fast-paced process of identifying St. Marks’ building needs for the next 15 years.  His analogy of a 30,000 foot aerial view is a good illustration of the generality of this process.  The committee has dedicated more than 100 hours to this work.  Fortunately, only Gene’s time is billable! 

On June 30th, the committee will offer its recommendations to the vestry and Gene will be present to answer questions.  A decision regarding those recommendations is scheduled for the July vestry meeting.

ITEM # 3  --  OUR OUTDOOR SPACE

No doubt you noticed walking into church this morning that our flower beds are in a state of upheaval!  This is progress in a plan to remove unhealthy and overgrown bushes, slope the beds for improved drainage and augment the soil for healthier growth.  The irrigation system has been overhauled just in time for this heat wave.  Hooray!  Soon an insulating layer of mulch will help retain water and protect the plants.

In the next couple weeks an arborist will trim our trees to ensure their health and our safety from potential falling limbs.  And we will address the uneven bricks in the courtyard.

ITEM # 4  --  OUR WORSHIP SPACE

Maintenance of our worship space has been deferred for many years.  To be good stewards of this nearly 100-year-old building, we will upgrade our electrical, heating and sound systems, paint, care for our pews,  and attend to our flooring.  Upgrades to the narthex will make it more spacious and welcoming.

A multi-year plan to care for our stained glass will commence once all other improvements are complete.

Before work begins, the altar, pews, piano and all furniture will be relocated, the organ will be protected and we will move our worship to the parish hall.

We are presently in the bidding process so there is not yet a timetable for this work.

That leads me to . . .

ITEM # 5  --  KEEPING YOU INFORMED

Starting next Sunday, Buildings and Grounds updates will appear in the Sunday announcement insert.  The very same updates will be included in the Thursday Email blast and will be posted on our website. 

On the St. Mark’s Home Page, click on the News/Information tab, then click on Buildings & Grounds.

This address has already been posted and is available for your review.

I wish you grace and peace,

Penny