From The Executive Operations Director

From your Executive Operations Director…The work of the EOD entails
administrative, financial and staff management, rental negotiations and planning,
as well as overseeing our buildings and grounds. In this article I want to share
important updates on our building and grounds.

Lift for Love…..Today two of the three City of Evanston inspections are taking
place. If the City gives us the thumbs up on Monday the lift will be operational.
This is a milestone for UCE. It has taken time, much planning, covenantal
practice among congregation and staff, as well as financial support and patience
toward its completion. But this beautiful piece of equipment will serve us well and
will provide universal access for years to come.
Thank you to all who have made this happen. Dick Whitaker, my Buildings and
Grounds co-lead has walked with me as we navigated this path from beginning to
end. Alma Woods and the Accessibility and Inclusion Team has provided
valuable input and guidance. Mark Miller, Architect and Eric Barton, our
Construction Engineer, have performed a very high level of professional service.
This project could not have happened without the generous support of Mary Beth
and Kinnie Smith whose donation ignited enthusiasm in the project and inspired
others to donate and a gift from Endowment ensued.
A special celebration is planned for the beginning of the fall season. In the
meantime, when the lift is approved it is immediately available for use.
Our Annex (Wing) Roof . . . Repairs have failed after several months and it has
become apparent that a new roof must be done sooner than later. The Board
approved this expense, which will be reimbursed by the upcoming Capital
Campaign. Several bids have been received. Mike Skilton, Dick Whitaker and I
are reviewing each of the bids and are talking with a consultant on best products
and method of repairing so that we can decide which firm to proceed with. We
are working quickly to get the project started as soon as possible.
Our Parking Lot . . . Dick Whitaker, Mike Skilton and I in preparation for writing
justifications and providing bidding for Capital Campaign projects have been
reviewing the parking lot.
As you have noticed, there are a few holes that need to be repaired. The
question is how serious are the drain issues. We asked Cahill to inspect the
drains. All four needs to be repaired and gravel built up before the lot can be
repaved. This is a $25,000 expense that must wait for the Capital Campaign.
In the meantime, we will hire a blacktop company to fill in the holes. We have
been advised that it looks as though we can safely wait on the drains repair.
Two additional vendors are being asked to give a second opinion and bids.
Sharing our Space…..At the end of May Beth Emet began their summer space
sharing with UCE while they are under construction. There are services in our
sanctuary on Friday evening and two services on Saturday morning.
In June there have been two Bar Mitzvahs and a Bat Mitzvah tomorrow. Last
weekend Udumbara, our Buddhist Sangha, UCE and Beth Emet shared this
space, making accommodations with care and respect for one another.
Liz Kennedy and I have been working hard to balance all that is going on. Steven
and Liz have assisted and guided Beth Emet’s team of custodial staff as they
learn about our space and equipment. Please bear with us as we welcome Beth
Emet Congregation into our community