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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-29-98I ., Approved by Cemetery Committee July 22, 1998 CEMETERY ADVISORY COMMITTEE CITY OF SANFORD Meeting of April 29, 1998 3:00 p.m. Room 255 — City Hall Sanford, Florida PRESENT: Fred Gaines ABSENT: Bill Welborn Christopher Neal Marilyn Brisson Thelma Mike Howard Jeffries Linda Tucker, Secretary Meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman, Christopher Neal Thelma Mike gave the invocation. Roll Call was taken by Linda Tucker. Minutes of Feb. 4, 1998 were read and approved. Future of the Cemetery: _Howard stated that the City Commission discussed the future of the cemetery at their meeting of 3- 23 -98. At that meeting Howard mentioned that 200 . spaces were still available for sale and if the City continued selling spaces at the rate they are now selling it would be 2 years to sell out. To develop the Crawford property would give over 2,000 more spaces. The Commission approved developing this property into cemetery spaces. Other recommendations presented to the Commission were to fill in the ditch in Section E and develop Hovnanian Park. These two recommendations were not approved. It was also recommended to the Commission to discontinue giving free veteran spaces. This issue was not discussed by the Commission, however the department will present this again at the next commission meeting. Howard stated that the City Manager also asked him to determine costs to develop Hovnanian Park, although it is likely that this property will be sold. The City Commission also mentioned that the Perpetual Care funds should be put into a fund to draw interest which could pay for cemetery maintenance. After checking with Finance Dept. it was determined that the interest earned would not cover the cost for cemetery maintenance. Election of Officers: Fred Gaines made motion that Christopher Neal be Chairman. Seconded by Thelma Mike. Passed. Fred Gaines made motion that Thelma Mike be Vice Chairman. Seconded by Christopher Neal. Passed. Page Jackson Cemetery Howard reported that Parks and Grounds Maintenance staff have done major cleanup of this area. All the underbrush has been removed and over 200 dead or diseased trees have been cut down. Staff are now starting to mark with concrete markers those graves that can be identified as such. Fred Gaines asked if the County had cleaned their area yet. Howard replied that they had not but a County representative at the last Commission meeting indicated that there would be a big announcement about this within the next two weeks. Discussion on raising cost of cemetery spaces: The Committee discussed the option of raising the fee for cemetery spaces. Christopher Neal indicated that the City's rates are relatively low compared to other municipalities, Oaklawn and All Souls. After discussion the Committee decided not to recommend a rate increase at this time; however, when the Crawford property is developed then a rate increase should be considered. Condition of Section J: Christopher Neal mentioned that he was concerned about the condition of Section J in that this section looks bad and is embarrassing. Howard mentioned that those items such as popcorn edging, plastic fencing, stone chips, etc. were started years ago; however, the revised Cemetery Rules and Regulations read that if popcorn edging, plastic fencing, stone chips, etc. are installed on a grave that the owner of that space is responsible for upkeep and if not properly maintained then the space will be restored to its original condition by- removing these items and replacing with sod. No further business meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Next meeting is scheduled for July 22, 1998.