Jacksonville City Cemeteries Board met July 19.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The regular monthly meeting of the Jacksonville City Cemeteries Board was called to order at 8:30 a.m. in the Commission Room of the Jacksonville Municipal Building. The meeting was publicly announced by posting and by written notice to the local newspaper and radio stations.
ROLL CALL: Members present were: Chairman Doug Moore, Tom Newby, Linda Brown, Carolyn Bonjean, Gerald Scott; Superintendent Jim Pierson; City Clerk Skip Bradshaw. Absent from the meeting was Treasurer Mary Fergurson. A quorum was declared.
AGENDA: Motion was made by Bonjean, seconded by Scott, to approve the July 19, 2019 Agenda as presented in advance. By voice vote, motion carried.
MINUTES: Motion was made by Scott, seconded by Bonjean, to approve the June 21, 2019 as presented in advance. By voice vote, motion carried.
FINANCE:
a.) Treasurer’s Investment Report – June 2019:
Chair Moore reviewed the investment report in Ms. Fergurson’s absence. He noted that market value investments are now over $300,000, and that the next scheduled maturity is set for September 2019 for $25,000. By that point funds could be pulled from the trust account to bring that amount up to $50,000 for reinvestment. Discussion ensued regarding the best placement of funds to gain the highest returns. Ms. Fergurson does do her due diligence in looking for the best rates and does a great job in securing the highest yield possible for the cemetery funds.
Ms. Brown passed along the sentiment of some Cemetery Department employees who feel they are underpaid and would like a bump in salary. It was noted that the employees are represented under the union contract and receive annual raises. Additionally, employees can bargain for various other positions within the City for more pay or better hours. Brief discussion ensued.
b.) Cash Receipts Report – June 2019:
Ms. Brown gave a brief overview of the Cash Receipts Report, indicating that burials are down $10,000 from the same time last year, interest is down, and lot sales are down $14,000 as compared to last year. Payment from the State is due in October. A balance of $83,391.77 remains in the checking account, and the Money Market Trust Fund has a balance of $26,348.53. There is a current revenue balance of 59.71%, and a current expenditure balance of 62.44% remaining at the end of June.
c.) Cash Receipts Report and Claims Approval – June 2019:
Motion was made by Brown, seconded by Newby, to approve the Cash Receipts Report and to pay claims when funds are available. By voice vote, motion carried.
Mr. Scott commended Supt. Pierson for a job well done in keeping the Cemetery Budget in line.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: Supt. Pierson reported on the following:
The front pillars at Diamond Grove Cemetery have been cleaned with the high pressure washer. Plans are to paint them sometime this year
The Department has been spraying for bagworms, but they’re causing a lot of damage, and one tree may not survive
T&K Tree Service has removed three dead trees at Diamond Grove Cemetery
The Department continues to keep the bushes trimmed
Another summer employee has quit to go to school, but another employee has been hired to fill that position
The Department currently has a person working for them that must complete 54 hours of community service
PUBLIC COMMENT: No discussion.
OLD BUSINESS:
Discussion ensued regarding gathering information on the history of the Jacksonville Cemeteries and where to find additional resources. More information to come.
Chair Moore advised that a few minor amendments are being made to the contract with Heritage Health with regard to the burial lots transfer of title to the City from the Jacksonville Area Senior Chaplaincy. Once those changes are made, the contract will be provided to the Cemetery Board for review.
It was confirmed that the City has officially declined to accept Alan Applebee’s offer donating Memorial Lawn Cemetery to the City of Jacksonville.
Chair Moore continues to work on the rule book. A rule book from Sangamon County was provided to use as a guide, which is only three pages long. Chair Moore would like to follow their example with something similar for Jacksonville. Ms. Brown suggested separating the book into two books, one for rules and regulations, and one for general information. Chair Moore is already working to that end.
The Board reviewed a topographical map which indicates the new burial spaces in the Massey addition at Diamond Grove Cemetery. There will be two separate entrances into that area of the cemetery. Discussion ensued regarding planned roadwork and enhancements in that section, breaking the area into three separate stages of work over the next several years. A budget of $50,000 has been set aside this year for Phase I improvements (the teardrop shaped area). A recommendation was made by Scott, seconded by Brown, to authorize Supt. Pierson to present this improvement proposal to the Council.
NEW BUSINESS: No discussion.
ADJOURNMENT: Hearing no further business, a motion was made by Newby, seconded by Scott, to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 a.m. By voice vote, motion carried. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Jacksonville City Cemeteries Board will be held Friday, August 16, 2019, 8:30 a.m. in the Commission Room at the City of Jacksonville Municipal Building.
https://www.jacksonvilleil.gov/city_government/boards_commissions_and_committees/docs/Boards%20Commissions%20Committees/Cemetery_Board_Minutes/2019/07.19.19.pdf
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