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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCemetary Commission Minutes 06.21.2001 CEMETERY BOARD MINUTES June 21, 2001 5:00 P.M. CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Lauren VanRoekel, Chairman Mark Mace Chuck Rodgers Cathy Gabrian Lloyd Shay Jo Meccage Dick Fritzler Larry McCann Bruce Lefler There was discussion regarding the different options available for irrigation, in light of the drought conditions. It was stated that the cemetery irrigates off the Cove Ditch but we are a junior user and we were not allowed to water for the week prior to Memorial Day. If the drought continues,we will be a user that gets cut off again. Due to these conditions,there was discussion about developing wells for irrigation. Chuck stated a well witcher went through the cemetery and felt that there are 10-15 possible wells with a depth of 60-70 feet. It was stated that we need to drill a test well to check the quality of the water. If the water is full of sulfur,we would abandon the well idea, as it would turn the headstones white. It was the consensus of the committee that we drill a test well with an 8" casing so it would be ready to go if it is a viable well. Larry estimated a cost of$3,000 - $5,000 to finish one well with pump and electricity. There was discussion regarding a sprinkler system. Larry and Chuck went to the Rockvale Cemetery to check out their system and talk to the Williams brothers, who are the caretakers. They were very impressed with the design and they irrigate from a run-off ditch. The two caretakers, who are local farmers, designed and installed the system. Their materials ran approximately $10,000 and they did all the work themselves. They can water the entire cemetery, which is about 2/3 the size of Laurel's, in one day. One of these men drove past Laurel's cemetery and felt there would be no problem putting in the same type of system. Larry said they have offered to help design a system for our cemetery, but it would have to be when they are done farming. Larry felt our city crew could install the system. This is an affordable option compared to the bid we got for a sprinkler system several years ago. Bruce stated there is an old sprinkler system at the cemetery and we would have to cut this out when trenching a new system. Dick asked for clarification regarding whether a sprinkler system would run off the ditch or wells. Discussion followed and it was stated that we need to develop a system that would run off the ditch. Then, if the wells are a viable option, we could budget to develop them over a period of time and tie them into the sprinkler system. More discussion regarding the problems with graves settling and getting grass to grow. It was felt that a sprinkler system would alleviate a lot of these problems. • Discussion followed on the tree situation at the cemetery. Larry had a state forester visit our cemetery and he recommended we get on a tree replacement program. All the leafmg trees in the cemetery are about the same age and the same variety. We will eventually lose all our trees to disease or old age and he said we should start replacing a few each year and use different varieties. Mark said the City of Billings allows five different varieties in their parks and cemeteries. There was discussion about possibly doing a couple areas of landscaping with trees, bushes and rock work in the areas of the cemetery where there will never be burials. It was the consensus of the committee to start using leafing trees with a root barrier as they require less maintenance and the leaf coverage helps retain moisture in the ground. Lauren inquired whether we could get trees from the state. Mark suggested planting them at the sewer plant and move them when they get bigger. Larry said it is quite expensive to rent a tree digger and may not be worth the expense. Money was budgeted in 2000-01 for tree trimming and Magnus Tree Removal gave us a bid but it was $3,000 over budget. Larry thought a portion of these funds were used for tree trimming elsewhere in the city but there are still funds to do some trimming. Chuck will check on the funds still available. Motion by Mark Mace to direct Larry to bring before the Budget/Finance Committee a request in the 2001-02 budget for$20,000 for a sprinkler system and well, seconded by Jo Meccage. Motion carried. Chuck reported that he spoke to Don Schessler about purchasing the additional land to either square up the cemetery or to extend it to Airport Road. Don said they are working on his dad's estate and he will get back to Chuck. Meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cathy Gabrian Deputy Clerk-Treasurer