Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue

Minutes of the 31st Annual General Meeting of the Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue held on Thursday 24 November 2011 at 8.00pm?

AGENDA

1. The opening Prayer was provided by Rabbi Larry Becker

Those present:

Rabbi Larry Becker
Colin Burns
Andrew Fox
Frank Godson
Reeva Godson
Angela Jacobs
Andrew Lewis
Marilyn Lewis
Melvin Pedro
Sue Rosner
Jocelyn Shepherd
Stephen Silver
Deidre Soraff
Jeff Soraff
Steve Wynne

2. The Chair of Council offered apologies for absence from:

Valerie Garnelas
Lauren Massie
Simon Sugarman
Sylvie Sugarman
Mike Robinson
Rachel Savage

And then offered a general welcome to all present.

3. Minutes of the 30th Annual General Meeting held on 28 October 2010 had been offered to all members by post. The Chair of Council asked for any comments.

Proposer for adoption Jeff Soraff
Seconder Reeva Godson.

A vote on a show of hands was carried.

4. Presentation of the Trustees Report.
This Report had been circulated to all members prior to the meeting.
The Chair of Council asked for any comments and there were none.

The Chair of Council thanked Frank Godson for an excellent job in producing the Trustees Report.

5. Adoption of the Trustees Report.

Proposer Frank Godson
Seconder Steve Wynne.

A vote on a show of hands was carried.

6. Presentation of the Accounts for the year 2010/2011 by the representative of Gerald Edelman – Examiners Colin Burns.

The Chair of Council called on Colin Burns to speak. “

1. The Examiners Report is detailed on page 3 of the accounts and I will reaffirm that no material matters came to my attention during the course of the preparation of these accounts.
2. Page 4 of the Accounts and its related notes on pages 6,7 and 8 sets out the Synagogue’s income and expenditure for the year and sub divides the total into two columns to cater for the general unrestricted synagogue fund and the restricted funds which I mention later.
3. In total there was a surplus for the year of £12,330 compared to £14,076 [last year]and the main reasons for this are detailed by Jeff [Soraff] on Page 8 in the Trustees Report but essentially in a year when subscription rates were held the increase in membership income from new members was more than offset by increased costs across all categories of Synagogue expenditure.
4. For the accountants amongst you please note that some transactions are dealt with directly within the restricted funds accounts but the net movement on these reserves is shown towards the bottom of page 4 and the actual balances are recorded at the foot of page 10 within note 14. These restricted funds were held on deposit primarily with Barclays at the year-end and the balance with Natwest. It should be noted that as at the year end the deposit accounts are of a general nature and are not specifically demarcated between the restricted funds which would be recommended practice for a charity
5. The Balance sheet on Page 5 and related notes on pages 9 and 10 show the total assets of the synagogue net of liabilities. The building remains in the books at cost. The creditors falling due after more than one year totaling £34,234 relates to the building mortgage. This is £4,700 lower than last year. There is a further £5,948 of capital repayable in the 12 months to 30th June 2012. The mortgage should be fully repaid in 5 to 6 years if the current rate of repayment and interest rates remain static.

That concludes my commentary on the accounts and I would be pleased to answer any questions that members may have.”

The Chair of Council thanked Colin for his hard work and thanked Jeff Soraff and Lauren Massie for their work during the year.

7. Adoption of the Accounts for the year 2010/2011
The Chair of Council asked for a Proposer for the adoption of the accounts.

Proposer Steve Wynne
Seconder Melvin Pedro

A vote on a show of hands was carried and the Accounts adopted.

8. Election of the Examiner for 2011/2012. In accordance with the Constitution.

The Chair of Council declared that Gerald Edelman (Colin Burns) was prepared to carry out these duties for a further year.

Proposer Andrew Lewis
Seconder Jeff Soraff

A vote on a show of hands was carried

9. To Elect the Chair of Council for 2011/12.

As Jocelyn Shepherd was the only nominated person willing to accept the office she was duly declared as elected. All other offices were declared as vacant.

10. Election of a Council for the year 2011/2012 in accordance with various articles of the Constitution.

Angela Jacobs Honorary Secretary stated that as the number of those nominated for Council this year was less that the total requirement, all members of the community as nominated were elected. As there were no dual nominations for any specific Council offices this also allowed all nominated and willing to stand for specific offices to be elected.

The Council for 2011/2012 is therefore as follows.

Honorary Officers,

Chair of Council Jocelyn Shepherd

Vice Chair of Council Simon Sugarman

Senior Warden Melvin Pedro

Honorary Treasurer Jeff Soraff

Assistant Honorary Treasurer Lauren Massie

Honorary Secretary Angela Jacobs

Chair of Education Sue Rosner

Other Council Offices

Head of Security Andrew Fox

Chair of House Vacant

Assistant Honorary Secretary Vacant

Council positions
Valerie Garnelas
Reeva Godson
Andrew Lewis
Michael Robinson
Stephen Silver

11. Any Other Business.

The Chair of Council thanked Jo-Ann Lewis outgoing Chair of Education for her 7 years on council and thanked Sue Rosner who has kindly offered to take over this office.

The Chair of Council thanked Andrew Lewis for his 2 years as Senior Warden and welcomed Melvin Pedro back to this office.

The Chair of Council welcomed Reeva Godson back to Council.

12. The Chair of Council closed the meeting at 8.30pm and announced that the 1st Council meeting date was Tuesday 6th December 2011