Minutes taken by the Labor Missionary secretary

On Sunday, 20 November 2011, at 6pm in the Foster Road Chapel, a special Church meeting was held with Presiding Bishop H. David Burton, Elder James J. Hamula Area President, Elder Kevin W. Pearson Counselor in the Area Presidency, Elder David J. Thompson Area Seventy and Kent Money and Don White, who are Presiding Bishopric representatives assigned to oversee the project, and Gary B. Porter Secretary to the Presiding Bishopric.

Bishop Burton’s presentation was titled “Re-Purposing CCNZ Properties”.

The keyword is concept meaning “just another stage”.

Elder Burton asked us to keep in mind the word concept.

Bishop Burton noted that in summary, the repositioning is designed to accomplish the following:

Protect and preserve the temple environs

Create educational opportunity

Stimulate economic development

Preserve cultural heritage

Develop additional residential space

Improve meetinghouse facilities

Enhance community resources

In Bishop Burton’s own words, “in a nutshell, that’s the concept”.

The initial changes will most likely include the upgrading of the Kai Hall and George R. Beisinger (GRB) Hall.

Part of the overall repurposing process could include the creation of a very nice “legacy area” on the land where the Labour Missionaries lived. We will consider ways to preserve the heritage of the Labour Missionaries and perhaps consider creating a few replicas of the “Baches” with bunk beds included for the youth who will come to do temple baptisms or attend youth conferences.

Part of the concept is the creation of a lake and water feature to be included in the beautification process. All of these will be presented in a park-like setting. At the completion, our area will undoubtedly be beautiful and will enhance, protect, and preserve the temple environ. This area is in honour of the Labour Missionaries and might be called Legacy or Heritage Park.

Other buildings to remain standing are the Wendell B. Mendenhall Library, and the George and Audrey Beisinger Home, the first building/home completed on the project.

Buildings that will likely be demolished are all the dormitories, all the classrooms, the Health Centre, and the David O. McKay building.

One of the concepts for economic development will be to build a Retirement Village on the cleared property. Included in this RetirementVillage will be cottages and flats for not only independent living but also for assisted living with all the facilities necessary for the elderly. Both members and non-members will be welcome here.

The Mendenhall Library could be utilized to facilitate a distance learning program to help prepare young people to qualify for higher educational opportunities. Elderly learning might also be made available. BYU Idaho has a similar program which is called Pathway. This educational process will be done online by computer; therefore, extensive accommodations and classrooms will likely not be necessary. Administrative office space could also be made available in the Mendenhall Library thus meeting a dual purpose.

The existing homes on both sides of the street will all be modernized then individually sold to private parties. Because these homes line Temple View Drive which leads to the temple, they, and the area around them will be greatly improved and beautified to help create a beautiful pathway to the temple.

With the demolition of the David O. McKay building, the Foster Road Chapel will be evaluated to consider if it could be used as a mixed-use facility that would bless the Saints and the community. A new larger meetinghouse will be considered that will meet the needs of the Saints in the area.

The playing fields and facilities will be offered to the broader community for their use.

Kent Money has been assigned as the on-site supervisor especially appointed to oversee the project from beginning to completion. He will be assisted by Don White.

In January 2012, Kent and his wife Vicki, with Don and his wife Rosemary will relocate to Hamilton.