HomeMy WebLinkAboutCemetary Commission Minutes 09.26.2007CEMETERY COMMISSION MINUTES
September 26, 2007
5:30 P.M. CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
Norm Stamper-Chairman
Lee Bamdt
Luanne Engh
Chuck Dickcrson
Bill Enright
Cathy Gabrian
Chuck Rodgers
Mayor Olson
Dick Fritzler
· Public Input: No public in attendance.
· Bill Enright of Interstate Engineering
1. Background.. Bill gave a background on the work already done regarding the cemetery.
Mapping was done with contour, grading, blocks and lots. They designed an underground irrigation
system for the current cemetery, which has been put on hold. Cemetery expansion has also been put
on hold to see what transpires with the Veteran's Cemetery.
Bill said the poppers burial area is a problem. Dick said in previous board discussions, it was
decided this area would not be used for burials, but rather an area that could have other aesthetic
features. Bill agreed this would be the best use of the area and would avoid costly expense to locate
graves.
2. Irrigation and Water Issues: Irrigation is an issue; there is concern about the water source
and supply. We currently have no water rights on the Cove Ditch and operate on a gentlemen's
agreement. The Veteran's Cemetery will require a lot of water and it would be very difficult to
cover the acreage with our current water supply.
We need to work with the County Task Force to explore additional water sources and
impoundment. In discussions, it has been suggested to make a reservoir or holding pond in a draw
where there is already a pond for animal watering. The Airport is concerned this will attract water
fowl that may interfere with aircraft. Currently, water fowl do not use it but a study would have to
be done if this option is pursued.
There has been discussion about the need for another reservoir for the city. Eventually this could
be a source, but Bill said it would be better to use ground water than expensive treated water for
irrigation.
3. Master Plan: Bill said his challenge would be designing a Master Plan. The County is using
Jolene Rieek, ASLA from Peaks to Plains Design. He showed the members three preliminary plans
that Jolene has done for the Veteran's Cemetery. Bill said she has excellent vision and is very good
at what she does. He said we have a couple of options, based on legal issues for the city. We can
use Jolane as the lead and Bill could do thc engineering or Bill can be the lead with Jolene being the
subcontractor. Norm will check with the city attorney on legal issues.
It was stated our plan should complement the plan for the Veteran's Cemetery. We need to
express our vision to the planner so it is designed as we see it. Bill did say a master plan is a living
plan that can change as needed.
Moved, seconded and carried to get legal council from city attorney, then invite Bill Enright and
Jolene Rieck to a meeting to proceed forward with a master plan.
Ccmete~ Board Minutes
Page 2
4. Previous Proposal for Laurel Cemetery: Bill passed out copies of the Proposal for Laurel
Cemetery, dated February 21, 2006, for the board to review. Bill indicated the proposal is still viable
but costs have increased and he would have to adjust them.
Update on Status of Veteran's Cemetery
1. Extension of Road: The County is in the process of a Master Plan for the Veteran's
Cemetery. The County will extend the road, with the base possibly getting done this fall and asphalt
next spring. They will tie the two areas together and since a funeral procession cannot be broken,
they are considering a gate on the existing comer to detour traffic for funerals. Kurt said the current
road is failing and may require extensive repair if it remains as part of the master plan.
2. Funding: The County is working with Liz Chan from Senator Max Baucus' office to secure
funding. They are also finalizing the lease on state school land north of Airport Road. The
Veteran's Cemetery will have about 25,000 graves that will last for approximately 80 years.
3. Opening: The County is planning a grand opening by Memorial Day 2008 with a dedication
on Labor Day 2008.
4. Rosseiot Lots: As part of the agreement when buying the land, the city agreed to set aside
eight lots for the Rosselot family. The area for these lots needs to be carved out before turning the
land over to the county.
5. Maintenance,4greement: The County wants a maintenance agreement with the city for the
Veteran's Cemetery. The Mayor said staffis currently working on it, but feel it is too premature as
they am unaware of the full scope of what maintenance will entail.
· Changes to Regulations
1. Cathy reviewed the changes. They are minor ones that will help the office staff clarify issues.
Moved, seconded and carried to approve the changes as presented and send forward in
resolution to Council Workshop.
Chuck Dickemon suggested attaching the Resolution to the regulations when they are handed out.
Norm asked if there were any problems with the meeting time. Chuck Dickerson suggested having
the meeting on the Wednesday before Council Workshop, so items can go forward quickly.
Kurt Markegard commented on irrigation problems at the cemetery. He said the Cove is notorious
for breakouts and we have been shut-off fur it. This summer, we were shut down for two weeks so
agriculture could get needed water. He said water shares are available on the Big Ditch and we may
need to look at buying shares and pumping into the Cove.
Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Gabrian
Deputy Clerk