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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCemetary Commission Minutes 01.23.1996JANUARY t4 I NUT w. S CEMETERY COMMITTEE 23, 1996 5:00 P.M. - CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: John Minch, Chairman Lloyd Shay Norman Orr Chuck Rodgers Jim Flisrand Andy Loebe OTHERS PRESENT: None Lee Barndt Sue Strand Dirk Kroll Dave Michael Cathy Gabrian It was stated that there are several items on the agenda and the reason is that Jim Flisrand would like to get the committee's feelings on the needs and priorities for the future of the cemetery. SETTING POLICY - BURIAL OF STILLBORN Cathy explained a situation that came up recently and Jim recommended that we set some type of policy regarding it. A family wanted to bury a stillborn infant who was under 20 weeks gestation. At the time, Lee Barndt explained that with an infant under 20 weeks gestation, no death certificate is issued. Jim recommended that we set policy requiring a rigid wooden box with a minimum size of 12"x 12" and that the city receive some type of verification from the doctor so we know what we are burying. Discussion and Lee stated that the permit system has gone by the wayside in most cases but since a funeral home is not involved in a case like this, he agrees that the regulations are a good idea. More discussion on the size and it was the consensus of the committee to have a minimum size of 10"x 10"x 6" and a maximum size of 12"x 12"x 12". This size would fall in line with a cremation size hole. Motion by Lloyd Shay that the city require a rigid wooden box, minimum size of 10"x 10"x 6" and a maximum size of 12"x 12"x 12", that there be verification from a doctor as to what we are burying, and that there be no activity without city knowledge, seconded by Norman Orr. Motion carried. SPRINKLER SYSTEM Jim stated interest has been expressed by both the crew and the public for installing a sprinkler system so he started checking into it. One business gave him a quote of $ 1,900.00 to design a system that could be installed in phases. Jim feels this is quite high and he spoke to suppliers in the area and they felt they could design a system for around $ 300.00. This needs to be a system that could be installed in phases as the budget allows. Many factors need to be looked into such as the pump and whether or not it will hold up, the filtering system and the type of heads needed to allow ditch water to be used. Motion by Chuck Rodgers to have Jim look further into the possibility of installing a sprinkler system and filtering system for the cemetery, seconded by Dirk Kroll. Motion carried. FRONT ENTPJtNCE IMPROVEMENTS There has been talk and concern over the appearance of the entrance to the cemetery. Jim asked the committee what they would like to see done. We have aged pillars that are cracked and leaning. Dave stated that if the posts were pulled out, it would damage the front curb since it is a free standing curb. Dirk asked about the possible extension of Airport Road which would close the current road to all but cemetery traffic. This needs to be taken into consideration as we look into improvements. In response to a question, Jim said there is no way to know when or if the road extension will happen. It is currently on the list but it is not a high priority. Andy commented that the shrubs along the road take a lot of manpower to keep clean. A gentleman who has a son buried along the road, always spends a lot of time cleaning them in the spring. Discussion regarding different possibilities such as iron gates, sandstone pillars, lighting, bricks, etc. Everyone was asked to bring their ideas to the next meeting. ROAD EXPANSION WITHIN CEMETERY & LAND ACQUISITION Using the cemetery maps, Jim showed the committee where the current roads are located within the cemetery. Interest has been expressed in expanding the road around the Catholic section and the perimeter of the entire cemetery. Jim explained that there is a very limited amount of area available to extend the road on the south side of the Catholic section. He felt it was not feasible as it would require a very sharp turn and could cause damage to the stones in the area. A narrow section of land would need to be purchased in order to continue the current road on the south side. Sue Strand commented that if we acquire the narrow strip and improve the road, Ike Schessler could use it to access his property. Jim gave a rough estimate of what it would cost to extend the road around the Catholic section. For gravel only it would run approximately $ 1,000.00 and for labor and gravel, $ 6,000.00. Chuck Rodgers said he spoke to Ike Schessler and the land surrounding the cemetery was mapped out years ago for a golf course. Another possibility for additional land is the area to the north and west of the cemetery shop. This land is owned by Bob Rosselot and he said to make him an offer. The committee will continue to pursue the acquisition of additional land. with the use of the maps, Jim showed the committee which sections are platted and ready to use. He would like to see us keep the empty section to the west of the Grotto as part of the Catholic section. He explained that it would only take him a day or two to finish platting the sections that still need it. Chuck asked if Jim could compile both maps into one for the purpose of illustrating the long term plans for the cemetery. If this could be done, he could take this plan and show Ike Schessler and hopefully work towards obtaining additional ground. The next meeting will be held on February 27th at 5:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. R~spectf~ly s~bmitted, Cathy Gabrian Deputy City Clerk