City of Jacksonville Cemeteries Board met June 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The regular monthly meeting of the Jacksonville City Cemeteries Board was called to order at 8:32 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 Linda Brown, Tom Newby, Gerald Scott, Vicky Scott; Deputy City Clerk Angela Salyer; Superintendent Doug Moore. Absent from the meeting were City Clerk Skip Bradshaw; and Treasurer Mary Fergurson. A quorum was declared.
AGENDA: Motion was made by G. Scott, seconded by Newby, to approve the June 17, 2022 Agenda as presented in advance. By voice vote, motion carried.
MINUTES: Chair Brown requested the addition of the word “to” after the word “Department” on page 2, 3rd paragraph of the May 20, 2022 Minutes that states “Chair Brown would like the Cemetery Department keep on file the names of the individuals but not list them on the actual State burial entry.” Motion was made by Newby, seconded by G. Scott, to approve the May 20, 2022 Minutes as amended. By voice vote, motion carried.
FINANCE:
a.) Treasurer’s Investment Report – May 2022:
Chair Brown gave a brief overview of the Treasurer’s Investment Report, noting that the next maturity is scheduled for September 26, 2022, an Ally Bank Certificate of Deposit (CD) in the amount of $50,000. Brief discussion ensued regarding the volatility of the market.
Motion was made by G. Scott, seconded by V. Scott, to accept the Treasurer’s Investment Report. By voice vote, motion carried.
b.) Cash Receipts Report – May 2022:
Chair Brown gave a brief overview of the May Cash Receipts Report noting that the operating fund cash balance is $179,137.30 as opposed to a balance of $123,059.36 at this same time last year. There is a balance of $74,049.65 in the Money Market account which includes 45% of lot sales revenue, and which can be used for reinvestment. The current Year to Date revenue balance is $205,986.77 (47.98% available) and the Year to Date expenditure balance is $126,801.44 (70.98% available) at the end of May. Chair Brown noted that the past due balance of $1,680 on the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home report has been paid.
c.) Cash Receipts Report and Claims Approval – May 2022:
Motion was made by Newby, seconded by V. Scott, to approve the Cash Receipts Reports and to pay claims when funds are available. By voice vote, motion carried.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: Supt. Moore reported on the following:
✠ Jim Burke with Hutchison Engineering indicated that the Diamond Grove Cemetery may be a viable option to drop fill dirt that will be excavated from the Morton Avenue Water Main Replacement Project, subject to approval by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The fill dirt would be free of charge and free delivery.
✠ A dedication ceremony was held at Diamond Grove Cemetery on June 1, 2022 to honor Sarah Metcalf (1776-1864). Ms. Metcalf was the daughter of Revolutionary War patriot John Purser. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) presented a plaque in her honor at the site of the family plot.
✠ Because of the age and condition of the trash receptacles at Diamond Grove Cemetery, Supt. Moore has been searching for 6 replacement receptacles in addition to 2 new planters to place at the columbarium. Due to the current economic situation, metal receptacles are at a 106% surcharge and will cost several thousand dollars. He is working with Supt. Terry Chumley to obtain receptacles of similar quality through state bid.
✠ Mowing has been delayed due to varying factors, including rain, heat, illness and vacation schedules. The overall daily schedule changes accordingly in an attempt to keep employees from overheating during extreme heat. Supt. Moore has considered implementing summer hours but doing so would complicate balancing the shift schedule. General discussion ensued regarding the complications involved in adjusting work hours.
✠ Supt. Moore has been looking to purchase additional machinery, namely “standers”, mowers with a standing deck, for mowing some of the older areas that cannot be reached with the riding mowers. They have been using a weed eater but that is not suitable in keeping with the overall look of the grounds. Supt. Moore is just beginning his search so he hopes to have more information at the next meeting. He also noted that his department is experimenting with different types of cords, or string, for the weed eaters that actually make a noticeable difference, and are a cheaper alternative.
Mr. and Mrs. Scott complimented Supt. Moore and his staff on how beautifully the columbarium was established and is maintained at the East Cemetery. Supt. Moore thanked them and noted that he is looking into a similar walkway for the columbarium at Diamond Grove Cemetery.
Chair Brown mentioned that there are enough funds in the Cemetery Fund for any items Supt. Moore is planning to purchase. She also complimented Supt. Moore for everything he does as Superintendent, for giving his full attention to detail at both cemeteries, and for his commitment to keeping the grounds looking beautiful.
PUBLIC COMMENT: No discussion.
OLD BUSINESS:
Brief discussion ensued regarding the Rule Book and the information sheet/handout. Chair Brown asked for a motion to approve both documents, but was unaware of the changes suggested by Treasurer Fergurson. Due to that fact, and the request by G. Scott for more time to review the revised Rule Book as presented by Chair Brown, it was decided to wait until the July meeting to review, discuss and approve these documents.
Supt. Moore advised that City Attorney Dan Beard will attend the July meeting to discuss the sale of existing sold lots which have been unused for 50 years or more.
NEW BUSINESS: No discussion.
ADJOURNMENT: Hearing no further business, a motion was made Newby, seconded by V. Scott, to adjourn the meeting at 9:02 a.m. By voice vote, motion carried. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Jacksonville City Cemeteries Board will be held Friday, July 15, 2022, 8:30 a.m. in the Commission Room at the City of Jacksonville Municipal Building.
https://www.jacksonvilleil.com/departments/cemeteries/index.php
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