COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: David Brueshoff, Bob Harvey, Dave Kemp,
Alan Kohls, Paula Moore, Gary Wagner,
Harry Wolter

COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Public Works Director Neal Heuer
Public Works Superintendent Mike Glewwe
Public Works Superintendent Carol Blommel Johnson
Cemetery/Public Works Coordinator Jean Bryant

Chair Wagner called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION: of Kemp, seconded by Brueshoff, approving the agenda for today's meeting as written. Motion passed unanimously.

AUDIENCE - 10 MINUTES TOTAL TIME LIMIT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THIS AGENDA
There was no one present to speak.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES - October 16, 2007

MOTION: of Harvey, seconded by Kohls, approving the minutes of the October 16, 2007, meeting, as written. Motion passed unanimously.

NEW/CONTINUED BUSINESS

Cemetery Advisory Committee Term Expirations - March 1, 2008

Chair Wagner reminded the committee of terms expiring on March 1: David Brueshoff, Alan Kohls, and Harry Wolter. He asked if they were interested in continuing on the committee. Committee Members Brueshoff and Kohls expressed their interest in continuing; Committee Member Wolter said he will resign due to other responsibilities. Chair Wagner thanked Committee Member Wolter for serving and asked the three committee members to write letters to the City Council regarding their wishes.

Election of Officers

Chair Wagner opened the election of officers by calling for nominees. Chair Wagner nominated Committee Member Kohls for Chair. There were no other nominations. Chair Wagner nominated Committee Member Kemp for Secretary. There were no other nominations.

MOTION: of Kohls, seconded by Brueshoff, to appoint the 2008 officers as nominated. Motion passed unanimously.

Chair Wagner asked for a moment of silence in memory of John Raiche, a past member of the cemetery committee, who passed away recently.

Update Committee Member Addresses and Phone Numbers

The current list of Committee Members was passed out and members checked their information and made needed changes.

Update Informed Consent and Release Form

Committee Members had no changes for their informed consent and release forms.

Activity Report

Ms. Bryant reviewed the Lebanon Cemetery Activity Report for fourth quarter and end of year. There were 8 lot sales in the 4th quarter: 5 to residents and 3 to non-residents; there were no niche sales; 2 sales were preneed and 6 were at need. There were 10 burials, of which 5 were traditional and 5 were cremation. There were no transfers.

For 2007, there were 43 lot/niche sales: 30 to residents and 13 to non-residents; 19 were preneed and 24 at need. There were 37 burials: 25 traditional and 12 cremations. There were 8 transfers and no returns.

Ms. Bryant then went over the Quarter Activity Comparison, noting sales were down from 52 in 2006 to 43 in 2007. Burials were up from 31 to 37. Looking at the Lot Sales and Burials Since 1990, it was noted resident to non-resident sales were 30 to 13. Traditional burials numbered 25, with cremations at 12.

Committee Member Harvey commented burials will go up because of the aging population while pre-need sales will be down due to the recession and people not having the money to spend. Committee Member Brueshoff asked what the advantage is of making a pre-need purchase. Committee Member Harvey said costs increase each year so there would be an economic advantage. Committee Member Brueshoff said we will see increases in the years ahead as the baby boomers are starting to retire.

Chair Wagner asked if people decide not to buy because of the non-resident cost. Discussion ensued on the effect of the non-resident fee. Committee Member Harvey said it is still a good buy at the non-resident cost. Committee Member Kohls stated the non-resident fee turns off people who have family members buried there. But Committee Member Harvey said you need to decide whether the cemetery is profit or non-profit. The City spends a lot of money for the upkeep, which residents' taxes pay so it is right non-residents pay more to make up the difference. Committee Member Moore said the group needs to understand what the intention of the City is. Is it about heritage, giving people a place to end their lives and have a place for history, or is it about making money. Then you can decide if we give that discount. Committee Member Harvey added: Or is it for the citizens of your city? The City voted to purchase the land. Committee Member Kemp said it's because the cemetery is well kept and looks nice that it draws people's interest. A family member is buried there. Then other family members want to be there, and the heritage is begun.

Ms. Bryant responded to Committee Member Moore's question about the goal of the City. She quoted Mr. Heuer from the last meeting minutes: the City Council's purpose is to serve residents, and they encourage the non-resident fee to accomplish the goal. Chair Wagner said the City is not going to make a profit, and he doesn't think they intend to make a profit. Ms. Bryant said at this point cemetery income is paying for capital expenses.

Maintenance and Grounds

Mr. Glewwe reported the mowing contractor completed the fall cleanup. Streets Division personnel trimmed bushes, pulled dead flowers, trimmed and wrapped trees, and removed unapproved memorials. They also swept the parking lot and streets, plowing and salting them as well. The flags were replaced. Dakota Electric was contacted to repair the northwest and southwest street lights, which have now been repaired. He mentioned summer was tough on trees. Despite watering, many didn't look good; one ash was lost for sure. Snowmobiles have been in the cemetery and driven around the firefighter memorial and in the grassy area. Hopefully, there is enough snow so there's no damage. It has happened twice. Committee Member Brueshoff asked if there is much vandalism at the cemetery. Mr. Glewwe said not much; there have been a couple of tires and some trash dumped.

Accept 2007 Cemetery Report

Ms. Bryant presented the draft of the 2007 cemetery accomplishments. Staff is requesting any additions or comments. Committee members concurred with the report and asked if it had been submitted to the City Council yet. Ms. Bryant said that would be done after acceptance by the Committee.

MOTION: of Kemp, seconded by Wagner to accept the 2007 Cemetery Report. Motion passed unanimously.

2008 Goals

Ms. Bryant and Mr. Glewwe presented the 2008 goals drafted by staff, which were included in the agenda packet. Committee members had questions on the columbarium. Chair Wagner asked if the new columbarium would have the same purchase price as the other. Ms. Bryant responded it costs more, from approximately $35,000 for the first columbarium to $40,000 now. Committee Member Kemp asked how the niche prices would be determined. He said we would want to cover the cost and then some. Members suggested staff look at fees each year and raise rates a little at a time instead of a lot all at once.

Discussion ensued on cremation when Committee Member Brueshoff commented that cremation is a trend for many people considering environmental issues. It's certainly a way to use space and make the cemetery last and wondered if it's worthwhile to discuss providing incentives for people to be more mindful of considering cremation instead of traditional burial. Committee Member Harvey responded that cremations have increased every year for the last ten years and will continue to increase because of disposable income. People usually cremate because it's cheaper unless they're religious and have the traditional burying in the ground. There's no need to offer incentives because it's based on money or religious beliefs. Committee Member Kemp mentioned the Twin City Cemetery Association did a TV and radio promo last year just to educate people on cremation. They have found people don't understand cremation or don't think something needs to be done with the ashes. Ashes are still human remains and need to be treated with respect. Families need a place to visit. Committee members discussed people have different needs and desires. Some don't want to be buried in the ground. Some like cremation and some don't. Some want to do what the rest of the family does.

Committee Member Wolter left the meeting at 2:50 p.m.

Committee Member Moore said people just know what they want - some like cremation and some don't. Committee Member Brueshoff said college students he teaches are thinking of cremation, whatever their spiritual beliefs, as another way of respecting traditions but also being mindful of the environment. He thinks it's a question that needs to be considered.

Ms. Bryant asked Committee Member Brueshoff if there was something he was thinking of for the goals regarding cremation. Committee Member Brueshoff said he was thinking of discussion as a 2008 goal, maybe it's not necessary as those who will are already moving toward cremation, but let's keep it in the back of our minds. Chair Wagner added he doesn't think the City or cemetery can persuade people. When it comes to death and dying, it depends on finances and beliefs. The funeral director might have a chance to change that belief, but they are not there to change people's minds but to do whatever people want. Committee Member Kemp said to address Committee Member Brueshoff's point, as a committee and owner (the City) we can provide many options for the burial of cremated remains. Committee Member Harvey asked if we weren't doing that already, adding three more columbaria. Committee Member Kemp said and we've added the rocks, but let's continue to look at new products. Committee members encouraged staff to continue investigating cremation options for the cemetery. Committee Member Moore said the committee is being progressive in ideas to draw people in; cremation options can be very aesthetic as well as spiritual.

Mr. Heuer arrived during the discussion.

Informal Meeting with City Council (Possibly 6:30 p.m., February 14)

Mr. Heuer reported Council may cancel the February 14 meeting. He will see about setting up another time. Chair Wagner asked who initiated the meeting. Mr. Heuer responded he did this time so the committee could discuss the resident/non-resident fees. Last year the Council initiated it, but there were conflicts so it didn't happen. Committee Member Moore asked the intent of the meeting. Mr. Heuer responded there seems to be an issue of concern within the committee with the resident/non-resident fees, yet City Council has directed staff to establish that and create a differential between resident and non-resident rates. Committee Member Harvey asked if the committee ever voted on the rates. If only a minority is concerned, there's no need to meet and waste the Council's time.

Committee Member Kemp thought that originally, when the City Council initiated a meeting, it was a get-to-know-you session, and he would like that to discuss and exchange information on what the groups do. Other members agreed they would like to meet the Council. Mr. Heuer said the City Council would like to meet with the committee as they have little contact with members after appointing them. It would be a time to exchange thoughts. Members want Mr. Heuer to pursue scheduling a meeting.

Committee Member Moore suggested discussion at the next meeting on the resident/non-resident issue to analyze the pros and cons and come to a consensus on the fee. Are the gains worth the energy to get special rates for residents. Then, if we get the opportunity to talk to the City Council, we know where we stand on the issue. Mr. Heuer said the City Council wants to provide for Apple Valley residents and still provide for other people who want to be there. They've also said they'd like to see other cities develop their own cemeteries. Committee Member Kemp recommended the item be tabled today and made a formal item for the next agenda.

MOTION: by Wagner, seconded by Moore, to table discussions regarding the increased rates for non-residents of Apple Valley compared with residents of Apple Valley and an informal discussion in the future with the City Council. We'll discuss the resident/non-resident rates at our next meeting and maybe take a vote on it amongst ourselves. Motion passed unanimously.

OTHER BUSINESS

Apple Valley Magazine Article

Chair Wagner said a delightful article was written on Alan Kohls. Committee Member Kohls said the magazine people were great and fun to work with. In each issue, one page is dedicated to history of the area.

NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Heuer announced his intent to retire from the City. Committee members congratulated him and wished him well. Chair Wagner asked who will be with the cemetery. Mr. Heuer replied he doesn't know at this time. It will be up to Tom Lawell, the City Administrator, but he is suggesting Ms. Blommel Johnson, the Utilities Superintendent, be temporarily assigned. Chair Wagner thanked Mr. Heuer for his work with the cemetery and the committee.

Committee Member Brueshoff expressed thanks to Chair Wagner for serving as chair. Chair Wagner said it is time to share the chair as everyone is part of the committee. He expressed appreciation of everyone at the meeting, staff and committee members, for their good and faithful service. Committee Member Kohls added there was good discussion at the meeting.

ADJOURN

MOTION: of Wagner, seconded by Brueshoff, to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

Approved: April 15, 2008