Meeting Minutes – February 2015

minutes-iconMINTURN CEMETERY DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

February 9, 2015

Members Present:

John Sheehan

Mike Martinez

Dick Cleveland

Members Absent:

n/a

Staff:

Sidney Harrington

Ray Sforzo

I CALL TO ORDER

Dick Cleveland called the regular meeting to order at approximately 4:05 p.m. at the Riverview Cemetery Mausoleum, Minturn, CO.

II ROLL CALL

Dick, Mike, Ray and Sidney were all present. John arrived 15 minutes later.

III PUBLIC COMMENTS

Nick Hodgdon with First Call of Colorado attended the meeting to address the Board and Staff regarding a proposal to inter scientific research cremains in the Mausoleum ossuary. First Call of Colorado is a transport and cremation business that serves the state of Colorado anatomical board, several county coroner offices, and medical examiner offices, as well as funeral homes on the Front Range.

Nick addressed the Board and Staff on behalf of Science Care, his client, who is currently seeking new and dignified cremains disposal options. Science Care is an organization that implements a whole body donation program linking donors with those in the medical community who develop new, innovative techniques, devices and treatments to advance and improve the quality of healthcare.

Specifically, Nick proposed a monthly ossuary drop-off program administered through his company. There will be a set fee for each cremation that goes into the ossuary. A pre-scheduled drop off date will be arranged with the District office along with an inventory list of cremains to be placed.

Discussion ensued with Board and Staff and all were in agreement that the District shall move forward with exploring a contract with First Call of Colorado on a one-year trial basis. Sidney will coordinate contract details with Nick for the Board to review at the next meeting. Mike would like Sidney to contact Front Range funeral homes to learn more about ossuary pricing.

IV APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

John motioned to approve the meeting minutes from January 12, 2015 and Mike seconded the motion. Dick abstained as he did not attend the January meeting.

V. STAFF DISCUSSION

A. Ray gave a property manager report:

The Cemetery had another casket burial on February 4th in the upper cemetery. The family of Alvin Johnson purchased a total of 10 burial plots. A concrete vault was installed for this burial and a professional vault company was utilized for the burial service. Portable dollies were used to lower the concrete vault having minimal impact to Cemetery grounds. All went very smoothly other than some dirt caving into the grave site. The problem was mitigated quickly and there was no delay in the burial service.

Ray reported that gutters have been installed on the bathroom building.

PSI has been to the Mausoleum to troubleshoot some snow melt system issues including compressor pump failure. It is recommended that we reconfigure boiler pumps to resolve the problem. Ray has obtained a quote for work and will look into a 2nd opinion.

Maintenance building expansion/design/use continues to be on Ray’s radar screen as he has been in contact with Jim McNeil and will continue to move forward.

A. Sidney gave an Administrator report:

Sidney addressed recent concerns regarding public threats such as “suing the cemetery”. Matt Mire, legal counsel for the District, said to advise cemetery patrons to simply “speak with an attorney”. Board and Staff addressed signage concerns and attempts to avoid accidents. There is only so much the Staff and District can do to circumvent ignorance.

Sidney addressed the Board on behalf of the Administrator and Property Manager contracts. Both subcontracts have expired and it is time for the Board of Directors to review, amend, and approve new contracts. Both Ray and Sidney would like to see some changes in regards to standards of engagement, liability, and indemnification. Together, each position is a 365 day-a-year job requiring on-call services and regular direction from the Board. The current contract in place is designed more for outside parties who do not answer to the Board of Directors. Furthermore, compensation needs to be addressed as it relates to job description, duties, cost-of-living, property management standards, and specialized services (burials).The Board advised Sidney and Ray to forward Staff contract concerns along with the old subcontract directly to Matt Mire for review and advice. Dick and the Board would like to ensure District By-Laws are consistent with any proposed contract changes and Dick will consult with Matt directly on the subject.

VI. BILL PAYING

The following electronic funds transfers were made:

EFT 2/9/2015 Centurylink 260.08

The following checks were signed:

2/9/2015 1811 Chase Ink 458.62

2/9/2015 1812 Hayes, Phillips, Hoffmann & Carberry 518.00

2/9/2015 1813 Home Depot 632.78

2/9/2015 1814 Liberty Mutual Insurance 177.00

2/9/2015 1807 Marchetti & Weaver, LLC 1,210.35

2/9/2015 1815 Mobloggy 87.50

2/9/2015 1809 MW Window Cleaning 115.00

2/9/2015 1808 Plumbing Systems Inc. 545.00

2/9/2015 1791 Rocky Mountain Custom Landscapes 963.36

2/9/2015 1816 Sforzo Enterprises Inc. 5,302.50

2/9/2015 1817 Sidney Harrington 2,240.00

2/9/2015 1810 Vail Valley Gutter, Inc. 740.00

2/9/2015 1818 Xcel Energy 625.63

VII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Shed building, Ray & Sidney’s subcontracts for the District, motorized gate, heating system

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

Dick motioned to adjourn the regular meeting, John seconded and all were in favor at approximately 5:30 PM.

The next regular board meeting is (DATE TO BE DETERMINED) , 4:00 p.m., at the Minturn Riverview Cemetery Mausoleum, Minturn, CO.

Respectfully Submitted:

Sidney Harrington

Administrator

ATTEST:

______________________

Mike Martinez

Minturn Cemetery District

Secretary/Treasurer