Russian River Cemetery District
Minutes
Regular Meeting
July 15, 2025 11:00 AM
940 Low Gap Road, Ukiah, CA 95482
https://russianrivercemetery.com/


  1. Call to Order
    The meeting was called to order at 11:00 am by Chairman Jerry Buzzard.

    1. Roll Call

      Present: Chairman Jerry Buzzard, Trustee Carol Connerton, Trustee Erin Gardiner, Trustee Carolyn Johnson, Trustee Gary Mirata


  2. Public Comments

  3. Consent Agenda

    1. Approval of Minutes - May 20, 2025 Regular Monthly Board Meeting

    2. Approval of Warrants/Claims - May and June 2025


    Trustee Gary Mirata motioned to approve. Trustee Erin Gardiner seconded the motion.

    The motion passed with the following vote:
      5   In Favor      0   Opposed
      0   Abstained      0   Absent      0   Recused

  4. Correspondence

    1. Public Cemetery Alliance annual conference - July 31 & August 1 in Grass Valley

      GSRMA annual conference - October 9 & 10 in Corning

    2. Letter sent to state senate opposing SB 777 - Abandoned Endowment Care Cemeteries

  5. Office Manager's Monthly Report

    1. Financial statements presented for May and June 2025

      As of today’s date, July 15, 2025, grape vineyard income in the amount of $6,069.75 for the 2024 season had not yet been received. Vineyard Manager Darin Colombini stated that he was waiting for final payment from the vineries. 

    2. Cemetery Logo

      Office Manager Kornegay presented a few cemetery logo design options. Trustees provided input and shared ideas for potential design elements and revisions. No final decision was made, and the item will be revisited at a future meeting.

  6. Investment Committee Report 

    The Stifel investment reports for May and June 2025 were presented to the Board. As of June 30, 2025: Endowment Account had a balance of $2,290,223, Endowment Interest Account had a balance of $147,201, Capital Projects Account had a balance of $805,740, and General Fund Cash Account had a balance of $351,626.

  7. Grounds Foreman's Monthly Report

    1. Burials for month and year to date

      Grounds Foreman Cooper reported that year to date burials are 18 full and 48 ash for a total of 66 burials. 2024 year to date burials were 29 full and 41 ash for a total of 70 burials.

    2. Grounds maintenance

      Grounds Foreman Cooper has suffered a broken ankle and is expected to be out for approximately one month. He is coming in weekly to check in, review completed work orders, and address miscellaneous questions as they arise.

  8. Review and Selection of Audit Firm for Fiscal Years Ending 2025–2027

    Three proposals for audit services were received and reviewed:

    • David Farnsworth, CPA:

      • $9,995 for Fiscal Year 2025

      • $10,495 for Fiscal Year 2026

      • $10,975 for Fiscal Year 2027

    • Scott German, CPA:

      • $23,955 for Fiscal Year 2025

      • $22,212 for Fiscal Year 2026

      • $23,323 for Fiscal Year 2027

      • Optional extensions: $24,744 for 2028 and $26,206 for 2029

    • Michael A. O’Conner, CPA:

      • $11,000 annually for Fiscal Years 2025, 2026, and 2027

    After discussion, the Board of Trustees selected the proposal submitted by David Farnsworth, CPA
    .

    Trustee Carol Connerton motioned to approve. Trustee Erin Gardiner seconded the motion.

    The motion passed with the following vote:
      5   In Favor      0   Opposed
      0   Abstained      0   Absent      0   Recused

  9. Approval of ACH Payment Authorization for Deep Valley Security

      The Board approved ACH payment authorization for Deep Valley Security.

      Trustee Erin Gardiner motioned to approve. Trustee Carol Connerton seconded the motion.

      The motion passed with the following vote:
        5   In Favor      0   Opposed
        0   Abstained      0   Absent      0   Recused

  10. Adoption of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy The Board approved the adoption of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy. Trustee Erin Gardiner motioned to approve. Trustee Carolyn Johnson seconded the motion.

    The motion passed with the following vote:
      5   In Favor      0   Opposed
      0   Abstained      0   Absent      0   Recused

  11. Presentation of Findings from Employee Salary Review Committee The Employee Salary Review Committee presented its findings. After discussion, the Board approved a $3.50 per hour raise for Foreman Jaymen Cooper and Office Manager Dana Kornegay, bringing their annual salaries to $82,000. Trustee Erin Gardiner motioned to approve. Trustee Carolyn Johnson seconded the motion.

    The motion passed with the following vote:
      5   In Favor      0   Opposed
      0   Abstained      0   Absent      0   Recused

  12. Present of Draft Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 The draft budget for Fiscal Year 2025–2026 was presented. Employee salaries were adjusted, and the budget will be updated to reflect those changes. The revised budget will be presented at the next board meeting for approval.
  13. Update to Employee Holiday Schedule The Board approved an update to the Employee Holiday Schedule, replacing the employee birthday holiday with Juneteenth. Trustee Carolyn Johnson motioned to approve. Trustee Carol Connerton seconded the motion.

    The motion passed with the following vote:
      5   In Favor      0   Opposed
      0   Abstained      0   Absent      0   Recused

  14. Trustees Comments

    1. Cemetery walking tour - August 2nd 


  15. Adjournment

    The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 PM.

    The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2025.

Posted 8:11 pm on December 7, 2025