Date: May 06, 2019
To: Sally Idemoto
From Joyce Iwasaki
Re: Board Highlights
Dear Sally ~
Please include the May Board Highlights in the June issue of the Dharma.
Thank you!
Joyce
Betsuin Board Highlights
San Jose Betsuin Board of Directors Meetings
Thursday May 02, 2019
submitted by Joyce Iwasaki
Mission Statement
The mission of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin is to learn and to share the Jodo Shinshu understanding of the Three Treasures
Buddha, Dharma and Sangha
The intent of the Betsuin Board Highlights is to inform the Sangha of Board actions, decisions, special events and projects. Please contact the Betsuin Board officers, directors or the ministers for details on any item.
Motions
It was moved/seconded/passed to accept the April Board Meeting Minutes as amended.
It was moved/seconded/passed to not to refinish the gym floor for approximately $17,000 - $20,000. The annual process of cleaning and waxing will continue.
It was moved/seconded/passed to extend the contract with Treanor for an additional $2260 to work on an historical analysis of the hondo, office, annex, education building, two residential structures on Fourth Street, and the Sixth Street Building. This brings the total cost of this study to $7260. Last month, the Board approved allocating $5000.
It was moved/seconded/passed to contract with CAW Architects (Chris Wasney) to work on general concept drawings for the adjacent parcels (education building, the cottage, the four residential parcels on Fourth and Fifth streets for a fee of $5000.
It was moved/seconded/passed to send the Tsumura Family $100 koden upon the passing of Mrs Teruko Tsumura.
It was moved/seconded/passed to establish a Little Free Library.
It was moved/seconded/passed to co-sponsor the Suzume no Gakko Open House in the annex on July 18, 2019.
Special Guest Presentations
Lindsay Mune, Suzume no Gakko representative, thanked the Board for approving their previous request for the use of the Annex for their July 18, 2019 Open House event. She shared the challenge of Suzume no Gakko of upholding the rental fee obligation and came with suggestions and solutions to this issue. Lindsay proposed an alternative payment of perhaps half covered by fees and the other half by a list of service projects that will benefit the temple. After Board discussion, it was decided to co-sponsor this event. As a co-sponsor, the rental fees are waived.
Property Management Report
Education Building Parking Lot
Yellow traffic barriers were installed between dirt lot and concrete parking lot surface. These barriers are portable and can be removed if necessary for Obon. This is intended to prevent people from walking through this transition region which is very slippery. A walkway using a single stair was built to provide pedestrian access. This region has proven to be problematic because of the loose rocks.
Gym Parking Lot
A semi-permanent water drain system was installed along the fence on the south side. This will be used during Obon to connect all sinks on that side to the drain. Currently, the drain system is re-installed every year prior to Obon.
Gym
Currently, when a movie is shown in the gym during the day, a temporary screen is placed on the windows above the classrooms to reduce ambient light. This is a very tedious task and a new method needs to be developed.
Little Cottage
In preparation for the arrival of the new minister, the need for a replacement refrigerator/freezer and washer/dryer was identified. Because of the cost, we will likely purchase fully functional used appliances. General cleanup will be completed soon.
Salt Lake Ct. Parsonage
We have completed some minor repairs to the house. All carpets have been cleaned using a carpet cleaner, but a general overall cleaning should also be completed. All appliances are in working condition. Most rooms are adequately furnished, although the family room sofas should be replaced.
The level of work and/or new furniture will depend upon the final decision of the new minister on a preference of residence.
Minister Report
New Car
A Prius Prime was purchased last week for Rinban Sakamoto for $30,386.90. The plan is to have the new minister to use the old Prius.
A Little Free Library
Rinban requested that the Betsuin establish a Little Free Library as a way to share books. People can exchange a book and replace it with another. Sandy Imai, the Dharma School Librarian, offered to manage this concept. Rinban will ask Stan Kawamata about helping with construction.
Rev Carol Himaka
There were about 15 SJ Betsuin Sangha members who attended the April 13th SACB’s Benefit Luau to help Rev Himaka cover some of her medical expenses. The Betsuin presented her a with $2000 gift ($1000 Board approved amount and $1000 Hanamatsuri Service osaisen collection) along with personal gifts. Rev Himaka attended the event and is now able to talk and walk with a walker.
Ministerial Affairs Committee
The MAC Members are analyzing Betsuin Minister Compensation data and is using the BCA Ministerial Affairs Committee recommended guidelines. Long Term Disability Insurance coverage is also being considered.
Special Events
The Special Events Committee helped with hospitality at the FDSTL conference. Special thanks to Emi Tsutsumi, Jacque Yamaguchi, Sangha Support and all the other volunteers who helped with food items, set up and clean up.
The Board and DSPO are hosting a Dharma School Teachers Appreciation luncheon on Sunday June 09, 2019.
The Betsuin Keiro Kai is set for Sunday September 29, 2019.
Coast District Council
BCA Selection of the Next Bishop
BCA Selection of the New Bishop process has begun with each BCA District Ministers Association nominates at least one and no more than three candidates. Each BCA District will nominate a district representative to serve on the selection committee. At the April 25, 2019 CDC meeting, Linda Kadani of the Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple was elected as Coast District representative. The selection process will go through several steps before the new Bishop takes office on April 01, 2020.
Nembutsu Family Conference
The Nembutsu Family conference is scheduled for Sunday October 18, 2020 at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple. The committee will take into consideration of incorporating the original conference concept of including organizations to have their workshops and other activities as part of the conference. The conference committee will submit a request from each temple to support this conference with a $200 seed money might be returned after the conference is the conference budget allows.
Coast District Sympathies and Koden to the Teruko Tsumura Family
The Coast District Council sent the Tsumura Family condolences and koden ($100) for the passing of Mrs Teruko Tsumura.
