HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-2015 Cemetery Advisory Board Final Minutes 110
Sunset Hills Cemetery Advisory Board
* Thursday, February 12,2015
1:00 pm—3:00
Lindley Center
88 ` 1102 E.Curtiss, Bozeman, MT
CO. too
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Russ Tuckerman, Chairman Scott Urban I
Lynn Flansaas Don Derby J
Katherine Bell Marypat Zitzer
Cyndy Andrus 1
COMMITTEE MEMBERS EXCUSED ABSENT:
Lowell Springer
Marypat Zitzer
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CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Thom White,City of Bozeman Parks&Cemetery
Shane Surber, City of Bozeman Parks&Cemetery
1. Call the meeting to order: Russ Tuckerman,Chairman
Greetings-Introduction of current and incoming Board Members
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2. Public Comment
• Funk Adams,Commander of American Legion, EFW 12112, Member of VAV,Secretary and
Treasurer of Veterans Alliance of Montana: Joe Foster has been talking to us and updating I
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Cemetery Board and is here to supporting the veterans.
■ Jim Korth,Veterans Alliance,American Legion,Veterans Rep for Steve Dains: here to show
support for the veterans.
■ Comment is made by audience member that they're hoping questions regarding funding and
donation of land will be discussed during Joe Foster's presentation. ,
3. Changes to Agenda I€
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• #13 NEW BUSINESS to discuss
■ Would like to greet new member if they show up
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4. Approve November 13,2014 meeting minutes:
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Additions, corrections and changes: 1
• Russ Tuckerman: request clarification regarding item (12)Cemetery Master Plan,and that it
should read, "Board has an interest at all levels in updating the Cemetery Master Plan", as it
has not been updated since 1996.
• Comment made regarding that this is a small part to a bigger plan at this time,and the
minutes should be reworded to"there's an interest at this time."
Motion made to approve November 13,2015 Minutes is made by Russ Tuckerman. All in favor—
motion passed.
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S. Updates:
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Don Derby,Veteran's Cemetery Update:
■ Gallatin Valley Veteran's Alliance—update on cost of maintenance,funds raised for
additional work to be done.
■ $6,000 of$25,000 needed has been raised for sidewalks, center piece and kiosk. This fund is
set up with the Chamber of Commerce, per the City Legal Department, as the "Friends Of'
private group account. Don states they would like to get$1 from every veteran in Montana
to finish this project. If any organization would like to donate they can send a check to First
Security Bank,with the following information on the check: Gallatin Foundation, memo
should read Sunset Hills Veteran Memorial. You will be sent a 501(C) (3)Tax Deductable
Receipt
■ Question was asked: What is the average cost to maintain the wall?
Don states it's about$2,000 per year, not including flags. They need to have money in the
account at all times to be able to cover cost. He breaks down the cost of the$25,000 being
raised: $7,600-$7,800 to sidewalks,$8,000 to centerpieces, and$10,000 to the kiosk. He
adds that the kiosk has been researched and is used in Main, Philadelphia and Alaska;the
panel is heated for winter and cooled in the summer. They know this kiosk works.
■ You can get a plaque for$125.00 plaque—there's a website for it. American legion has
applications and he has some with him, as well.
Joe Foster,Montana Veteran's Affairs Update:
■ Presentation includes a quick introduction,with an overview and update of what has been
happening with the Rural Initiative. He also covers how this program benefits the veterans '
in Gallatin County.
■ Joe was approached a couple years ago with issues and has been working with veterans here
over the last couple years. He is familiar with VA administrative operation process and has
pretty good knowledge of the business of veteran cemeteries. He's been placed on a
National Cemetery Advisory Council (chaired by the Undersecretary) and has knowledge of
the process and initiatives- insight as to what is going on at the National level; he'll continue
serving as a member of this Committee over the next couple years. And,for several
personal reasons he's connected to these veterans here: he was born in Bozeman,went to
school at MSU, his son now plays football for the Bobcats and he's a veteran himself.
■ Two weeks ago Hank, Mitch and a couple other folks came to Helena to see Montana
Representatives for ideas how it's set up. It was a good visit and a couple things should be
noted:
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➢Joe discussed a couple things about the Rural Initiative, including what it takes to
qualify
➢The only National cemetery in Montana is in Yellowstone County.
➢Two are constructed/funded per year—and it cycles every 4-5 years—Montana's
up for another site. Rural Initiative stalled out significantly in other states.
➢He will be finding out what happens when a State stalls and is there's another entity I
that is set up
■ Follow-up Q&A with Joe Foster:
Q: If revenue is terminated how is the cost of burials and maintenance handled? Does the ?
City still incur the cost or does the VA take over? 'I
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A: Federal-VA takes over. One Federal employee would be responsible to oversee all the
operations of the cemetery by contracting out the work.
Q: If land is deeded over to the Fed Government what burial expenses are covered,what
about of the columbarium would that be covered?
A: VA takes over the cost of burial and its set up that the Federal Government will build the
structure. By the same token, in the case of Yellowstone County, most of the structure was
built and that's always more cost effective/attractive for the Government. When
Government comes in where there's an established cemetery and structure it's a benefit-a
head start for them. The VA did not pay for the construction of the existing structures at
Yellowstone Cemetery;they still had to pay off their debt.
Q: Is the only method for the Rural Initiative?
A: As far as a Federal VA Cemetery,Yes.
Q: What is the difference in what we'd have vs.with the Federal Government?
A: In Veteran's Cemetery it follows the same guidelines,whether State or(Federal) National
Cemetery.
Q: What is it giving the Vets that they're not getting now?
A: The National Veterans Cemetery Status. Sunset is run at a high level, but National
standards will have to be met. As well,Joe proceeds to review the financial benefits to Vet
and how other Counties/Communities handled this program.
■ Additional, detailed conversation regarding specific cost and how other Communities handle
their burial cost is covered. How the City wants to fund this project and turn it over is 1
something that will have to be looked at.
City of Bozeman Update: Thom White
■ They're currently itemizing the funds required for a Master Plan for the entire VA cemetery
being considered for the Federal Initiative. Once cost is in place and they can move forward.
Have a consultant from Billings, MT that they're working with on this project.
6. Disclosures/Disclaimer: none
7. Discussion/FYI:
■ Russ Tuckerman: spoke with Legal Dept regarding transfer of land for this program but has l
not had any update on whether this can be done. It needs to establish who will be handling
this land transfer.
■ Q: In regards to the Veteran's Wall and the Wall next to the area planned, is there some
kind of connection planned?
A: It can be done, but the cost has to be considered.
■ Comment: connectivity in the form of a design element,such as a sidewalk,should be
considered.
■ Comment: area to be considered by VA—they would not be opposed to the City section II.
connectivity and would like to see some design element that brings the two areas together.
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■ Q: When is Federal Initiative available to the City?
Q: Is it worth it-should we consider this Federal Initiative or work with the City?
A: Joe Foster- Revenue available should be considered, but you should still work with the
City.
■ Cindy Andrus: regarding Goal setting for the City Commission—they haven't taken a vote
yet, but this topic is on City Commission's radar for this year. It is not the main priority, but
it is on the list of goals.
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■ Board Comment made: If this is something the Vets want the Board will work to make this
happen. Some hurdles exist but they'll move forward with this. If you want this Federal VA
Program it would help to bring the support to the Commission meetings. It'll take more
than just purchasing the land.
■ Public Comment: Vets will be there for support if they're aware of the next Commission
meeting time.
■ Russ Tuckerman: We need to wait to move forward until we hear about the possibilities of a
land transfer.
■ Comment made regarding the design of this new section of land being incorporated into
existing site—such as a sidewalk,etc.
■ Q: Minimum of acreage needed for Initiative to take place, is it 3-5 acres?
A: Joe Foster states 3 acre is minimum required. 1
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■ Conversation regarding communication and the parameters of the land requirements is
discussed amongst Advisory Board.
■ Multiple conversations taking place regarding raising funds and land requirements.
■ Board conversation: Why would we consider turning this over to the Federal Government.
Should we provide this option/direction to the City? Is that something we want to pursue?
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■ Cemetery is a loss of revenue for the City and some clarification is still needed as to what
cost will still remain for the City should the land be transferred for Fed Initiative.
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■ Russ Tuckerman: if three acres of land is provided to the Fed Government then do they
build and pay for the cost of structure?
A: Only existing structure is what you'd maintain: roads, etc.
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■ Marypat Zitzer showed up to meeting late—she had the incorrect time and couldn't confirm
location so went to City Hall.
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■ Russ Tuckerman: States there's a field trip to look at designated land -scheduled in 10
minutes,following the meeting.
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■ Conversation amongst Board Members regarding needing additional information from Mitch
Overton,City of Bozeman, pertaining to the Resolution the Open Space Official Designation.
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■ NEW BUSINESS: Russ Tuckerman would like a "Board Report"added in Discussion or FYI in
next Agenda.
■ Next meeting set for May 14, 2015.
8. Meeting Adjourned by Russ Tuckerman.
Group to head out for a site tour(Note: no minutes recorded for this portion of meeting.)
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Russ Tuckerman, Chairperson
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ATTEST:
Scott Urban, Recording Secretary
PREPARED BY:
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De bie Barnett, Board Secretary
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