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Minutes 11-12-96 MINUTES OF THE CEMETERY BOARD MEETING HELD AT THE MAUSOLEUM CHAPEL, BOYNTON BEACH MEMORIAL PARK, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1996, AT 6:00 P.M. PRESENT Tim Hensley, Chairman John Wildner, Parks Supt. Tereesa Padgett, Vice Chairwoman Glenda Hall, Foreman Sue Kruse, Secretary Frances Cleary ABSENT Betty Boroni Candace Smith, Alternate I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Hensley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ATTENDANCE Prior to the start of the meeting, Secretary Kruse announced that William Burton was appointed by the City Commission as an alternate member of this board. He was notified by phone today of his appointment and tonight's meeting, but due to a previous commitment, he was unable to be present this evening. Betty Boroni was not present, and Candace Smith is away on vacation. III. AGENDA APPROVAL Ms. Cleary moved to approve the agenda. Vice Chairwoman Padgett seconded the motion which carried unanimously. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 10, 1996 This item was skipped. V. RECEIPT OF BALANCE SHEETS - SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER, 1996 Vice Chairwoman Padgett moved to place the Balance Sheets on file. Ms. Cleary seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 1 VI. RECEIPT OF SALES REPORTS - SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER, 1996 Vice Chairwoman Padgett moved to accept the Sales Reports. Ms. Cleary seconded the motion. Ms. Cleary questioned why the setting of six markers cost $230 in September, but only $220 in October. Secretary Kruse explained that double markers are set at a slightly higher cost than single markers. The motion carried unanimously. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Parks Department Report All line trimming was completed prior to the Veterans' Day weekend. Trimming will begin again soon. Fertilizer has been put down for the Fall season. The Parks Department located a chemical for rust removal on the wall. Although it was helpful, the rust is returning. The Parks Department will make a determination on whether or not to use this chemical on a semi-annual basis only. Bill DeBeck provided a cost estimate of $2,000 to pressure spray and paint the wall. Mr. Wildner felt this was a very costly method of rust removal. Mr. Wildner reported that Brian Roundy has been selected as the Foreman to replace Bill Hilliard. He has a lot of interest in park-type work and requested placement at the Cemetery. Mr. Roundy took the time to study for the written test that was given for the Foreman position, and did very well. The Foreman pay grade level is 22. Mr. Wildner further reported that someone is available to take Tray's (Earl Crossman) place. 2. Reports on Cemetery Areas Assigned to Members Ms. Cleary expressed her concerns about the gravestones that are tipping over. At the entrance to the first section, the large "Dame" stone is tipping over more than when she mentioned this in the past. In addition, there are three other stones that are also tipping over. She asked if something can be done to correct this situation. Ms. Hall suggested that a monument company be contacted to handle this since lifting these stones is too heavy a job to be done by staff. Mr. Wildner added that the Cemetery crew attempted to lift the "Dame" stone, but they were unable to do so. He offered to investigate having a monument company handle this task, and bring a report back at a future meeting. In response to Vice Chairwoman Padgett's question, Mr. Wildner advised that approximately 25 markers have been raised. Now that Bill Hilliard is gone, there are only two-man crews working, and it is difficult to get to this job in addition to all of the other work necessary at the Cemetery. 2 MEETING MINUTES CEMETERY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 12, 1996 At the board's request, Mr. Wildner will investigate the cost of having a monument company do this job. He will report back to the board. Vice Chairwoman Padgett reported that her area of the Cemetery looked good. However, the roadway needs edging and the grass around the children's monument needs to be pulled out. Block "M" has a lot of weeds. She suggested using "Weed & Feed". Ms. Hall explained that "Weed & Feed" can be used on St. Augustine; however, because there are so many weeds in this area and so little grass, once the weeds are dead, the area may have to be resodded. Chairman Hensley did not have an opportunity to inspect Sara Simms today, but it did look good a few days ago. 3. Replacement of Mausoleum Carpet Ms. Hall rearranged the furniture today to see if the board members like the set up. Using this arrangement, it will not be necessary to purchase another carpet at this time. The members were pleased with the appearance of the Chapel, and decided to delay purchase of an additional carpet. Ms. Hall advised that she priced carpets at Shoppers' Market. They ranged in price from $2,000 to $3,500. She was advised by the salesman that unless she is at the Market when the shipment arrives, it is unlikely she would be able to get two of the same carpets. VIII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Veterans' Markers Secretary Kruse advised that the Boynton Veterans Council has a new chairman who is committed to solving the problem of the unmarked veterans' graves. The Veterans Council is able to get markers from the Veterans' Administration at no cost. Mayor Taylor has agreed to assist the Veterans Council by providing a list of the unmarked graves. Mayor Taylor has requested that the Cemetery Board supply this information along with the costs associated with the slab installation and the labor involved. Chairman Hensley reported that Joe Delaney contacted him about this letter. It is Mr. Delaney's opinion that gathering this information is not worth the effort because when he attempted this in the past, the families either did not have the necessary information, or they were not interested. 3 MEETING MINUTES CEMETERY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 12, 1996 Vice Chairwoman Padgett pointed out that Mr. Levine seems to feel he has another route that can be followed. It is quite possible that the VA is willing to provide a marker with only a name. Secretary Kruse will provide the list of unmarked graves. Mr. Wildner pointed out that if we do not have a complete list, staff can make a special effort next Memorial Day to complete the list. Chairman Hensley requested that Secretary Kruse send a letter to the Mayor advising him that the board is working on this item. The board will provide the concrete for the footing if the City waives the setting fee. He would also like the Mayor to be aware that this has been attempted in the past with little success. In addition to the letter, Chairman Hensley will phone Mayor Taylor to speak to him personally. 2. Participation in Florida Municipal Investment Trust Secretary Kruse advised that the back-up material contains a memorandum from Finance Director Diane Reese relative to the City's participation in the Florida Municipal Investment Trust. This is another place for the City to invest funds. Ms. Reese anticipates investing some of the Cemetery funds in this Trust in addition to investment in the Local Government Investment Pool. In response to Vice Chairwoman Padgett's question regarding the rate of return for the Florida Municipal Investment Trust, Secretary Kruse was of the opinion that it would be similar to that of the Local Government Investment Pool. Vice Chairwoman Padgett said she is not interested in having the Florida League of Cities invest any of the Cemetery funds at this point. Chairman Hensley would like more information on this Trust before agreeing to invest the Cemetery funds. Chairman Hensley reminded the members of the decision to discuss investing a portion of the fund in mutual funds or something else that might provide a better rate of return. This discussion will take place after the first of the new year. Ms. Cleary suggested SunTrust Bank be contacted since they are currently offering 6.25% on Certificates of Deposit. IX. OTHER "The Death Biz" Chairman Hensley thanked Secretary Kruse for including the article which was retrieved from Government Magazine. 4 MEETING MINUTES CEMETERY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 12, 1996 Chairman Hensley asked for clarification about a report he received relative to a shortage of plastic forms for the Mausoleum crypts. Mr. Wildner confirmed that a shortage exists and Roger VanKorlaar is having a difficult time locating them. The original forms came with the buildings. However, when the form is removed more than one time, it deteriorates. In addition, the problem is exacerbated because of the fact that, at Ed Pfaff's suggestion, these plastic forms were borrowed from unused crypts and not replaced. Staff is now working with the mausoleum company to try to locate additional forms. This has also raised questions about who will be responsible for purchasing these replacement forms. In Vice Chairwoman Padgett's opinion, since it was Mr. Pfaff's suggestion to borrow the forms, this dilemna should now be his to resolve. Ms. Hall also reported that some of these forms are wasted when bodies are stored temporarily and then moved to their permanent resting place. Secretary Kruse advised that on October 25th, Mr. VanKorlaar reported that there were no more plastic forms available. Mr. Wildner explained that some additional forms were located, and he will check to make sure there is no immediate crisis. Mr. Wildner will report his findings to Chairman Hensley. Secretary Kruse now has a list of the people who hold keys to the Mausoleum Chapel. Eight keys have been lent out. She telephoned each one where a number was available, and requested their cooperation in making sure the door was locked upon their departure. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Cemetery Board, Vice Chairwoman Padgett moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:57 p.m. Ms. Cleary seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Janet M. Prainito Recording Secretary (One Tape) 5