2005 Annual Parish Assembly Minutes
Review of the 2004 Financial Report
At 1:55 the meeting resumed by Michele Kazarian asking Ara Boghigian to approach the podium to address any questions from the assembly in regards to the financial report.
Venron Samoorian got up to commend the organizations of the parish upon seeing the reports in the black for the first time in many years.
A motion was made by Joyce Avedisian and seconded by David Griego to accept the 2004 Financial Report as presented.
Review and Approval of the Year 2005 Budget
Ara Boghigian took the podium for review of the budget.
Mr. Peter Taraian was recognized and questioned the line item regarding the electrical upgrade in the sanctuary. Ara answered his question to the best of this knowledge.
Steven Zaroogian questioned what the capital improvements were going to be used for. Ara noted that remodeling the two bathrooms under the sanctuary is a priority.
Mr. Peter Taraian questioned whether the two front doors below the sanctuary are being addressed. Hayr Simeon noted that there is an anonymous donor to defray the costs of renovating the doors; however this project is not a top priority at this time.
Jeffrey Hovhanesian asked why there is a question about the doors. He also questioned if it is a heat loss issue that too should be taken into account.
Raffi Najarian questioned what is happening with the remodeling of the main altar in the sanctuary. Ara Boghigian responded by saying that project has been put on hold due to high costs of such an undertaking. A Committee was formed and surveyed the costs of such an undertaking.
Bill Aznavourian questioned the parking lot rental by the State of Rhode Island.
Ara responded that the church signed a one year lease with the Courts. The parking lot is being used by perspective jurors. He also noted that if a large funeral took place, that there is still ample parking around the church for parishioners. There have not been any complaints regarding the lot. There is a caretaker that keeps track of the cars parked in the lot, and our church receives $5. per car, per day.
Vernon Samoorian questioned why this issue was not brought forth to the parish assembly for a vote, as to sign the lease with the state prior to the decision by the Parish Council. He believes that this topic should have come up as an agenda item for this assembly.
John Kazarian noted that this is a one year lease and either party has a 30 day cancellation policy at any time during the lease.
Steven Zaroogian noted that this income will be taxable income and it should be looked into as such. The Parish Council will take Steven’s comment under advisement.
Bob Kalian stood and asked whether there were any discrepancies between the tickets that come in from the caretaker versus the amount of tickets that were stamped out. Ara noted that they have not had any discrepancies to date.
Joyce Avedisian made a motion that we, the assembly, support the decision of the Parish Council in regards to leasing the parking lot. Zita Butler seconded the motion. There was an immediate vote taken and it was passed unanimously to support the decision.
A motion to accept the 2005 Budget was made by Vernon Samoorian and seconded by Joyce Avedisian.
Review Projected Year 2006 Budget
Ara Boghigian took the podium once again to address any issues. The review was agreed upon by all.