REGULAR MEETING OF THE DIOCESAN ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD
April 23, 2007
Alhambra, California
M I N U T E S

Members Present: Rt. Rev. Bishop Maxim, Ron Radakovich, Brian Gerich, Fr. Nikola Ceko.
Members Excused: Fr. Velimir Petakovic, Wayne Papic - Also Present: Lazar Skundric, Fr. Jovan Babic. The Regular Meeting of the Diocesan Administrative Board for the Western American Diocese was called to order by His Grace, Bishop Maxim, at 7:20 p.m. His Grace, led the opening prayer and expressed his Archpastoral greetings and gratitude to all.

Update on the progress of structural repairs to the residence
Wayne Papic, appointed to oversee the structural repairs on the Diocesan Residence was unable to attend this meeting, however, his report was forwarded to the members by email and presented by engineer Lazar Skundric. (Report attached to these minutes). Lazar reviewed the problem which has been identified as erosion in the ground and cracks in the foundation of the house, that have impacted stability. The proposed repairs must be done to prevent sliding. He also highlighted the extension of the lower patio work to be done at a cost of an additional $5,000 to $7,000. The members of the board reviewed the update and progress of the work, now scheduled for completion in late August. Lazar noted that the surveying job was done by Nikola Todorovic, pro bono, and should be acknowledged with gratitude. He also indicated that he is comfortable with using Tomo Janosevic as contractor for this job and will himself oversee each phase. The total cost for the work is now estimated at $40,000 to $50,000.
Upon a motion made and duly carried, the proposal was accepted as presented and will be paid out of the general fund. The members asked that Lazar draft the contract with Tomo.
During the surveying of the residence, it was discovered that the neighbor on the south side of the residence has encroached between 6 and 9” of our property where he put up a retaining wall which now has cracks in it. To clear up the issue and avoid any potential liability, upon the recommendation of Wayne Papac and Lazar Skundric, a motion was duly made and carried to have Wayne contact an attorney to look into this matter.

Plans for the May/June visit of Bishop Atanasije and Fr. Stamatis
His Grace, Bishop Maxim presented the tentative itinerary for the visit of His Grace, Bishop Atanasije and Fr. Stamatis. (Itinerary attached to these minutes). The itinerary includes the Clergy Brotherhood Conference, Young Adult Conference, Diocesan Fund Raiser Banquet, visits to monasteries and parishes.
A discussion concerning the fundraiser and how best to pay for the expenses of this visit and designate the funds. It was strongly suggested that the Diocese make the effort to properly publicize this fundraiser with an appropriate appeal to be mailed. It was motioned and carried to set aside all proceeds from this event to a fund for Missions, Outreach and Evangelism.
It was also decided to give a gift from our general fund to our guests during the visit. Bishop Maxim will determine the appropriate gift.

Publications Report - New publications
His Grace informed the members of two new books being published by the Diocese in honor of the historic visit of Bishop Atanasije and Fr. Stamatis Skliris; as well as one new book published in honor of Fr. Sabastian Dabovich. These books will all be in print and available within the next few weeks, and orders are already being received on the Diocesan web site. The funds for the expense of all three books will be borne by the Diocesan Publishing Fund.

Report on the plans to transfer the remains of Fr. Sabastian Dabovich to the Western American Diocese
His Grace informed the members of the request of the Saint Sava parish in Jackson to transfer the remains of Fr. Sabastian Dabovich, the first American born priest and Serbian Orthodox missionary in the United States. The response to this request from His Grace, Bishop Chrysostom, Bishop of Zicha was favorable and plans are now underway to transfer those remains in time for Diocesan Days. (Labor Day Weekend) Everyone agreed that this adds a wonderful new aspect to our Diocesan Days weekend this year and should be advertised as such in a special mailing. Ron Radakovich also added that the Russian Orthodox Community be invited to participate in this event, as Fr. Sabastian’s missionary work also impacted their parishes. His Grace, Bishop Maxim has appointed a committee to coordinate and organize this event.

Report on the Monastery Property in Escondido
His Grace told the members about the new developments concerning the property donated to the Western American Diocese from Ratko and Jovanka Djekic. This property was originally intended to be donated in 1992 and designated as the Monastery of the Meeting of Our Lord. His Grace reported that in recent conversations with Mr. Djekic, he has demonstrated a renewed interest to transfer the deed and have this Monastery established. The property is located outside of San Marcos and comprises some 18 acres for forest land. His Grace has asked Fr. Ilija Balach, as licensed architect to look into this matter and make recommendations. Those preliminary recommendations were presented to the board by and are attached to these minutes. His Grace also contacted Fr. Ilija by phone and the members had an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the report with him. After some discussion on the matter, the board supported the continuation of efforts towards the transfer of the deed and plans for the new monastery, and praised the professional work of Fr. Ilija. With a motion duly made and carried, it was decided that Brian Gerich be assigned to look into the deed record and report back his findings. It was also recommended that Mr. Djekic be contacted and informed of the findings in our report, which indicated that the Diocese will not be able to use the property as designated without a proper survey, and other preliminary work leading to a public hearing on the proposal. The estimated cost for this preliminary work is $50,000. Bishop Maxim will contact Mr. Djekic to see if this cost will be donated with the property before we proceed any further.

Miscellaneous
Ron Radakovich reported on his recent visit to Saint John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Church in San Francisco, NGM, where His Grace, Bishop Longin celebrated the liturgy, designated the church as his Cathedral, which was a special joy for that community.

© Photo by Borislav Petric