HomeMy WebLinkAboutCemetary Commission Minutes 06.17.2009CEMETERY COMMISSION MINUTES
June 17, 2009
5:30 P.M. CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Norm Stamper-Chairman Chuck Rodgers
Luanne Engh Wally Hall
Dick Fritzler Lee Barndt
OTHERS PRESENT: Kurt Markegard Cathy Gabrian
Norm Stamper called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
• Public Input: No comments.
Review new policy and regulations for the Laurel Cemetery:
Cathy reviewed the changes to the policy and regulations. Motion b Wall Hall seconded b Lee
Barndt to accept the policy and procedures for the Laurel Cemetery and forward to the council for
approval. Motion carried.
• Installing plaque at cemetery:
Norm explained that when the Rosselot family sold the land that is now the new Veteran's Cemetery, the
City of Laurel agreed to purchase and install a plaque commemorating and /or honoring Dr. R.J. Rosselot
on or near the property within one year of the cemetery's opening.
Mayor Olson has been working on ideas and costs to bring forward for the Cemetery Commission's
review. The plaque will be placed on our shop side, close to the property line of the Veteran's Cemetery.
• Gathering area in Veteran section of the Laurel Cemetery:
Norm explained the purpose of developing a small gathering area in Section J of the Laurel Cemetery.
He and Chuck Rodgers passed out conceptual drawings, as a point to start our discussion. We will share
this information with the veterans and ask for their input. Kurt stated that we need to take into
consideration the sprinkler design and sidewalk placement, in regard to bringing equipment in to dig
graves.
Norm distributed handouts on flag pole specifications and costs and there was discussion regarding the
difference between exposed versus internal cable systems on the poles. If a design is chosen that has
more than one flag, the US flag pole would need to be higher than the others. Chuck stated the veterans
indicated flags would only be flown for ceremonies but sources of lighting were discussed.
Cathy stated that we may want to set up opportunities for donations/memorials to be used for benches,
commemorative stones, trees, etc.
0 Water situation I development of phased installation of sprinkler system:
Kurt stated we are watering our cemetery using the pump off the Cove Ditch. Much discussion followed
and Kurt explained the situation with the watering system for the Yellowstone County Veterans'
Cemetery. He said they recently planted grass and are running 37 zones, 24-hours a day. They were not
able to water any earlier than we do off the Cove Ditch because the High Ditch is kept at a minimum
water level until the water is needed by farmers for irrigation. The level of water was not sufficient to
run the pump. They may have to install a wet well that would allow them to pump when the ditch is at
minimum levels.
Cemetery Commission Meeting
June 17, 2009
Page 2.
It was questioned about us hooking into this system. Kurt said the pressure would blow apart our pipes,
and we would need an expensive controller that may not work with our current sprinkling system. It is
not known whether the new pumping system would be compatible with our sprinkler design by Interstate
Engineering. Wally questioned if we would be obligated to pay repair costs if we tie in with the county
on the pump and there are major problems in the future. Kurt said there is a man working on the
sprinkling system at the county cemetery and he may be able to tell us if our design would be compatible
and if we could develop ours in phases.
Norm suggested setting up a sub-committee to look into the issues with the sprinkler system. Chuck,
Dick and Kurt will work to get information on these issues. Kurt stated he is going to try to irrigate the
cemetery seven days a week and it may involve a few hours overtime.
Wally left the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
The council approved the cutting of holes for vases in Veteran Sections J & K. This should be done
soon.
Chuck will check with the monument companies about straightening the veterans' stones in Section K
and report back at the next meeting.
The Veterans will be invited to the next meeting for their input on the gathering area.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 16"' at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
K
Cathy Ga rian