HomeMy WebLinkAboutCemetary Commission Minutes 07.29.2004 CEMETERY BOARD MINUTES
July 29,2004
5:30 P.M. CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dick Fritzler, Chairman Mark Mace
Lloyd Shay Chuck Rodgers
Jo Meccage Cathy Gabrian
Steve Klotz(arrived at 5:50 p.m.)
Land Purchase
It was noted that since our last meeting, the city was able to purchase the
additional land from the Schessler family. Certificate of Survey No. 3162 was done in
April 2003 and the city purchased Tracts A, B and C for a total of 18.371 acres.
2004-05 Budget Overview
Steve gave an overview of the 2004-05 General Fund cemetery budget. He
explained that the overall budget is approximately $63,500 with $52,000 being personnel
costs. This budget figure does not include gas, electricity or building maintenance. The
remaining amount covers maintenance supplies, fuel expense,machinery and equipment,
tires/tubes/chains for equipment and pickup, and tree pruning.
A new riding lawn mower is budgeted out of the Capital Cemetery Improvements
Fund at a cost of$10,000. This mower has a wide deck which will facilitate mowing of
large open areas.
Discussion followed regarding the two capital project funds. Steve indicated that
the city attorney is looking at one of the funds and will give us direction regarding how
the funds can be used.
Steve briefly explained what the Capital Improvement Plan(CIP) is and how
items are ranked and prioritized.
Tree/Grass Issues
Steve stated that we had to remove two-thirds of the trees on the south boulevard
because they were either on the property line or on Schessler's property. A city Tree
Board is being established that will benefit the cemetery and all our parks. They will be
studying the different root systems, species of trees that do well in this area, and their
aesthetic appeal for different areas.
Trees are costly and the city is looking at developing its own tree nursery. Steve
said we have a fenced area at the sewer plant where we could plant starter trees that we
get from the county extension agent or the experimental conservation station by Bridger.
When the trees get to be about six feet tall, they could be transplanted where needed.
A requirement of the land purchase was that the east property line be fenced. The
man who previously farmed this land is no longer interested, so the city will need to plant
this new area with a type of grass that is maintenance free.
Sprinkler System
There was discussion regarding the future of a sprinkling system. Steve stated
that a system must be developed that can be used with different water sources. At this
time,the city has secondary water rights on the Cove Ditch and we could be denied water
at any time. Other possibilities would be wells or city water, if a new reservoir is
constructed in the future.
Cemetery Plan
Dick stated that he feels a cemetery plan is a priority so we have direction. He
would like the board to prioritize a list of needs for the cemetery.
Steve expressed his feelings that the city needs to have a professional plan done
for the future good of the cemetery. He stated that every public works director, mayor
and board has its own ideas but there is no,long term continuity. The cemetery needs a
long term plan that will not be affected by the changing personalities of those making the
decisions. With the purchase of additional land, Steve does not feel comfortable going
forward without knowing how things tie into the overall picture.
It was stated that if we want to look at applying for grants, a cemetery plan needs
to be in place.
There was discussion regarding what the city would do if they were ever able to
acquire the acreage to the west of the cemetery, where our shop sits.
In response to how we go about getting a cemetery plan, Mark explained that we
each need to define our goals and come together for our list. Someone would then need
to make a presentation to the council to get the RFP and we would then go out for bid.
Cemetery Board Meeting Dates
Dick stated he would like to set the 2nd Thursday at 5:30 p.m. on a quarterly basis
for Cemetery Board meetings, with them falling in January, April, July, and October. If
needed more often,they will be scheduled on a per need basis.
Dick distributed Chapter 2.84 of the Laurel Municipal Code which clarifies the
duties and powers of the board.
The next meeting will be August 19th at 5.30 p.m. to bring forth a list of needs for
the cemetery and prioritize them. (This was later changed to August 16th at 5:30 p.m.)
Rates/Mission Statement
Cathy passed out a worksheet comparing the fees of area cemeteries. A brief
discussion followed and it was decided to look into this at a later date.
The mayor would like a Mission Statement from each committee/board and Dick
asked all members to think about this so we can work towards our statement in the near
future.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Ga rian
Deputy Clerk