HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-09-2013 (2)MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY BOARD MINUTES
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
2:00 PM
Members Present: Jeanne Coffey, Greg Dobbs, Warren Olson
Staff Present: Craig Hudson
Citizen present: Scot Pondelick
A. Call to Order — The meeting was called to order at 2:00 pm by Jeanne Coffey.
B. Review of February 2013 Minutes — The Febuary 2013 minutes were moved for approval
by Greg Dobbs and seconded by Warren Olson.
C. Old Business
Craig shared that the Easter Sunrise Service was a wonderful event this year, the weather
was sunny and in the 70's. Three sets of bleachers were brought up from the Parks
Department for the crowd of over 180 people. Nine dozen donuts were purchased and
coffee was also provided. The event started at 6:30 am with Messiah Lutheran Church
handling the service. In the past Messiah Lutheran Church had a service at 6:30 am in
their Auburn church but decided to stop competing with this service. Most of the foks
attending are Auburn citizens. The event has really grown over the years, folks enjoy
coming and reminiscing. There were a lot of flowers being brought in to the cemetery and
we leave them out for about a week, then pick them up and put them behind the cemetery
for folks to pick up if they wish.
Stipps Meadow Project — They ran a camera down the pipe and found a pinch point so
that added another three days to the construction project. Another issue was found up on
the easement on 58th; they had water wash out the rock where the sewer pipe is so they
had to re -do that. The cemetery is very wet in the 9th addition as a result of the clear cut at
the five acre parcel. It's embarassing when the families walk up there. The developers
will be installing a retention pond to alleviate the issue. The property management folks
are in the process of sub - dividing and land planning, they have gone as far as the Qwest
easement, they will have to run the sewer line all the way to the other end of the 9'/2 acre
parcel. The homes will be in the $400,000 range and will be located on the 9 '/2 acre
parcel. Their easement will be to turn off 56th onto 58tH
D. New Business
Ken Bradford has dropped off the board, that will be a big loss. We are in the process
of looking for a replacement. Warren recommends Mike Harbin, but he might have
health issues which would make it difficult for him to serve on the board. Craig may
consider Dick Watt, he has expressed interest in the past.
Seasonal employees — The City has looked at our first quarter and decided everything
was ok to hire some seasonal employees. One has started and we are expecting two
more to begin soon.
E. Reports:
Budget update — We had a great first quarter; in January our revenue was $78,000,
February was $88,000 and March hit $102,000. We are seeing a rise in marker sales
and costs have been down. The City is exploring other options such as contracting the
maintenance portion of the cemetery. The cemetery would handle urn and full burials
and marker settings but would contract out the mowing, irrigation, line trimming and
weeding. This could eliminate two maintenance employees and including benefits and
pay would save $80,000 - $100,000 as well as fuel savings and equipment
maintenance costs. There was wording in the union contract to move the cemetery
maintenance employees to the golf course, Parks Maintenance or Maintenance &
Operations, but the contract got voted down. We don't know if this will actually take
place.
Sample Memorial Display — The maintenance crew has measured out the memorial
display to the North of the office and if we removed the brick wall and sample
memorials, Craig could sell 15 plots for $2,195 each. He could also recycle the
granite. Craig feels the samples aren't being utilized and folks could just as easily get
ideas from walking around and viewing existing markers. Warren feels the area
should be a flower display since that's our main thing here with the existing water
feature, the view of Mount Rainier etc. Warren feels the area may be a tough sell for
grave sites. Jeanne likes the sign and feels it could be updated.
F. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 2:35 p.m.
Approved Date