Session Notes

This week, your Session approved an agreement with Miriam’s Kitchen that opens more space in the building for MK’s use in return for addition compensation to Western. It’s the proverbial win-win situation.

As you know, Miriam’s Kitchen has always had a sizeable footprint in our building – most of it dedicated to their feeding program. As Miriam’s grew and diversified, so did their need for office space.

In 2018, Western and MK entered into an agreement that formalized our operating arrangements. In return for the exclusive use of certain areas, Miriam’s reimburses Western for the approximate costs associated with its occupancy (e.g., utilities, service contacts, capital reserves). This agreement was renewed in 2022 for four more years.

Miriam’s Kitchen continues to grow and wishes to move additional employees into (mostly) vacant church space. The Session concurs.

Effective March 1, MK will take over four offices on the second floor and share common spaces elsewhere in the building. In return, Miriam’s will increase the compensation paid to Western by about 50%. Needless to say, this has a salutary effect on our budget issues.

By the way, the Building for the Future task force is in full agreement with this action.

The upshot – beyond the financial consequences -- is that during the week you are likely to see more Miriam’s Kitchen people throughout the building and find fewer vacant parking spaces in the garage.

Any Session member will be happy to answer any of your questions.