Progress continues as the merger steering committee has been meeting every two weeks at Trinity. We continue to supply required information to our attorneys. They are doing title searches andare preparing the merger documents for our approvals. We are also in the process of determining all of Trinity's assets.
With this merger Trinity will become a part of St Peters. We are working to be as sure as we can that there aren't any serious liabilities that could be a future burden to St Peters. Examples are such things as: any zoning violations, any environmental hazards, or any potential legal issues.
Arrangements have been made for the Trinity building inspection to occur on March 2, 2009. At its March meeting, the Northeastern PA Synod approved the following resolution:
"Resolved, that St Peter, Plainfield, and Trinity, Wind Gap, be given permission to merge at the current location of St Peter, upon positive votes of both congregations."
Special congregational meetings for both churches are being planned for May 17 to vote on the merger. Several people have asked us if St Peters can afford to pay for the upkeep of the Trinity building. Our answer at this point of our merger discussions is that, if necessary, we plan to temporarily (for up to two years) pay for the Trinity upkeep with money that Trinity already has. Financial evaluations are being performed to verify this for both the Trinity Church and the Wind Gap Cemetery.
We are looking at the Trinity Center as an opportunity for St Peters to expand our mission to serve. If it becomes apparent as we go through the two year holding period that we cannot create or develop a viable ministry for the Trinity Center we may be forced to sell the property. We have already been approached by several organizations that expressed an interest in the possibility of renting or purchasing the Trinity facility.
We hope this update helps. Please continue to ask questions, comment or raise any concerns that you have to any of the Steering Team Members. They are:
Trinity - Jewel Williamson-Burns, Joanne Bortz and Al Hendershot.
St. Peters - John Campbell, Pete Pennington and Jim Sandt
Pastor C. F. Terhune representing both congregations.
Approximately 54 St. Peter's members were in attendance
Joe Barabas called the meeting to order at 9:17 AM.
Since the following two issues are still outstanding we will not have a congregational vote today.
• Still need to do a complete audit of Trinity's 2008 financial records. The audit will be completed by a 3rd party.
• The building inspection has revealed a number of small, easy to fix concerns. However, the main concern is with the buried oil tank and the outdated furnace.
As to not rush the proceedings, we anticipate a merger vote to occur in September. Joe opened the floor for discussions and questions.
Questions: (Joe answered all questions)
• Should we consider selling the building due to the financial burden of maintenance?
Trinity has enough money in their account to keep the building updated for 2 years.
• What would we use the building for?
There has been discussion of a youth ministry programs, senior groups, etc. Over the next few months, we will challenge our committees to expand our future. Pete Pennington is looking into using it for self-standing ministries.
• Do we have to replace the oil tank that is removed?
Yes, two new tanks (275 gallons each) will be installed next to the furnace. Keep in mind, that since these repairs/updates will occur before the merger, Trinity will incur any costs related to the removal of the oil tank and the update to the furnace.
• How much does it cost to remove the tank?
Trinity received a quote of $1,000 if there are no leaks.
• How old is the building?
It was built in 1933 - the electrical has been updated.
• What is the push to dig up the oil tank - the DEP?
No, it is an unknown liability to St. Peter's. Blaine Reimer did a preliminary test to see if there wsa any leaking. Trinity is in agreement with St. Peter's to get rid of the liability before the merger. They have agreed to be fully responsible for all invoices incurred with the oil tank and furnace.
• How old is the oil burner?
1990 - Trinity has received two maintenance reviews from separate companies. Both agreed that the furnace does not need to be replaced, only repaired.
• What would be the ballpark estimate to switch the building to gas heat?
It is estimated at $14,000.
• Can we have an open house so that St. Peter's members can look and tour the building?
Great idea! Pastor will ask Trinity for an invitation.
• We have enough to take care of with St. Peter's building and grounds, why would we want to bring on another building with problems? Why aren't we putting a for sale sign on it?
This all takes time - again, if we merge with Trinity, they have enough money to maintain the building for 2 years.
• How large is their current congregation?
They currently have 44 members.
There were no more questions or comments. Jim Sandt made a motion to adjourn. Joe Free seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 AM.