Loading...
Minutes 08-09-07 MINUTES OF THE BOYNTON BEACH CEMETERY BOARD MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 9, 2007 AT 6:00 PM, IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBER BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Present: Michael Enkoff, Chair Janet Prainito, Secretary Harry "Dale" Hatch Susan Morrison Absent: Karilyn Norem Hohner 1. Call to Order Chair Enkoff called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. Tom Balfe, Parks Manager, Jody Rivers, Parks Superintendent, and Ed libengood, General Manager, Palm Beach Memorial Park, were also present. 2. Attendance Secretary Prainito called the roll and determined a quorum was present. 3. Agenda Approval Chair Enkoff advised Mr. libengood would be making a presentation and requested this be added under "8. New Business," as Item D. Motion Ms. Morrison moved to amend the agenda as requested. Mr. Hatch seconded the motion that passed unanimously. 4. Approval of Minutes - June 21, 2007 Motion Mr. Hatch moved to approve the minutes. Ms. Morrison seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Meeting Minutes Cemetery Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2007 5. Receipt of Revenue/Expense Sheets - May 2007 Chair Enkoff requested the June 2007 Revenue Expense be incorporated in this report as well. Mr. Hatch moved to incorporate the June 2007 report with the May 2007 report and accept the Revenue Expense Reports for May and June 2007. Ms. Prainito seconded the motion that passed unanimously. 6. Receipt of Sales Reports - June and July 2007 Motion Ms. Prainito moved approval. Ms. Morrison seconded the motion that passed unanimously. 7. Unfinished Business A. Parks Report - June and July 2007 Mr. Balfe reviewed the June Parks report. There were: 9 Mausoleum Entombments 11 Ground Full Body Burials 3 Ground Cremains 23 Total Funerals 1 DisentombmentfDisinterments 2 Disinurnments Mr. Balfe read the July report. There were: 11 Mausoleum Entombments 12 Ground Full Body Burials 2 Ground Cremains 25 Total Funerals o DisentombmentsfDisinterments 1 Disinurnment 2 Meeting Minutes Cemetery Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2007 Motion Mr. Hatch moved approval. Ms. Prainito seconded the motion that passed unanimously. B. Review and approve a license agreement including a license fee that would allow a long or fixed term legal right for benches at the Mausoleum with the City having control. (Tabled) Ms. Prainito announced it would be necessary for this item to remain tabled, as to date, no response had been received from the City Attorney. Mr. Balfe reported he received 2 sample bench from Lake Worth Monument, the vendor performing the sandblasting and engraving at the crypt fronts and niche fronts. The cost of the bench would be $650 and lettering would be $210 plus $225 per letter per bench. Chair Enkoff pointed out the board's responsibility with regard to the cemetery at Sara Sims Park, and announced the City would be expending sizable sums of money for improvements to the cemetery. Jody Rivers, Parks Superintendent, advised the CRA had originally budgeted $lM for improvements to Sara Sims Park. The CRA had reconsidered their budget and were maintaining funds for this item in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) in several out years. The intent was once the Heart of Boynton (HOB) was revitalized, Sara Sims Park would be completely refurbished. Chair Enkoff announced he was impressed with the plans and believed if the cemetery at Sara Sims Park was enhanced, more bur:als would occur. He requested this item be tabled until the next meeting, when a full complement of the board was anticipated. C. Discuss electricity (Q island at Boynton Beach Memorial Park. (Tabled) Chair Enkoff advised he was unable to meet with Mr. Brogen. As the conduit had already been positioned, which was fundamental to the issue, consideration had been given to further tabling the item. Mr. Balfe pointed out the cost to extend electricity to the island would be $3,365, which included FPL's light fee, supplies and labor. The board discussed the feasibility of placing a fountain at the park, and whether the board would consider purchasing a fountain in the event it was not donated. Chair Enkoff commented on the fountain at the City of Delray Beach cemetery, which he felt 3 Meeting Minutes Cemetery Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2007 evoked peace and serenity, and believed a fountain would be a pleasing addition to Boynton Beach Memorial Park. The board agreed to table this item until the next meeting. D. Replacement shutters for the mausoleum. (Tabled) Mr. Balfe suggested the item be tabled, as bids had not been received. The board agreed to further table this item. E. Review Commissioner's concerns regarding proposed amendment to Rule #17 of the Cemetery Rules and Regulations. Ms. Prainito advised, at the time this item was discussed at the City Commission Pre- Agenda meeting, Commissioner McCray expressed concern with the placement of three markers on a grave. Originally, he was concerned the markers would be placed in any fashion. City Manager Bressner suggested that perhaps in exchange for allowing the third cremains in the grave, one marker, rather than three, could be placed on the grave. The Commission therefore requested this matter come back to the board for discussion. Chair Enkoff pointed out Commissioner McCray was a funeral director as well, and the concerns of the Commission were well founded. Chair Enkoff believed the board required three single markers. Mr. Balfe believed the concern was more of a maintenance issue. At present, the markers at the cemetery were placed consecutively from the top, rather than one at the head, one in the middle and one at the foot of the plot. Mr. Balfe contended Rule #17 referred more to the number of cremains allowed in a plot rather than the number of headstones or the placement of the headstones. There did not appear to be anything within the Rules regarding the placement of a marker. In any event, Mr. Balfe believed the concern to be valid. In a previous review of the Rules, Chair Enkoff recalled the requirements pertained to the size and composition of the markers. At that time, a discussion ensued as to the maintenance of the markers, which were uneven and falling into the sand. Some of the markers were cut granite while others were bronze- on-granite. Mr. Balfe suggested if the current practice regarding placement of the markers were continued, he did not foresee any problems. If the stones were a bronze-on-granite, 4 Meeting Minutes Cemetery Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2007 another marker would have to be purchased. If the stones were granite, an additional name could be placed on the marker, and the deceased's family would likely opt to place the additional name on the marker. There were many instances in which the family purchased a regular marker as well as a secondary marker, the Veterans Administration (VA) marker, which was placed directly below, so that one marker would actually touch the other, and would be directly in line. Mr. Balfe reiterated he believed Commissioner McCray's concern pertained to placement of a marker, and there did not appear to be any Rule with respect thereto. Mr. Balfe advised urn vaults were not required for earlier burials and regular cremains would fit inside the graves for a full body. With the requirement for urn vaults, space became tight. In order to remedy this, the graves were made deeper in anticipation of the addition of a second or third cremains. Chair Enkoff suggested amending Rule #18, to provide for the distance requirements of the markers. The amendments should be made at the discretion of the Parks Supervisor. Mr. Balfe suggested the amendment require the markers to run consecutively, beginning at the head of the plot. If there was another marker, it would be placed directly below. A third marker would be placed directly below the second. However, no more than three markers would be permitted. Ms. Prainito believed it was necessary to address the City Manager's suggestion that, in exchange for allowing the third cremains, one marker, rather than three, be requested. Chair Enkoff pointed out, while a name could be added on a granite marker if there was enough space, it could not be added on a bronze-on-granite marker. In such event, another marker would have to be permitted to mark the grave. Chair Enkoff added, once a marker was received from the foundry, no additions, other than a date, would be made. Chair Enkoff confirmed the existence of Rule # 18, which provided no more than three markers were permitted per adult grave in the replat section; two cremains would be permitted in a cremains plot; and not more than two markers would be permitted on a cremains plot in the replat section. Thus, the amendment would provide for the placement of the markers to be consistent, at the head of the grave. 8. New Business Chair Enkoff suggested Mr. libengood address the board with his concerns. 5 Meeting Minutes Cemetery Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2007 Ed Libengood, General Manager, Palm Beach Memorial Park, 3691 Seacrest Boulevard, commented he was invited by Mr. Balfe to address the board, as he believed he could alleviate some of the traffic concerns at Boynton Beach Memorial Park. Palm Beach Memorial Park had been at its present site for 50 years, was located on the north edge of Boynton Beach, and comprised 25 acres of land, half of which was undeveloped. Mr. libengood suggested additional grave spaces could be provided to Boynton Beach Memorial Park, and while he did not have a written proposal, he wanted to determine whether the board had any interest in partnering with Palm Beach Memorial Park. Chair Enkoff advised the board would take the matter under advisement and consult with the City Attorney. He believed the first concern of the City Commission would be that Palm Beach Memorial Park was outside of the City limits. The board studied the replatting of the cemetery for more than two years, with the assistance of City staff. Costs associated with the operation of the cemetery were significantly reduced when performed in house. Chair Enkoff thanked Mr. libengood for addressing the board and suggested he communicate with Ms. Rivers and Mr. Balfe with regard to a proposal. He pointed out any proposal would require board approval prior to being addressed by the City Commission. Chair Enkoff stressed the board's concern with regard to the progression of Boynton Beach Memorial Park, and commented on the improvements that had been made over the last five years. In response to Mr. Balfe's inquiry, Mr. Libengood advised he had submitted paperwork for the annexation of Palm Beach Memorial Park into the City of Boynton Beach. Additionally, the property just south of Palm Beach Memorial Park had recently been annexed into the City of Boynton Beach. T'lis property was sold by the owners of Palm Beach Memorial Park and would be developed into 40 town homes. A. Review and approval of proposal from consultant for the entrance archway at Boynton Beach Memorial Park. (Tabled) Mr. Balfe advised last month's packet provided additional information from Bulldog Fence Company with regard to various gate designs, which were less costly than those provided by Fritz Massie. Chair Enkoff advised the consensus of the board was to have two gates that met in the middle, and the archway was stricken. The board reviewed the various designs and lettering. Mr. Balfe commented the vendor from Fritz Massie advised the cost for the basic gate started at $7,500. The cost for the I) Meeting Minutes Cemetery Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2007 gate noted in the packet as #2, was approximately $4,000, and the specifications for the gates were identical. It was anticipated the columns would be prepared and ready by the weekend. The fence was ready to be installed; however, the wall needed to be completed. The board also discussed the matter of purchasing a fountain, and running electric service to the island. Mr. Balfe noted the cost for the drop was currently $565, together with $2,400 for materials and $400 for labor. An additional charge for installing two lights on each column would be approximately $400 or $500. Motion Mr. Hatch moved to select design #2, have the letters "BBMP" put on each swinging gate, and the lights installed on the two columns. Mr. Balfe pointed out if it was the board's desire to have the gate match the existing features, he recommended design #4 be sp.lected. Motion Mr. Hatch amended his motion to select design #4. Ms. Morrison seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Mr. Balfe advised he would contact the vendor and request the necessary measurements be taken, and for the City to be provided with a firm price for the gate. The board discussed the electrical issue and whether to have the drop installed. Motion Mr. Hatch moved to have the drop installed. Ms. Prainito seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Mr. Balfe requested clarification, and the board indicated its preference to have the drop installed with the lights atop the columns at the entrance, and to have the power extended to the island. B. Ratify the approval of the request for refund by James Slie of Lot 195-A, Block S, Boynton Beach Memorial Park Addn. #1. Original purchase price $225, less 20% ($45) for a refund of $180. 7 Meeting Minutes Cemetery Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2007 Ms. Prainito advised she brought this item before the board in order that there was a record of the board ratifying this item. Motion: Ms. Morrison moved to ratify the approval. Mr. Hatch seconded the motion that passed unanimously. C. Correction of March 8, 2007 Meeting Minutes to reflect the approval of a request by Fred H. Bender to disinter the casketed remains of his wife, Gladys M. Bender, from Lot 130-B, Block Y to Block 139-B, Block Y. Ms. Prainito advised approval of the board was necessary to reflect the remains of the deceased were located in "Lot 139-B, Block Y." Motion Mr. Hatch moved approval of the correction. A typographical error was noted in the title of item "C" of this agenda, which should have noted the remains of the deceased v'Iere located in, "Lot 139-B, Block Y," rather than "Block 139-B, Block Y." Vote The motion passed unanimously. 9. Other A. For Your Information - Copy of Boynton Beach Mausoleum, Inc., 15% of cash receipts for the second quarter of 2007. Ms. Prainito advised she had not been provided with the above information for that past year, and was to have included it in the packet. She requested this information be furnished to her, as it had always been directed to her attention. Ms. Prainito agreed to provide this information for the year 2006 through the present, at the next meeting. 10. Future Agenda Items The board agreed to table the Future Agenda Items listed below until the next meeting, in the hopes that City Attorney Cherof would be present. 8 Meeting Minutes Cemetery Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2007 Ms. Prainito commented the items were placed on the agenda so that the board did not lose track of them. Additionally, the items placed under the "Mausoleum Transition Team to work on" would likely take some time to address, and a meeting was scheduled for the end of the month. Jody Rivers, Parks Superintendent, advised the Mausoleum Transition Team members consisted of City Attorney Cherof, Ms. Prainito, Ms. Rivers, and the Acting Director of Finance and Risk Management. Chair Enkoff believed a board member should be included on the team. Ms. Rivers suggested a member be selected. The next meeting of the team was scheduled for August 31, 2007. However, as Ms. Rivers would be out of town, and William Mummert, the Finance Director, had resigned, the board agreed to reschedule the meeting. The board discussed the matter of disinterments, and the need for specific times and guidelines to be provided. Chair Enkoff suggested the park be closed to the public for disinterments occurring later in the day. Mr. Balfe advised his current practice did not necessarily entail closing the park, but rather his staff would intercept members of the public prior to viewing any disinterment. He added a majority of funeral directors discouraged family members from attending disinterments. A. City Attorney to draft a rule for the Cemetery Rules and Regulations that would provide for specific times and guidelines for dsi ntermentsj disentombments. B. City Attorney to review Code section on the Cemetery for the purpose of updating archaic language, and add definitions. C. Mausoleum Transition Team to work on: . The issues of construction of the new Mausoleum building; . Determining whether it is appropriate to demand funds the City is entitled to from the Boynton Mausoleum Inc. andjor to compel an audit prior to contract termination; and · To begin sending written requests to begin the process of Mr. Osborne turning over records to the City in anticipation of the termination of the contract in 2008. D. City Attorney to draft a rule for the Cemetery Rules and Regulations that would provide for charges for disentombments. 9 Meeting Minutes Cemetery Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 9, 2007 11. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 7: 12 p.m. / 0 ~~ ...~ Stephanie D. Kahn Recording Secretary 8-26-08 8-27-08 10