City of Peoria Springdale Cemetery Management Authority met Aug. 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the Authority:
Authority Members Present for Roll Call:
Becky Doubleday
Steve Kerr, Chairman
Pat Powers
Bob Manning, Vice Chairman
Matt Ryan
Absent from Roll Call:
Linda Daley
Connie Frank
Jim Stuttle, Treasurer
Also In Attendance:
Mark Matuszak, General Manager
Cindy Intravartolo, Staff
Interested Citizens
Chairman Steve Kerr called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. in the Springdale Cemetery meeting room in the Volunteer and Maintenance Building on Tuesday, August 15, 2017. A roll call of Authority members was taken and Chairman Kerr announced there was a quorum. Chairman Kerr asked all in attendance to please stand and join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF JULY 18, 2017 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:
Mr. Manning made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 18, 2017 regular meeting. Ms. Doubleday seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT:
Mark Matuszak distributed his report (which is attached hereto and made a part of these Minutes) and answered questions from the Authority.
Burials for the month – 10 total – 9 full/1 cremains He reported that the numbers are lower than last year but could not explain why.
Next week he will meet with Coroner Jamie Harwood regarding the “Scattering Project.”
Springdale received an unsolicited $10,000 bequest from a family. The funds have been deposited in the CEFCU account for a future “special project.”
Eric Zimmerman of the Park District has upgraded the golf cart.
The City has been making repairs to storm drains in various areas of the cemetery.
Springdale will assist the Foundation with the Bastow Petherbridge project by providing removal of tree debris and the stump removal.
Sewer pump repairs continues. The plumber feels the problem is on the other side of Prospect and is willing to contact the City for their input.
Peoria North Rotary membership will volunteer their services on September 9 by scraping and repainting the gazebo and by planting native grasses.
The front entrance dedication was well attended and there were a number of costumed individuals from the Peoria Historical Society including the “Lincolns” from Wheaton, IL. Vice Chairman Manning commented it was a great day - the program was good, parking was ample and there was a diverse crowd in attendance.
The Prairie Folklore Theater will again sponsor Springdale Cemetery Tours the first two weekends in October. We will post notices on Facebook and the website.
Reported on green burials and several recent inquiries regarding same. A “certified” green burial involves a hand dug grave, a non-embalmed body, and a biodegradable container (such as a shroud or wicker basket). Green Haven is the site designated at Springdale but it remains undeveloped. The General Manager added that we could potentially do one anywhere in the cemetery.
Vice Chairman Manning noted that Green Haven was acquired in a land swap with the Islamic Center of Peoria and suggested that Springdale only have one area designated for green burials. His opinion is to not cater to everyone’s wishes as to their choice of a burial location. Chairman Kerr commented that OSHA may have some rules regarding men digging in holes over 4 feet deep and the need to shore up the sides of the hole.
The Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria is celebrating its 175th anniversary and many of their founding members are buried in Springdale. The event will be held in late September and they may want to set up tours. Mr. Ryan suggested this might be an opportunity for them to buy a memorial bench or some trees.
Reported he was contacted by the organization, T.R.A.P. (Trap and Recover Animals in Peoria) regarding the animal burial problem in Pekin and asked for assistance to bury the remains of several animals. Springdale will offer them a deal to help them out and is waiting to hear what they want to do.
REPORT OF OFFICERS: TREASURER’S REPORT:
In the absence of Treasurer Stuttle, Mr. Manning reported on checks written in July and reviewed the financial reports with the Authority.
APPROVAL OF CHECKS WRITTEN:
Mr. Manning made a motion to receive and file the July 2017 check register and checks written in the amount of $30,784.76. Mr. Ryan seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL REPORT:
Mr. Manning made a motion to receive and file the July 2017 financial statements. Mr. Ryan seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
INVESTMENT/FINANCE:
No report.
MONUMENT RESTORATION:
No report.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOUNDATION:
Ms. Powers reported they are currently looking for additional volunteers and a new Treasurer.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
None.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Manning nominated Becky Doubleday to fulfill the remaining term of Mr. Madison as Secretary.
Chairman Kerr opened the floor and three calls were made for additional nominations. Hearing none, Chairman Kerr requested a motion to close nominations.
APPROVAL TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS:
A motion was made by Mr. Manning to close the nominations for Secretary. Mr. Ryan seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
MOTION TO APPROVE NEW SECRETARY:
Motion was made by Mr. Manning to appoint Ms. Doubleday as the new Secretary. Mr. Ryan seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
MOTION TO APPROVE AND ACCEPT THE FINAL 2016 AUDIT REPORT:
Motion was made by Mr. Manning to approve, receive and file the final 2016 audit report. Mr. Ryan seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Rick Fox, 16215 N. Ivy Lake Road, Chillicothe, IL, commented on the development of the green burial area.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
None.
MOTION TO ADJOURN:
Motion was made by Mr. Ryan to adjourn. Ms. Doubleday seconded. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Meeting was adjourned at 4:49 pm.
http://www.peoriacounty.org/download?path=%2Fcountyboard%2FCommittee_Agenda_and_Minutes%2F2017%2FOctober%2F24+-+Executive%2FExecutive+Committee+Agenda+10-24-17.pdf
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