TRUSTEE RESOLUTIONS - BUILDING COMMISSION GUIDELINES Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse Building Commission The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse Building Commission is responsible to ensure that all projects initiated with the Diocese of Syracuse are in compliance with the corporate structure of each parish and institution. Proper approval by the Bishop as President of each corporation within the Diocese is required for all projects noted in these regulations. Building Commission Members
Bishop Robert J. Cunningham Msgr. Timothy Elmer, Vicar General
Building Commission Chair Rev. Msgr. Richard Kopp Members
CONSTRUCTION / RENOVATION If the total cost of a project is estimated to be $10,000 but less than $50,000 – See Section A below: Section A – New Construction, Repairs or Renovation; the total cost is between $10,000, but less than $50,000  1. Submit a written proposal to the Bishop’s Office to include: a. Scope of, support for and rationale for project b. Estimated cost of project c. Plan to finance project d. List of contractors you wish to have bid on project 2. Chancellor will review proposal with Construction/Facilities Manager and distribute to various other members of the Building Commission. 3. After written approval is received from the Bishop’s Office, the pastor in consultation with the trustees and the Parish Council will proceed with the bidding phase of the project. A minimum of two bids are required. Bidding contractors should be invited to be present. 4. When the bids have been received and reviewed by the Pastor, Trustees and Parish Council, a recommendation should be made to the Bishop in the form of a Trustee’s Resolution. The lowest qualified bidder must be awarded the project. 5. When approval is received from the Bishop’s Office a written contract may be signed with the selected contractor. Section B – New Construction, Repairs or Renovation – Total Cost between $50,000 - $500,000 1. Submit a written proposal to the Bishop’s Office to include: a. Scope of, support for and rationale for project b. 10 year projection of other maintenance/repair needs of parish (e.g., roofs, boilers, parking lots) c. Estimated cost of project d. Plan to finance project e. Proposed architect for project 2. Chancellor will review proposal with Construction/Facilities Manager and distribute to various other members of the Building Commission. 3. After written approval is received from the Bishop’s Office, preliminary drawings may be developed and fund raising may be initiated. 4. Submit final report on fund raising/finances, proposed contract with architect, and preliminary drawings to Bishop’s Office for review. 5. After written approval from Bishop’s Office, contract with architect, detailed drawings and list of proposed bidders may be developed. 6. Detailed drawings and list of
bidders are formally presented to Diocesan Building Commission. The Commission will consider accessibility
and just labor practices in its evaluation of proposals. Upon modification
and/or approval, the project may be put out to bid. 7. Bids are opened at the Chancery. After review of bids by Pastor and Parish Council,
a recommendation is made to the Bishop in the form of a Trustee’s
Resolution. The resolution and
certificates of insurance are forwarded to the Bishop’s Office. 8. Upon approval of resolution,
contract may be signed with the selected contractor.
 CONSTRUCTION
/ RENOVATION OF A PLACE OF WORSHIP All projects which involve worship space, regardless of cost, must receive approval by the Bishop. This includes any changes made to the worship space that will affect the liturgical environment. In the initial phase, the Pastor should contact the Director of Liturgy. The Director will assist the pastor in assuring the proposed project conforms with church documents. After preliminary discussions, the Pastor should refer to the liturgical policies and procedures in the Building Commission’s policy statement to familiarize himself with the steps needed to move forward with the project. PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS - SALE Sale of Real Estate All dispositions of real property including grants of easements require the permission of the Bishop. Sales in excess of $500,000 also require the consent of the Diocesan Finance Council and the College of Consultors. Alienation with a value in excess of $5,000,000 also requires the permission of the Holy See. Additional approvals are required by the Supreme Court under New York State Law. Sale of Real Estate - Procedures The Bishop must be consulted when alienation of property is proposed. The Pastor must submit a written request to sell the property and include the following information:
It is important to submit this information to the Bishop as soon as a proposal to sell has been formulated for consideration. No significant action (such as obtaining an appraisal, listing the property or publicizing the matter) should be initiated prior to a response from the Bishop. The Bishop will review the proposal and make a determination to move forward. A positive response to move forward on property valued at $3,500 or more will require a recent appraisal by a New York State Certified and Licensed Appraiser, which supports the ultimate contract price. For the sale of an entire campus, two separate appraisals are required. In addition, a proposed real estate listing agreement should be presented for review and approval. The Bishop will seek input from the appropriate office within the Diocese. After review of the information, the Bishop will make a determination on the proposal and communicate it to the relevant parties. Once an offer is received on the property, a Trustee Resolution requesting the Bishop’s permission, will be required in order to proceed further. All purchase offers must include the following language: “This offer is contingent upon the final approval by the Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse”. PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS – ACQUISITION Purchasing or Donations Prior to acquiring real estate, a parish, school, cemetery or other Diocesan organization including Catholic Charities must have the written approval of the Bishop. This should be done in the form of a Trustee Resolution. In order to obtain this approval, a written proposal must first be submitted to the Chancellor outlining the complete details of this acquisition. The proposal should include three things:
1. Phase 1 Assessment Reports The report identifies any indicators of hazardous materials or petroleum products defined by the State of New York. Examples of these materials include:
If there are any indications of the above mentioned hazards, a Phase II Assessment would be necessary, along with a written proposal to eliminate the hazard(s). 2. Certified Appraisal Report This will give a fair market value of the real estate. 3. Property Use
PARISH BUILDING AND RENOVATION GUIDELINES 
Diocesan entities requesting approval of a parish renovation or building project will be required to provide financial information for review by the Bishop’s Office.
RESOLUTION AND CONSULTATION CRITERIA
RISK MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE Construction, tear down and maintenance work: Certificates of Insurance must be secured from any outside contractor prior to the completion of the Diocesan approval process. Contact the Risk Management Office to discuss the Diocesan certification requirements or click on the “INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS” heading on this website to obtain more information. DOCUMENTS and EXAMPLES OF TRUSTEE RESOLUTIONS 
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