St. Jude Pastoral Council

Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2007

Present:          Don Cairns (Chairman), Fr Dave Rogerson (Pastor), Bob Stephens, Bob Johnson, Anusha Fernando, Sr. Betty, Gary Smith, Lauren Sing and Jay Beavers (representing St. Judes Tent City committee)

Apologies:      Suzanne Henderson, Debbie McCormick

The Meeting was opened with the recital of our proposed mission statement at 7pm.

Old business: 

Comments were received about Fr Dave’s proposed response to Larry Adams and Tom Trevino. It was suggested that more details should be given about the process of how changes are made, (eg. referred to Liturgy committee for consideration) whether they would be made or not, or if they would be reconsidered in the future. Fr. Dave noted and thanked the members for their input.

Tent City:      

After the Short Term Temporary Use Permit was issued to St. Judes on December 22, 2006, 10 appeals were filed.

The hearing examiner granted the core of important issues regarding sidewalk monitoring, self-policing etc, but ruled that the City of Redmond did not have the authority to issue the permit and did not uphold the City’s approval of the Temporary Use Permit. As a result, the City of Redmond has rescinded the permit but will file an appeal of the Examiner’s decision. It should be noted that the hearing examiner concluded that the hosting of Tent City 4 had no impact on the neighboring community.

Legal opinion differs regarding the interpretation of the ruling and where St. Judes stands. May be protected by RLUIPA, which states that the State cannot regulate land use or place unreasonable burden on the church which would prevent the church from providing a service in accordance with the church’s mission.

The alternative or tertiary site would not be available at such short notice, as they could not file a permit in 4 days. If St. Judes did not host Tent City 4, they would have to disband.

If St. Judes goes ahead with the process of hosting Tent City 4, St. Judes would be in violation of a civil code. A civil non-compliance notice could be issued, and after a period of time, St. Judes could incur a penalty of $100 a day.

Tent City has no other options and still wishes to settle on St. Judes property as originally planned.

After much discussion, and taking into consideration the concerns of St. Judes neighbors and parishioners, the following motion was proposed by Bob Stephens:

“That St. Judes Parish host Tent City 4 for a period of 90 to 100 days starting on February 10. That St. Judes and Tent City 4 agree to abide by the conditions as set down by the hearing examiner with the addition of St. Judes voluntarily providing sidewalk monitors during school transit times for a period of at least 30 days. Should any civil penalties be imposed, that these be paid through voluntary donations rather than from regular Parish funds.”

The motion was seconded by Bob Johnson.

The motion was passed unanimously by the Pastoral Council.

Communication:        

Fr. Dave and Don to draft a letter detailing our intention and reasons for going ahead with the hosting of Tent City 4, and the implications thereof.

Fr Dave will advise Arch Diocese of our decision and prepare a press release statement.

As a courtesy to St. Judes neighbors, Jay Beavers will have the Special Events Committee prepare a letter to keep them informed.

Members of Pastoral Council to be present in the narthex after masses this weekend as follows:

Saturday 5pm  – Bob Johnson

Sunday 9am     -  Bob Stephens, Gary Smith, Anusha Fernando

Sunday 11am   -  Don Cairns

Sunday 5.30pm -  Don Cairns, Lauren Sing 

Security:        

Security for Saturday    (move in day) was discussed. Although no threats had been made, it would be wise to have a plan of action should the need arise. (eg. Go into church and lock the doors). It is highly probable that there would be a police presence.

Follow-up Meeting:   

If the need arises, Don will call a meeting before the next scheduled meeting in March.

The meeting was closed at 9.15pm

Note: Action items are highlighted