Russian River Cemetery District
Minutes
Regular Meeting
August 19, 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 Erin Gardiner, Trustee Carolyn Johnson, Trustee Gary Mirata

      Absent: Trustee Carol Connerton

      
      
2. Public Comments

3. Consent Agenda

   1. Approval of Minutes - July 15, 2025 Regular Monthly Board Meeting and July 21, 2025 Special Board Meeting

   2. Approval of Warrants/Claims - July 2025

   
   

   Trustee Gary Mirata motioned to approve. Trustee Erin Gardiner seconded the motion.
   
   The motion passed with the following vote:
     4   In Favor      0   Opposed
     0   Abstained      1   Absent      0   Recused
   
   
4. Correspondence

   1. GSRMA annual conference - October 9 & 10 in Corning

   2. GSRMA July board meeting report

5. Office Manager's Monthly Report

   1. Financial statements presented for July 2025
      

      1. The financial statements were presented for July 2025.

      2. Final crop payment for 2024 in the amount of $6,069.75 was received from Colombini Vineyard Management.

      3. Adam Gaska was elected to the Mendocino LAFCo as the Alternate Special District Member to serve the remainder of the 2023–2026 term.

   
   

6. Investment Committee Report 

   The Stifel investment reports for July 2025 were presented. Balances as of July 31, 2025:

   • Endowment Account: $2,291,982

   • Endowment Interest Account: $154,310

   • Capital Projects Account: $806,178

   • General Fund Cash Account: $212,555

7. Grounds Foreman's Monthly Report

   1. Burials for month and year to date

      Grounds Foreman Cooper reported that year to date burials are 23 full and 54 ash for a total of 77 burials. 2024 year to date burials were 31 full and 49 ash for a total of 80 burials.

   2. Grounds maintenance

      Johnson's Quality Tree Service completed the removal of a split tree in Block M-4 near Grace Hudson’s plot. Grounds Foreman Cooper is scheduled to return to work on September 2, 2025.

8. Approve Budget 2025-2026 fiscal year

   
   

   Trustee Erin Gardiner motioned to approve. Trustee Gary Mirata seconded the motion.
   
   The motion passed with the following vote:
     4   In Favor      0   Opposed
     0   Abstained      1   Absent      0   Recused
   
   
9. Public Hearing AB 2561 Report of Workforce Status, Vacancies and Recruitment Efforts
   A public hearing was held regarding the AB 2561 Report of Workforce Status, Vacancies, and Recruitment Efforts. Staff presented the report, and the Board received public input. No action was required.
10. Grounds Person 3 Robert Sturges & Sergio Hernandez - Cal Card

    The Board approved issuing Cal Cards to Robert Sturges and Sergio Hernandez, each with a $1,000 monthly limit.

    Trustee Carol Connerton motioned to approve. Trustee Carolyn Johnson seconded the motion.
    
    The motion passed with the following vote:
      4   In Favor      0   Opposed
      0   Abstained      1   Absent      0   Recused
    
    
11. Trustees Comments

    1. Cemetery walking tour - September 6

       Cemetery Walking Tour

       A cemetery walking tour was held on August 2, during which $60 in donations were collected toward the “Sign Project.” The next tour is scheduled for September 6 at 9:30 AM.

       150th Anniversary of Ukiah
       Trustee Gardiner brought up the upcoming 150th anniversary of Ukiah and asked if the Board would like to participate. The Board expressed possible interest and requested more information.

12. Adjournment

    The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 AM.

    The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 16, 2025.

Posted 8:11 pm on December 7, 2025