HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/24/24x Amended Cemetery Board MinutesCemetery Board Meeting Minutes
July 24, 2024
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and asked for a roll call.
Present were Vera Carter, John Seagle, Constance Patterson, Todd Bruce, and Marcie Worrell.
Also, in attendance were Mayor Collins, Engineering Project Managers Austin Painter and Nathan Smythers, Finance Director, Jackie Morris, and Clerk of Council, Olivia Hale.
Ms. Morris gave the financial update stating that the closing penalty for the CD was $576.67 and funds were transferred to the Virginia Investment Pool (VIP) on May 16, 2024 with an
opening balance of $329,000.57 and the total interest was $2,201.51. She reported $161,974.99 from the checking account was invested in the VIP and a total checking account balance
of $20,428.83.
Mr. Painter gave an update on the GIS software stating BIDS have been received and the lowest bid was $30,000.00. Since the board allocated $59,000.00 for the GIS software, it was recommended
by Mr. Painter that Pinehurst C and Oakwood C would be included into the surveying project and Oakwood E and Oakwood J could be a later project. The total funding for adding both C
sections in both cemeteries would come out to $50,000.00 and the pricing for replacing the keystones is still being worked on with the engineering firm.
The motion was made by Mr. Bruce and seconded by Ms. Worrell to give the Engineering Department, Austin Painter and Nathan Smythers the power to enforce the surveying with the replacement
of keystones under $59,000.00. Anything over the allocated amount of $59,000 would need the boards approval.
Vera Carter- Aye Todd Bruce- Aye
John Seagle- Nay Marcie Worrell- Aye
Constance Patterson- Aye
Mr. Smythers stated the Public Works Director presented the need to purchase a new mower, there were three estimates given and the lowest came in at $14,000.00.
The motion was made by Ms. Patterson and seconded by Ms. Carter to approve the purchase of the mower with the lowest bid.
Vera Carter- Aye Todd Bruce- Aye
John Seagle- Aye Marcie Worrell- Aye
Constance Patterson- Aye
Mr. Seagle addressed his concerns of the appearance of the front entrance of the Oakhurst Cemetery, including the gate needing to be painted, tree limbs that need to be trimmed, and
the removal of some of the rock that was left when the wall was repaired. He also mentioned the need to look at a leaking water pump at the cemetery and he’d like to see a shelter built
around the porta-john.
Ms. Patterson stated her concerns with putting flags down at Pinehurst and the height of the grass at especially during Memorial Day. She requested additional cosmetic work be done especially
for the holidays for visitors to enjoy.
Mr. Smythers stated Public Works crews are hesitant to weed eat around headstones if there are numerous artifacts because they do not want to destroy them.
All the board members agreed that mowing needs to occur more frequently in both cemeteries, especially before holidays.
Ms. Carter stated she has received calls from neighbors asking why Pinehurst hasn’t been mowed prior to Memorial Day. She asked, what do I say to them, and stated that we've had this conversation
before.
Mr. Bruce commented saying the only think that should put the mowing schedule on delay is weather related or equipment malfunctions.
Mr. Painter stated the Town will make it an emphasis to not pull crews off. close to holidays, onto other emergencies but to treat mowing as a critical task of the town. He stated he
believes mowing is lower down on the risk of criticality, so if there is ever an emergency, they could be pulled off to take on those emergencies. However, there are some emergencies,
such as water breaks and things that the crews are legally obligated to attend to.
Mr. Bruce stated he would have a slideshow at the next meeting recommending some improvements that could be made at both cemeteries and liability issues that need to be discussed.
Ms. Worrell stated flowers aren’t being removed in a certain timeframe.
Mr. Painter suggested discussing at the next meeting a cleaning schedule and items that would be included to be removed from sites at that discussion.
Mr. Seagle stated the signs at the front entrance of Oakwood need to be replaced.
Mr. Smythers stated he could have estimates for new signage at the next meeting.
The motion was made by Ms. Patterson and seconded by Ms. Carter to approve the minutes from May 2, 2024.
Vera Carter- Aye Todd Bruce- Aye
John Seagle- Aye Marcie Worrell- Aye
Constance Patterson- Aye
All were in agreeance to meet again on September 18, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 6:54 p.m.