HomeMy WebLinkAboutCemetary Commission Minutes 01.23.2008CEMETERY COMMISSION MINUTES
January 23, 2008
5:30 P.M. CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
Norm Stamper-Chairman
Dick Fritzler
Bill Sheridan
Cathy Gabrian
Chuck Rodgers
Chuck Dickerson
Kurt Markegard
· Public Input: No public in attendance.
· Update on Master Plan
Norm explained that after our last meeting, Bill Enright sent the proposal but it was lost and no
one saw it. After checking with Bill again, he faxed the proposal and Mary received it. She
forwarded it to Sam to put in Resolution format and it went forward to council. Resolution No. R07-
110 was passed by the council on December 18, 2007. It stated the council approves a change to the
previously approved contract (Resolution No. R06-27) to allow Interstate Engineering to prepare the
Laurel Master Plan for the Laurel Cemetery for the lump sum price of $8,400.00.
Norm said the topographic survey is done and the master plan is being worked on right now.
Norm was very pleased with the price. Originally, we had budgeted $25,000.00 for the Master Plan.
Discussion followed regarding future options for the cemetery shop building, whether to leave it
where it is or move/replace it to the back of the property. It was stated this should be a part of the
Master Plan. Norm indicated that as funds allow, a sprinkling system needs to be priority.
Norm had a discussion with Mayor Olson regarding the money we will receive from the sale of
the Veteran's Cemetery to the County. Mayor Olson would like to see the money used to improve
the Veteran sections in our own cemetery, in accordance with the Master Plan.
Dick stated that as this project goes forward, we may want to identify specific projects within the
Master Plan that individuals or organizations can donate to. A brochure with this information can be
distributed to the public.
· Veteran's Cemetery Update
The county will be drilling a test well by the cemetery shop to see if there is a viable source of
water for irrigation at the Veteran's Cemetery.
Norm stated he did not get notification of the last meeting with the Commissioner's until right
before the meeting and was unable to let Chuck Rodgers and Chuck Dickerson know. He will keep
them informed about future meetings.
Bill and Kurt indicated that a maintenance proposal has been sent to the Commissioners and they
will be meeting with them to review it.
· Fee Schedule
Kurt Markegard presented a proposal for increasing the grave opening/closing fees. He said we
have not had an increase since April 2000 and labor cost and fuel prices have increased substantially
and we are not covering our costs. Instead of one huge increase, he would like to see smaller ones
on a yearly basis to keep up with expenses.
Cemetery Commission Minutes
Page 2
He is recommending the following increases.
Cttrrent Charges
Opening and Closing Full Grave $200
Saturday and Holiday
Baby Grave
Saturday and Holiday
Cremation
Saturday and Holiday
Proposed Charges
$280
$275 $380
$ 75 $100
$125 $150
$125 $150
$175 $200
Motion by Chuck Dickerson, seconded by Chuck Rodgers to recommend to the City Council
that the new grave opening/closing fees, as presented, be added to the city fee schedule. Discussion
followed and it was suggested that we also raise the lot prices since they have not been raised since
2000. Chuck Dickerson mended the motion, seconded by Chuck Rodgers, to include an increase in
lot prices as follows:
City Residents
Full Grave ....................... $ 350
Baby Grave ..................... $150
Non-City Residents
Full Grave ....................... $ 500
Baby Grave ..................... $150
Motion was called for on the amended motion. Motion carried.
Motion then called for on the original motion as amended. Motion carried.
Norm said he would like to set a schedule for regular quarterly meetings for the Cemetery
Commission. The fees could then be reviewed on an annual basis and a recommendation made to
the council.
Meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Gabrian
Deputy Clerk