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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/21/2009 MINUTES OF LEBANON CEMETERY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING July 21, 2009 - 2:00 p.m. Apple Valley Municipal Center COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: David Brueshoff, Bob Harvey, Dave Kemp, Alan Kohls, Paula Moore, Gary Wagner COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: Nancy Anderson OTHERS PRESENT: Public Works Director Todd Blomstrom Public Works Superintendent Mike Glewwe Cemetery/Public Works Coordinator Jean Bryant Chair Kohls called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: of Wagner, seconded by Brueshoff, approving the agenda for today's meeting as written. Motion passed unanimously. AUDIENCE —10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME LIMIT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THIS AGENDA There was no one present to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — April 21, 2009 MOTION: of Brueshoff seconded by Moore, approving the minutes of the Apri121, 2009, meeting, as corrected. Motion passed unanimously. NEW/CONTINUED BUSINESS Activity Report Ms. Bryant reviewed the Lebanon Cemetery Activity Report for second quarter. There were 13 lot sales in the second quarter: 11 to residents and 2 to non-residents; 6 sales were preneed and 7 were at need. There was 1 boulder sale (a double) and no niche sales. There were 6 burials, of which 4 were traditional and 2 were cremations. There were 8 transfers and no returns of lots to the Cemetery. Maintenance and Grounds Mr. Glewwe reported crews have been watering trees and plants often due to the dry conditions. Other work done includes mowing, weeding, trimming, and removal of unapproved items. Graves were topdressed and hydroseeded where needed. Gravel was added to the back driveway. Committee Member Harvey arrived at 2:07 p.m. The ropes and snaps were replaced on the three flag poles. Planting of perennials in the Back to Nature cremation boulder area was completed today. Columbaria Landscaping Update Mr. Blomstrom reviewed the columbaria landscaping design chosen by the Committee. The grading, concrete, and retaining wall would be done by a contractor. Staff will install drain tile, trees, shrubs, and flowers. As the work is in a sensitive area with burials adjacent to the proposed wall, three recommended contractors were sent information for quotes. The City Council has approved an agreement with Hicks Concrete, and work will begin when the paperwork is completed. The foundations for the third and fourth columbaria will have capstone installed and be used as temporary planters. Master Plan Update Mr. Blomstrom summarized past discussions of the cemetery CIP which includes orienting the main entrance to Embry Path, landscaping the columbaria, and completing the boulder area planting. Goals for 2010 are updating the cemetery master plan, crack sealing the road, landscaping near the parking area, and purchasing benches for the columbaria area. Mr. Blomstrom presented the quote from Sanders Wacker Bergly for the rriaster plan update, which would include the 2.1 acres to extend the cemetery to Embry Path. MOTION: of Moore, seconded by Brueshoff, to seek funding in the 2010 budget for the master plan update. Motion passed unanimously. Regulation Changes Staff noted that Section V.B.1 of the cemetery regulations states wreaths must be mounted on above-ground stakes or easels. Many are hung on plant stands. Should the regulation be changed? Also, should wreaths be allowed only from November through February? Committee members discussed the need to enfarce whatever is written, how decorations affect the appearance of the cemetery, and when cleanup needs to occur. MOTION: of Wagner, seconded by Moore, to recommend changes to the Cemetery Regulations, Section V.B.1) to read, "Wreaths are allowed from November through February." Motion passed unanimously. Staff recommended changing scheduled clean-ups in Section VII.B. from "March to December" to "March to November." Members noted that the dates work with allowing wreaths beginning in November. Cleanup in December is difficult with cold temperatures and snow. MOTION: of Kemp, seconded by Moore, to recommend changing the scheduled clean-ups in Section VII.B. of the Cemetery Regulations to end in November. Motion passed unanimously. General Cemetery Regulations Discussion A recent news article on the cemetery scheme which took place at Burr Oak Cemetery in Illinois was distributed. Ms. Bryant informed members of the Minnesota laws governing cemetery formation and sales of burial space, and disinterment and reinterment. Committee members discussed the issue and received further information on it from Committee Member Harvey who has cemeteries in the Chicago area. OTHER BUSINESS Workers Memorial Day Photos Chair Kohls reported that many people were present at the Workers Memorial Day program at the cemetery, including government representatives and industry leaders. Funeral Home & Cemetery News Article This article is on an alternative to cremation — water resolution — touted as environmentally responsible. Committee members noted there are concerns with what is disposed down the drain. City News Article The Summer issue of the City newsletter contained an informative article on the cremation boulders. Chair Kohls mentioned he saw crews planting perennials in the cremation boulder area and commented it will look nice when the planting is complete. He said he receives many compliments on the appearance of the cemetery from others visiting the cemetery. Other Miscellaneous Chair Kohls updated the committee on the proposed development of the property to the east and south of the cemetery. Townhomes and single family homes are currently being proposed by the developer. Committee Member Harvey questioned Mr. Blomstrom on the state of the cemetery budget. Will it be decreasing with the state of the economy? Mr. Blomstrom responded the cemetery is an enterprise fund and needs to provide for its improvements. ADJOURN MOTION: of Wagner, seconded by Kemp, to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Approved: October 20, 2009