Cemetery Board

Village of South Amherst Board of Cemetery Trustees Meeting 5/10/2023 Andrew Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm Board Members present: Andrew Johnson, Rosemary Leshinski, Marilyn Makruski Village Council Liaison: Not Present Visitors: Mayor Leshinski, Emil Ruth of GoGreen Landscaping Agenda Andrew asked if there were any additions to the agenda These items were added: Road closing procedure approval; BPA letter about dumping at Evergreen; Thank you from Mary Hardwick; Godsey monument sinking; Dede Jesal purchase; John Porter monument; Camera Photos. Rosemary Leshinski moved to accept the agenda. Marylin Makruski seconded. The roll was called in favor. Meeting Minutes Marylin Makruski moved to accept the minutes from Rosemary Leshinski for the April 12, 2023, meeting. Andrew Johnson seconded. The roll was called in favor. Visitors Emil Ruth of GoGreen Landscaping attended this meeting to discuss the Spring footer installations. The list was reviewed. He inquired as to the best method of attaching bronze military markers to their footers. He also pointed out that there were some random trees that should be removed. He will be showing them to the Board members who come to assist with footer installation. Reporting – Financial and Other UAN Financial Reports for February 2023 were presented for review. Ref. Exhibit A. Paula Knodel presented the current list of burials and lot sales for 2023. Ref Exhibit B. Andrew Johnson moved to accept the presentation of these reports. Marilyn Makruski seconded. The roll was called in favor. 2024 Cemetery Budget – The Fiscal Officer needs the proposed numbers by June 1. Paula Knodel provided the worksheet. Each line was reviewed by the Board and numbers agreed on. Andrew Johnson moved to accept the revised budget to be presented for 2024. Marylin Makruski seconded the motions. The roll was called in favor. Old Business New Road and Sidewalk Construction – Andrew Johnson will be meeting with Buildings and Grounds on May 16th. If approved by that committee, the contract will be presented to the Village Council for a vote. Columbarium Project – Discussion was tabled for this meeting. Pioneer Fencing Project – Rosemary continues to work on the current installation. It should be completed sometime in the summer. Evergreen Cemetery Main Entrance Sign – A letter was sent to Dan Hyster regarding the main entrance sign that was damaged earlier this year by his company. Dan has straightened the sign and lengthened it to allow for 14 foot clearance. 1|Page Cemetery Sign Facing 113 – The sign is in the mayor’s office. He is taking charge of its installation. Spring Footer Installations – This was discussed in detail with Emil Ruth. Reference “Visitors” section. Norton Burial Location - Russell Norton came into the office looking for information on where his twin baby girls were buried in the 1970’s. The Board identified a spot to place a memorial. Paula Knodel sent the information to Mr. Norton and asked him to make an appointment to come in. He has not gotten back to her. Cameras – Mayor Leshinski asked Andrew Johnson to check the photos from the cemetery cameras for any vehicle that could be dumpling dirt there. Andrew will follow up. New Business Wilhelm Memorial – Sherry Gentile called about the funds she received in memorial for her mother, Marylin Wilhelm. She is wondering if there is anything that it can be used for at the cemetery. Per the Board’s instructions, Paula called Sherry on May 11th to tell her about the benches for sale in the Memorial Garden. Cemetery Clerk’s Resignation – Paula Knodel resigned on April 25, 2023. Her last day of work will be May 31, 2023. Andrew Johnson moved to accept the resignation. Rosemary Leshinski seconded. The roll was called in favor. Lawrence Holm Military Marker & Godsey Monument – Both families have called to say these markers are sinking and uneven, Rosemary Leshinski will look at them and advise. John Porter Monument – Paula Knodel advised the Board that the monument ordered for John Porter is a bench. It meets the size requirements for a single grave. This footer will not be poured until Spring, 2024. Cemetery Road Closing Procedure – The Board decided on a procedure at the April meeting. The Records Clerk advised that this procedure needs to be reviewed by the Buildings and Grounds committee in order to be enacted. It needs to be determined if there are appropriate “Road Closed” signs available for use. If not, the Board needs to facilitate their purchase. Mary Hardwick Thank You - A “Thank You” card was sent to the Mayor and Cemetery members for the services rendered for her husband, Clayton Hardwick. Didi Jesal Purchase – Paula Knodel will be meeting with this family tomorrow to complete lot purchases. Letter to BPA – The BPA has historically been dumping material at the cemetery. A letter needs to be sent saying that this is no longer allowed. Rosemary Leshinski moved to no longer allow for any dumping by the BPA. Andrew Johnson seconded. The roll was called in favor. Andrew Johnson is putting something together for the letter. Paula Knodel will assist in the delivery. Marylin Makruski moved to adjourn the meeting. Rosemary Leshinski seconded. The meeting was adjourned. Respectfully Submitted Paula S Knodel, Cemetery Clerk 2|Page