Building Task Force Update
We are getting much closer to seeing hard hats and caution tape around MIPC!  We are close to finalizing a contract on a new fire alarm system.  We are waiting on the Mercer Island Fire Marshall to inspect part of the building so we can move forward.  Contracts have been signed with PSR Mechanical for replacement of our current HVAC system and with SR Building Services, LLC for a new roof.  Work on the HVAC units will not begin until June.  The major work on the roof will begin in May.  We have already had the roof tested for asbestos (we're clear) and are in the process of a moisture study to look for wet insulation in our current roof.  If wet insulation is identified that will be removed and replaced.  We are moving forward!

At the Annual Meeting in March, the question was raised about whether the Building Task Force, and the Session, had considered an all electric replacement for the HVAC units in an effort to move toward carbon neutrality. While that was not a new conversation, the Session and Building Task Force believed that we could go deeper before making a final commitment and worked to best understand both our capacity financially and our responsibility as citizens of God's creation. The Session considered additional options, looking at both hybrid and full electric models for a few of our units. The Session weighed the cost and did not see a way forward to add the extra expense without changing the commitments that were made at the beginning of the campaign and potentially jeopardizing other vital projects that are necessary to keep MIPC's building running over the next decade.
That being said, the new HVAC units, while still being natural gas, will themselves be more efficient and we will be adding three new options to reduce our carbon footprint as well as reduce long-term costs to the church:

• We are replacing our current thermostats to programmable thermostats to better heat rooms only when occupied.
• We are adding CO2 sensing thermostats that will only move air in the room from outdoors based on occupancy.
• We are adding zoning to the units in the classroom hallway so only a few rooms heat at a time in a better, more systematic way.

The HVAC units are not the only way we can reduce our carbon footprint, and the MIPC Building and Grounds Committee has been working on this since 2017 after receiving the Building Reserve Study. In 2018 the Buildings and Grounds team paid for an energy audit of the church to better understand our usage. That led also to a lighting audit to help us make plans on how to move forward in the future. In addition, over the past year, our Buildings and Grounds Committee has:

• Moved to all low flow toilets
• Eliminated non-compostable cutlery and made that a building rule for outside groups using the kitchen
• Increased our composting work
• Put up bike racks to encourage people to bike to church
• Planted new trees on our property

There are other items that can be completed to make our building more energy efficient. Some will be completed through the capital campaign, and others through the hard work of the Building and Grounds Committee. You are always welcome to partner with the Buildings and Grounds Committee to accomplish this goal.

Cyclone Relief
If you would like to donate to help people in Mozambique after cyclone Idai, here are two reliable links to check out:

http://pda.pcusa.org/situation/cyclone-idai

https://www.convoyofhope.org/

Thank you for helping support Mercer Island Youth & Family Services in their mission. They are currently in need of the following items: