Minneopa Cemetery

Historic Minneopa Cemetery

Since 1855

Oldest Continuously Operating Cemetery in Blue Earth County

Board Minutes for September 30, 2014

Archie Kendall called the meeting to order at 10:30.

Present were: Dean Otto, Archie Kendall, Peggy Seppmann, Lynn Seppman, Arlene Neilsen, Dennis Owens, Barbara Jackowell, Phyllis Granaas, and Pete Hagert

The Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved with corrections.

Treasurer's Report: Dean Otto gave the Treasurer’s report. The Profit/Loss Statement showed approximately a $5,563.56 loss for the Jan-Aug 2014 period. Dean stated that this has been a slow year. The investment fund had done nothing in the 18 months we have been in it. Joe Michaletz has several other places we could try for the money but said it has come back some. The end of November another $25,000 CD was added for a total of $200,000 in the fund. It is necessary to receive a 4% return to break even.

Historically, the cemetery has only invested in CD’s. Dennis suggested investing in corporate bonds. Bonds have also gone down. It was suggested that we diversify our funds. The current investments were verified. It was decided that the financial committee re-meet with Michaletz. This suggestion was approved and seconded.

A discussion of maintenance at the cemetery determined that the shed could use paint. Peggy will check on scout or church groups that might want to paint the building as a project.

The cemetery has no set regulations as to the directions of burials and stones. We had 3 burials. Two were regular and one was a cremation. We discussed the increase in cremation burials in comparison with the regular ones.

The topic of a mausoleum was brought up. Several members felt that adding a Mausoleum might be a progressive idea for the cemetery. Lynn Seppmen will look into designs and costs for a wall style mausoleum

Yearly checks were passed out. The treasurer’s report was approved.

In old business, we discussed updating the website and advertising for the cemetery. I presented some data from the Historical Society (mostly about Civil War Soldiers and some interesting stories of people buried in the cemetery). Dean suggested short stories of the lives of some of the people buried in the cemetery, such as Isabel Born, might be used in advertising .

Dale was not present so we did not have an update on cemetery prices. Dean said we had recently raised them and they did not need changing at this time. All agreed to leave them the same.

Elections of the slate of officers was held with Archie Kendall as President, Lynn Seppman as Vice Pres. Dean as Treasurer and Barbara as Treasurer. The slate was properly nominated and seconded. ( Approved by Dennis and Seconded by Arlene).

Pete bought flowers and his wife planted them for Memorial Day. He also told us about Veteran’s Court which helps Vets get on track without going to jail. They often need to do Community Service. He was going to check with Dale and with the Court to see if the Vets could work at the cemetery for part of their Community Service.

The May meeting was tentatively set for 5-12-15. 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. Marsha Othoudt was elected as a new board member.

A general discussion took place about where we would put a mausoleum if it were financially feasible. The plat of the new part of the cemetery has a proposed roadway in it which could be changed to a wall & patio area. No conclusions will be made until more information is accumulated.