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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCemetary Commission Minutes 10.26.1998 MINUTES CEMETERY BOARD OCTOBER 26, 1998 5:00 P.M. CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Norman Orr, Chairman Lloyd Shay William Staudinger Chuck Rodgers Dirk Kroll Cathy Gabrian Andy Loebe Bruce Lefler Cathy reported that we have almost filled Section J and need to open a new section. Section O, next to the Catholic Cemetery, has been plotted, the pins are in place and it is ready to open. Motion by Lloyd Shay to open Section O, seconded by Bill Staudinger. Motion carried. Discussion regarding the limited access to the northern sections of the cemetery. It was felt that we cannot open these sections until we provide better access to them. We need a road on the north end that runs along our boundary. It was also discussed whether we should make an access road between Section A and Section I. In regard to our boundary lines, Chuck said he would like to hire a surveyor to find our boundaries and clear up the uncertainty concerning them. We can then see if we have enough land for the roads. Motion by Bill Staudinger to have the entire cemetery surveyed and have permanent stakes put on the boundary lines, seconded by Lloyd Shay. Motion carried. Discussion regarding the old pauper's section of the cemetery, Section A. There are only a few markers in this section and they are on the west side. It was suggested that we consider making the east side of this section into a cremation area. Motion by'Lloyd Shay to make the east half of Section A into a cremation area, seconded by Dirk Kroll. Motion carried. Cathy suggested that we make the sixth row of Veteran's Section J into a cremation row for veterans. By dividing this row into two cremation rows, it would make better use of this limited section. It was the consensus of the board that all cremations be buried in the designated cremation area. Motion by Lloyd Shay to make the sixth row in Section J into a cremation row for Veterans, seconded by Dirk Kroll. Motion carried. In regard to the markings on the white marble veteran stones, Bill and Lloyd stated they have read in veteran's literature where it is illegal to have any additional engraving put on these stones. Bill will check into it and report back to the board. Cathy stated the city needs a disinterment policy. It is the consensus of those who are involved in this process, that we set a policy stating that the city will not disinter anyone. Cathy reported that we recently refused a party who was interested in disinterring her parents. Larry McCann felt the city had no obligation to do this and the caretaker does not want to be put in the position of having to dig up remains. Larry said there are contractors who will do this and the family needs to contract this out. The city would mark the grave and oversee that no damage is done. Motion by Norman Orr that the city will not do any disinterments, seconded by Andy Loebe. Motion carried. More discussion and Cathy will check to see what the policies are in other cemeteries. It was felt that we should have all the steps listed in black and white and when someone inquires, we can hand, them an information sheet. Andy reported on the drainage situation on the west side of Sections K and L. Due to the grade of the road, it drains directly into Section O, where it dissipates. Bruce Lefler, caretaker, reported on the maintenance of the cemetery. He said four hours are spent setting out and picking up pipe every time he waters. He would like to see us bury the pipe in the walkways and use quick head sprinklers. Bruce stated that the trees people set out are bothersome and hard to maintain. He said he simply does not have time to water these trees. The shepherds crooks and some flower pots are also a problem when mowing. Cathy stated we have a policy regarding both but we have not enforced it. Bruce suggested that we start notifying people now and hopefully they will take care of it before spring mowing starts. If not, we would pull and label them and store them for a period of time in order for the owners to claim them. It was the consensus of the committee that we stick with our policy which requires that a metal pipe be placed in the foundation, centered on the headstone width. All metal rods would then need to be placed in this hole. Andy reported that we replaced 11,000 lineal feet of curb and gutter and installed 5 handicapped ramps. In doing this, we also removed the pointed areas on the west side of Sections C and B. Bruce has trimmed some junipers and pulled others out along the front of the cemetery. Andy would like to replace all of these with a shrub that grows upright. Andy reported that there is now heat in the cemetery building but it still needs a new overhead door. Meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cathy Gabrian Deputy Clerk-Treas.