Minneopa Cemetery

Historic Minneopa Cemetery

Since 1855

Oldest Continuously Operating Cemetery in Blue Earth County

Board Minutes for September 20, 2016

Archie Kendall called the meeting to order at 10:35.

Present were: Dean Otto, Archie Kendall, Doug Johnson, Randy Isenberg, Arlene Neilsen, Dennis Owens, Barbara Jackowell, Phyllis Granaas, Pete Hagert, Peggy Seppmann and Dale VanThuyne.

The Minutes of the last meeting were discussed and approved.

Treasurer's Report Dean Otto gave the Treasurer’s report. The Income is up due primarily to burials fees. The Profit/Loss Statement showed approximately a $1,870.65 loss for the Jan-Sept. 2016 period and a $1,997.07 loss for the same period in 2015.

Our investments are doing O.K. The investments were $13,099.14 for Jan.-Sept. 20.

Dean did not talk to Ken about commercial bonds as the investment accounts were changed last year and were doing better. Verifications of funds was accomplished between Archie and Dean with bank and investment statements. The treasurer’s report was approved.

Superintendent's Report Dale presented the superintendent’s report.

A discussion of maintenance at the cemetery determined that the Northeast corner of the old section still is suffering from erosion and could use attention. Phyllis mentioned that the large Lot Map sign in the newer section had fallen in high winds during a storm and should be reinstalled as well as updated to show the recent sales.

Old Business: The Boy Scout, Carl Fitzloff, who was going to paint the shed has not been able to do the project due to scheduling problems.

The check given to the VFW for their Memorial Day program has not been cashed. Dean was to call and find out why not.

Dennis delivered his report on Flagpoles. Prices can vary due to wind loads, height, material, rope system, and finishes. The pole in front of the Children’s Museum cost about $2,295.

The topic of a mausoleum was reported on by Lynn. He brought a brochure showing a Columbaria with niches. The niches can hold 2 urns each. The company does engraving on the front of the niches for $144.00. The cost for each niche varies between $1,200. to $1,500. The Columbaria can vary in size. The cylindrical ones in the brochure can be 42 or 80 niches. The cost of a similar cylindrical one is about $35,000 for an 80 niche size.

Dean was to talk to the mortuary people around the area for information on needs and costs for similar burials. We charge $600.00 for a funeral which is $200.00 over our costs. Opening & closing a niche would probably be $300.00-$472.00. The move was made and seconded to plant the large urns for Memorial Day. Jeana Selly will do this.

Dale is now going to dig graves for us. The cost will remain at $200.00 over our costs. We are at the low end of cemetery charges for digging graves. Smaller cemeteries charge $600-$800.00 and larger cemeteries charge more. Our prices for those services will remain the same.

Nominations of the slate of officers was held with Archie Kendall as President, Lynn Seppman as Vice Pres. Dean as Treasurer and Barbara as Secretary. The slate was properly nominated and seconded.

Under new business: Grass left on the graves after mowing was discussed. It was decided for Memorial Day we should pay the costs up to $200.00 for the extra time it takes to blow the grass off of the graves so that the cemetery looks neat.

The Memorial Day Service at the cemetery was discussed. The music is America the Beautiful. The Honor Guard is on a tight schedule. They try to plan about 15 minutes per stop so not a lot of stuff can be included while they are there. Kasota cemetery has a program with a pastor which includes a Bible Reading and a poem such as “Flanders’s Field”. One cemetery reads off the names of all their veterans. At Minneopa, the Honor guard is there from about 10:45-11:00.

The May meeting was tentatively set for 5-3-15.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:50 for lunch at “4”.

Meeting was reopened at the cemetery at 1:30.

At the cemetery, the slate of officers was voted on and adopted.

A general discussion took place about where we would put a mausoleum if it were financially feasible. No conclusions will be made until more information is accumulated.

The Board Members also discussed painting the flagpole and buildings as well as reinstalling the large Lot Map sign.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:00.