Our Lady of the Valley

Cemetery Committee Meeting 7/13/11

Present were: Donna Haraty, Mike Murray, Margie Terry, Carolyn Kelly, Beth Ann Jacobs, and Fr. Peter

Absent. Jim Bebout, John VanScoter, Steve DeSanto

Donna called the meeting to order at 7:15 pm. With prayer by Fr. Peter

The group discussed the fees for the surrounding cemeteries.  Donna will hand out a spreadsheet at the next meeting to compare fees and discuss raising our fees at the cemeteries.

Donna informed us that he discussed with John Van Scoter the possibility of BOCES and/or Alfred rebuilding the mowers when school starts back up in the fall.  She also discussed millings for the roads at St. Mary’s.

Talked about the ground level at Marg Stephens and Jim Day’s plots.  BOCES was supposed to work on that but the project has been postponed.

Discussed the revenue for the cemeteries.  There is no budget in place in and out.  Revenues go to maintain the cemeteries which are a separate company from the parish.

Beth reported on community service w/ the county jail.  She spoke to Joel Ordway at length.  Community service program is Sat. and Sunday only with no supervision.  Inmate program would be on weekdays with transportation provided by the Sheriff’s department w/ supervision.  Cemetery would need to provide the equipment. Fr. Peter and Donna to discuss the option further with Joel Ordway.

The issue of volunteers was brought up about lack of experience in some cases and concern for their safety etc.

We also discussed the possibility of envelopes for the cemetery upkeep and or speaking to the parish from the pulpit. Mike Murray made the suggestion to have a multipurpose envelope for Parishioners to decide what area they would like their money to.  Fr. Peter tabled these ideas until we look at our fees at more length. 

The committee needs to evaluate hiring or subcontracting maintenance of St. Ann’s cemetery.

We also discussed the rules and regulations for the cemeteries.  Rules are posted at the cemetery and complaints are directed to the business office.  Need to look at rules again.

We discussed the St. Ignatius statue and it will be located at the side of St. Ann’s church instead of St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fremont as discussed in previous Parish Council and Cemetery committee meetings before Fr. Peter came to Hornell

Next meeting August 10, 2011 @ 7:00 in at Margie Terry’s house @ 320 Seneca Road.

Respectfully submitted,

Margie Terry