This committee works to assure that the building and grounds are safe, and that the congregation is informed how to react in times of crisis.

–

UUWC Safety & Security
Meeting Minutes for Nov. 11, 2025
Attendees: Nika Quirk, Carole Eagleheart, Charlie Merritt, Delbert Schafer (Pat McGuire was traveling)
Nika lit the Chalice
Mission of the Team:
Make the Building Safe and Secure
Prepare the Congregation to respond safely in times of emergency
Safety Team reports directly to the Council. Also has responsibility to communicate with the
Congregation. As a new committee, has immediate needs to set mission, scope of responsibility, form
and substance, develop policies and procedures.
UUWC pays for insurance through Church Mutual, which lists numerous exclusions of coverage in its
policy. Charlie will use AI to highlight these exclusions. Carole to ask Erin to send pdf copy to Charlie.
Need to develop policies for keyholders. Erin provided list of people who hold keys to the Coordinator’s
Office. The discussion shifted to holders of keys to exterior doors and the lock boxes.
Suggestion to add second lockboxes for the renters, and that the codes for these lock boxes change after
each renter.
Discussion or replacement of Social Hall door to improve security with breakproof glass.
Charlie to contact Rio Ranch Emergency Services about the 911 call button, and about a visit from the
Fire Marshal to examine building and re-assess room occupancies. Charlie volunteered to lead the team
dealing with security.
Discussion about re-establishment of the defibrillator. Need a plan and team of people willing to use it.
Nika will ask Pat to lead communication to the congregation about safety.
Goals:
Meet Insurance and Fire requirements
Meet with Fire Dept. and 911 systems.
Carole to research active shooting training from UUA and Church Mutual.
Present informational report to Congregation in late spring 2026; though may want to provide some
information in the Jan. 18, 2026 Annual Meeting.
Will keep team members informed of activities, principally by phone.
Submitted by Delbert Schafer