Board Minutes for May 17, 2022
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 am by Peggy Seppmann, President.
Present were: Peggy Seppmann, Dean Otto, Paige Attarian, Pete Hagert, Dennis Owens, Barbara Jackowell, Arlene Nielsen, and Phyllis Granaas.
The minutes of the last meeting had been sent out to members ahead of time and were approved’
Dean Otto gave the treasurer’s report. The Profit/Loss statement for 2021 showed a loss of $6,397.55 due to expenses being more than income. We offset that loss with a $5,500 withdrawal of funds from the Stiffel account and $3,580 in solicited memorials (donations.) We also had unrealized gains at Stiffel for a total net income of $20,796.68 for the year.
Our biggest expense was for mowing. We paid a total of $10,930.00 for the lawn care and other maintenance. Payroll expenses were $3877.40. Insurance cost were $1325.00 and other expenses were $ $1,515.15 for total expenses of $17,647.55. Our total income from burials, land sales, perpetual care and staking fees was $11,250.
Dean stated that the investment fund was about $262,432.06, as of December 2021. For the period of January through April of 2022, our net income was a loss of $12,847.43. The largest loss was in unrealized gain/loss on our Stiffel account.
Dean stated that Chad Ruch requested an increase in lawn care costs to $1,175 per mowing. The increase was approved. Also approved was a $100.00 expense for planting the pots for Memorial Day and $100.00 for the VFW for their Memorial Day program. The treasurer’s report was approved.
The superintendent’s report was made by Pete Hagert. He is now retired. In 2021 we had 20 burials, 13 and cremations. So far in 2022, we have had 1 regular burial. Pete said Chad Ruch was keeping the roads in good shape. The north side needs to have the brush cleared. Pete is wasting for an estimate from Chad for this. The northeast corner had a small wash-out area but the asphalt filings are holding up well.
Pete also said the VFW would be coming at 10:45 on Memorial Day, so we could schedule the singer for about 10:30. He also asked if donation letters could be left out again. We need a plastic box to hold them.
A discussion with the county about starting a pet cemetery was met with negative feedback. The county stated that this would be a new development and would not fit the ordinances. It was suggested that we should bring an attorney with us to talk with the county. We would probably get a better result if we had someone who was familiar with the ordinances and with working with the county.
The sizes and prices of the lots were discussed. For a burial the lot is 5’ x 12’ and costs $700.00. For a cremation burial the lot is 5’ x 6’ and costs $400.00. Cremation burials only need and urn for the ashes. A vault is not necessary. Cremation burials can also be placed on top of a full burial. A second rite of internment costs. $400.00 plus $250 for the burial.
Dale has updated his cost and there will charge extra for grave digging on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
A question as asked about “Green” cemeteries. The cemeteries do not need embalming, caskets or coffins.
The fall meeting was scheduled for 9-13-22
Barb Jackowell, Secretary