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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-06-09 MinutesAbandoned Cemetery Committee June 9, 2016, 4:00 p.m. Meeting Present: John Bate, Elected Chair Angie Ball, Co-Chair Councillor Ron Hooper Jim Lowe Todd Taylor Kim Vaneyk Nancy Trimble Laura Suchan Also in attendance: Anne Greentree, Municipal Clerk Bob Genosko, Parks Supervisor Natalie King, Licensing Clerk 1. Minutes Moved by John Bate, seconded by Nancy Trimble. That the Minutes of the June 9, 2016 Abandoned Cemetery Committee be approved. Carried 2. Old Business a) Grass Cutting/Maintenance Bob Genosko addressed the issue of several cemeteries with complaints of tall grass/weeds, and overall unkempt appearance. There was confusion on behalf of the municipal contractor and the location of several cemeteries, which was resolved on Wednesday (June 8). b) Finances and Repairs John Bate asked if financial statements/budget were available to the Committee, with specific reference to payment for the obelisk inside of Trulls Cemetery ($2000 quote from two years ago). The Committee has $10,000 in the Abandoned Cemetery Account, and showed interest in obtaining a current quote to fix the obelisk. Moved by Nancy Trimble, seconded by Todd Taylor That a current quote be obtained to repair the obelisk inside the Trulls Cemetery. Carried Moved by Angie Ball, seconded by Laura Suchan. That staff be authorized to repair the obelisk at the Trulls Cemetery with the maximum repair costs not to exceed $3000 inclusive of taxes. Carried c) Data Import Angie Ball will have information at the next meeting regarding the data import. Anne Greentree questioned if data is still being gathered, and Nancy Trimble believes there has not been activity since the 1980s. The Committee still does not have data for Billings and Gilmour Cemeteries. d) Hard to Find Cemeteries John Bate referenced a letter to the Welsh family from Pattie Barrie requesting permission to access the McNeil Cemetery via their property at 7615 Leskard Rd. There was no reply. The Board had an interest in cleaning, maintaining etc., of the five individuals buried there. John requested staff to contact the current owner of 7615 Leskard Rd. to revisit the issue. The Committee discussed the cemeteries without road access and it was suggested that a tour be scheduled to identify and locate the various cemeteries and identify any potentially dangerous monuments. Todd suggested the reconciliation of a list of those cemeteries not being maintained, and perhaps visit those with the intention of clearing limbs and grass for contractor access. Anne Greentree pointed out the use of tools should be limited to pruning clippers, and not include the use of chainsaws. The Banstra family along with the Brown family cemeteries expressed concern over the lack of maintenance. These and several other cemeteries are without road access, and should be properties listed as part of the proposed tour, whereby the Committee would trim back overgrown sumacs and other branches. The date of July 6th, 2016 was established for the Committee to hold their tour. Everyone will meet in the parking lot on the west side of the Garnet Rickard Arena at 8:00 AM. John Bate will organize a bus for the day. Anne addressed the concern of identifying the list of proposed properties well in advance, so correspondence can be sent out to the private property owners in order to obtain consent to travel onto their property. 3. New Business a) Digitizing Project Angie Ball brought forward the possibility of inviting the local Scouts to assist with the digitizing the details of the graves project. These Scouts have good technical skills and could assist with cameras etc. The youth would have the opportunity to be a part of something important, provide valuable services to the Committee, and earn service hours for their programs. John Bate added the opportunity for the Scouts to paint some of the fencing in both Hampton and Trulls Cemeteries. It was noted that Scouts Canada has liability insurance and could provide certificates if necessary. Moved by Angie Ball, seconded by Nancy Trimble. That the Committee authorize to supply materials to paint cemetery fences should they be interested. Carried Motioned by Angie Ball, seconded by Laura Suchan. That the Committee approve the Scouts to participate in the data collection for the purpose of contributing to the digitalization of grave details. 4. Adjournment Moved by Kim Vaneyk, seconded by Nancy Trimble That the meeting adjourn at 4:48 PM. Carried