President Karen Friedman opened with thanks to Charlene and Fred Pfenninger for finding this new building for us.
CBS Buildings: Past, Present, and Future
We have 5,000 square feet in this building. Owner Paul Petticrew gave us access to both parts of the sanctuary, the main level, the basement, and an upstairs storage room. We also have use of the grassy areas on the south end of the parking lot – which would be great for a sukkah.
We have a one-year lease with an option to renew each year until we’re ready to go.
Basic Ground Rules
People can come in both the east and west gates. Those leaving through the east gate must turn east toward Spring Mill; traffic views do not allow people to turn west. If they must go west out that gate, they should go east to the Springmill roundabout and come back, especially during high-traffic times. People may turn either direction out of the west gate. View Diagram
The Facilities Committee will make a decision about the use of parking monitors.
CBS members may ignore the painted lines on the parking lot and park as close together as possible to maximize space.
For overflow situations, parking will be allowed in front of the building along the gate or possibly under the overhang. It should not interfere with the owner’s morning and afternoon clients.
People should angle park on the west side next to the fence. Be sure to tell the parking monitors if you need to leave quickly. Brotherhood will help.
Our entrance is through the southwest back door under the overhang. Some people will have a way in, but the door will generally be locked.
The breezeway has two ramps. The east one has no railing. The west one does.
All doors are fire code accessible; in an emergency members may exit out of any door.
High Holy Days will be held at University High School.
This building has two working bathrooms in the northwest corner. The ladies’ room has two stalls (one is handicapped). What used to be the men’s room now has a ramp for wheelchair accessibility and is unisex. Those are the only working bathrooms in the building at this time; Sunday School children (accompanied by an adult) will use them, as well.
This building is from 1930 and is largely covered with carpet. The floor is not necessarily level or even. Some areas have been taped for attention; others have not. On the north end, there is a slight upward slope. There is a steep staircase with a bannister at the north and south end. Beware of low-clearance entrances.
We are responsible for our own cleanup. That includes trash removal, floor sweeping and floor vacuuming. We will be asking every family in the congregation to sponsor an oneg one night a year. Be here to set up the oneg and clean up after. That will be a help to us.
Our current rent includes utilities for the first year. Using the landlord’s dumpster will incur an additional fee per month.
This building is strictly no smoking.
Gates open ONLY outward towards 96th.
When we leave all lights must be off and the heat or AC must be readjusted. Heat should be set at 60, and AC should be set at 76. Gates must be shut.
All committee chairs are free to use the building for meetings, so long as they follow the rules; we will use this building for Shabbat and Sunday school.
There is currently a vacuum sweeper in the hallway. We will figure out an area for cleaning supplies.
We have fire extinguishers already. Four smoke alarms will be added along with two carbon monoxide (all battery operated). There are three stairways up from the basement. We will have fire drills for the children. Everyone with suggestions should write them down and send them to the Facilities Committee.
Snow removal is our responsibility since the landlord is away for most of the winter.
The building is up to a minimum code already. The Board scrutinized the lease for several months and had legal review. We are responsible for day-to-day upkeep but not gross negligence. The insurance coverage was gone over with the congregation. Our insurance cost doubled for the more but essentially needed coverage in our new situation.
The owner and landlord gave the President a subcontractors list, including the name of his supervisor, who comes every day when the owner is away in case something breaks.
The next-door cemetery is managed by an Indianapolis committee. No new burials take place there.
The Board will discuss holding an eventual open house and the publicity it will involve. The rabbi suggested holding a formal dedication for the Torahs and mezuzahs.
Facilities Committee: Formation & Responsibilities
The Facilities Committee is in charge of overseeing the building’s interior and exterior, suggesting projects, snow removal, and general improvements. Its first meeting will take place following the one for the General Congregation this date.
Donations of Helpful Items
If people would like to contribute to this effort, we are asking for money right now so we can apply it where it is needed; we don’t yet know what specific items we might need.
The Board will discuss tomorrow night how to make a facilities-specific donation.
Treasurer’s Update
We will continue to use the same P.O. Box we have had in order to maintain our Carmel identity; mail will not be addressed to here.
People may co-sponsor the services we have in this new location.
The new rent is about twice that of the MPB and does not include additional expenses, like insurance. We anticipate spending more than had been budgeted for the current fiscal year. Not included are major capital repairs. We started a successful fundraising drive in July with actual donations and pledges. That gives us a little cushion for this year. The Facilities Committee will develop a budget.
For 2018-19, we will need more funds than this year and have asked for three-year commitments to raise the money.
The dues income goes into our operating budget. We will meet our target budget. We already have 6-8 new member families this year. Membership increased 7 percent, which is also helping us. If you haven’t paid yet, please do so. Also, please remember to pay for children’s education fees.
The Finance Committee will begin working on the budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. That will be submitted to the full congregational meeting in late spring.
The possible additional clergy will cost more, as well. We have some money in a restricted account. However, it will not last long, even for a part-time person. The Board and congregation will continue to discuss this.
The Treasurer thanked three of the congregation’s members in particular for their invaluable help with the Treasurer’s work.
Renewed Search for Assistant Clergy
The Board is reopening the search for an assistant clergy member to support Rabbi Halpern. It may be a cantor, a rabbi, or simply a clergy assistant. The Board will discuss the next steps at its next meeting. The congregation also has some generous private donors who have volunteered to help underwrite a second clergy member.
Our usual High Holidays cantorial soloist, Andrew Morestein, will be unable to work with us this fall. We are looking at several options, including hiring an HUC (Hebrew Union College) student. The HUC cost is less than what we pay Andrew for all of the holiday work. We will also explore the I.U. and Butler Hillels for a possible suitable soloist.