Property Report to Church Council – February 2013

Kitchen fridge

Funds have been donated to replace the kitchen fridge to enable better support for major events. The Careful Kitchen Crew is discussing the needs with effected parties and will bring to Property a final recommendation.

Church Gardens

The lawns and gardens have experienced some stress over the summer season, but are coping. The garden water tank has been empty for a while and so mains water usage increased over summer. We were advised that a proposal to work with the local shopkeepers to establish a “farmers market” on a monthly basis is in progress of discussion. Property would be concerned that the lawns would not tolerate a monthly activity and that the Car Park would be a better option. We will look at how we can support any proposal after it has been submitted to Church Council.

Energy usage

Synod via Presbytery have asked congregations to look at all possible ways to reduce there energy footprint. This is not just a matter of turning off standby lights or the prayer tree; it is looking for capital expenditure to make major energy changes. Property has begun to make a list of projects to be considered such as Solar Hot Water etc. We will prepare a specific report for Church Council on possibilities. We plan to install more timer switches around the complex.

Chapel/Room 1 carpet

We are concerned that the carpet in Room 1 is showing some significant wear and is in some places become threadbare. We will monitor and consider the options over the coming months. We will also look at steam cleaning the chapel and fellowship area shortly.

External Sign

The sign is in and completed. All messages and change requests are to be submitted to the Communications committee who are now responsible for the sign content.

Kombie

GWUC currently still owns a Kombie that is un-roadworthy and has been uninsured for over 2 years. It is also unregistered. It is housed at 17 Southdown. Property had requested that it be submitted to an RACV roadworthy inspection in late 2011, but this did not occur. Finance committee has reported that there are funds donated for the Kombie ministry being held in the accounts. Property Committee is extremely concerned about this vehicle in the name of GWUC and we are insistent no one should try to move it other than via a trailer. We have requested Youth Council to provide us with a plan for the management of the Kombie as we believe as it will cost a great deal to re-register and insure, and we would want to be certain that the ministry is still a priority of the Youth Council. Alternatively it should be sold and the funds directed to a suitable ministry. We will update this report when we receive details from Youth Council and or Finance.

Leisuretime TV proposal

Leisuretime has received a Government grant, which included the cost of a TV for use in Room 1. The proposal and alternatives were discussed at length at Property last night, where each option, and some others that had not been included, were discussed. Based on some key principals, Property committee submits to Church Council the following commentary and recommendation:-

• The nature and purpose of the Chapel (Room 1) must not be changed in any manner that would impact the use of the space for worship, funerals and other celebrations.
• We recommend and support the installation of a 55 inch or similar, LED TV that has a built in DVD player.
• We would recommend we do not go for a unit "on sale" but more for a unit of "best use" at "best price".
• That the unit be mounted on a extendable wall mount bracket in the South West corner of Room 1 on the Southern wall, in a manner that allows it to be extended to be viewable throughout the room. It is to be mounted at a viewing height suitable for both sitting and standing viewing to allow for use in worship services.
• We do not support the unit being installed in the sanctuary alcove as requested by Leisuretime as in our view it will impact that area as a worship focus.
• We also would not support the removal or relocation of the wall panels on the west walls, and therefore would prefer it mounted on the south wall.
• We propose to remove the bookcase, that is only partly utilized, and replace it with a matching unit on the west end of the cupboards for the storage of hymn books. This will tidy up an area that is currently become a junk corner.
• The unit would be available for all users of the room and so we feel a TV that has either an attached remote or at least built in controls will ensure easier use.
• Connection of the unit as an overflow to the worship centre will be dealt with at a later date - all units are capable of that task, but 400 plus funerals a rare.

Decisions required from Church Council. Property recommends the following:

• Will the church council support the installation of a TV in Room 1 as above.

Warren Greenwood Property Chairman. – February 2013.