Special Meeting | August 12, 2024

Attendance: John Genskow, James Martin, Erika Zank, Aaron Libner, Denny Denk, Chuck Falch, Mark Oldenberg, Gail Graese.

Recording Secretary:  Sue Gumz

Ex Officio:  Pastor Mark

Absent:  Adam Urberg, Del Polzin

John Genskow, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and he began with prayer.

The agenda was amended to add approval of the minutes from the Aug. 4, 2024, Board of Deacons meeting.  Aaron Libner made a motion to approve the minutes from Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, Chuck Falch seconded. Motion passed.

Aaron Libner made a motion to go into an Executive Session to discuss the Lead Pastor Elect Call with salary and benefit package. Denny Denk seconded.

The Board returned from the Executive Session.

James Martin made a motion to approve the compensation package starting at $87,500 with step increases of $5,000 on 7/1/25, 1/1/26, and 7/1/26 plus any annual cost of living increase during that period for calling Pastor Ethan Luhman and to further clarify that there is a sign on bonus of $10,000, plus we will reimburse moving expenses up to $8,000 to include moving plus a 2nd visit to Eau Claire for house hunting. Aaron Libner seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Mark Oldenberg made a motion to recommend to the congregation to amend the 2024-2025 budget to adjust the budget for the third pastor position as an element of the Lead Pastor Elect call. Gail Graese seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

There was discussion regarding conducting future closed sessions on Zoom or similar platforms.  Mark Oldenberg made a motion to confirm the board’s decision to allow this practice.  Erika Zank seconded.  Motion passed.

Pastor Mark led us in a closing prayer.

Denny Denk made a motion to adjourn. Chuck Falch seconded.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Gumz