Russian River Cemetery District
Minutes
Regular Meeting
October 21, 2025 11:00 AM
940 Low Gap Road, Ukiah, CA 95482
https://russianrivercemetery.com/
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Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 11:02 am by Trustee Erin Gardiner.
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Roll Call
Present: Trustee Erin Gardiner, Trustee Carolyn Johnson, Trustee Gary Mirata
Absent: Chairman Jerry Buzzard, Trustee Carol Connerton
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Roll Call
- Public Comments
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Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes - August 19, 2025 Regular Monthly Board Meeting
Approval of Warrants/Claims - August and September 2025
Trustee Gary Mirata motioned to approve. Trustee Carolyn Johnson seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
3 In Favor 0 Opposed
0 Abstained 2 Absent 0 Recused
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Correspondence
Golden State Risk Management Authority has announced an upcoming vacancy for the Cemetery District representative on its Board of Directors for the July 1, 2026–June 30, 2028 term.
Mendocino (LAFCo) announced that Adam Gaska, representing the Redwood Valley County Water District, has been elected as the Alternate Special District Member to serve the remainder of the 2023–2026 term.
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Office Manager's Monthly Report
Financial statements presented for August and September 2025
The District received $238.15 from U.S. Bank as a rebate for Cal-Card usage during the second quarter of 2025.
Kornegay suggested transferring funds from the Stifel Endowment Interest Fund to the general checking account to help cover the high water bill caused by a significant leak.
Harassment Prevention Training
Kornegay sent out the online harassment prevention training link to all Board members. In order to get the maximum points in GSRMA RMAP program employees and board members need to have the training completed by November 12th.
First Aid and CPR Training – Monday, November 17 at 9:00 a.m.
GSRMA will be providing CPR and First Aid training on November 17th for District employees, and any Board members who wish to participate are welcome.
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Investment Committee Report
The Stifel investment reports for August and September July 2025 were presented. Balances as of September 30, 2025: Endowment Account: $2,308,965, Endowment Interest Account: $162,795, Capital Projects Account: $809,520 General Fund Cash Account: $213,238. The District will transfer $20,000 from the Endowment interest account to the SBMC general fund to cover the excessive water bill.
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Grounds Foreman's Monthly Report
Burials for month and year to date
Grounds Foreman Cooper reported that year-to-date burials are 32 full and 69 ash for a total of 101 burials. 2024 year-to-date burials were 41 full and 60 ash for a total of 101 burials.
Grounds maintenance
Foreman Cooper removed a dead fir tree in Block M-4.
A large water leak was discovered after receiving an unusually high water bill. By shutting off individual water lines, the leak was traced to a section running somewhere between the top of Block P-8 down to Block A-18 at the front of the cemetery. All water has been turned off for the season. Cooper will be working on replacing the lateral line.
The City stopped by to check the purple pipe relief valves and to meet with Foreman Cooper regarding the project. The State has told the City that all purple pipe valve boxes must be fenced or locked in some way to prevent anyone from turning the valves on or off. This new requirement has slowed progress somewhat. The City also mentioned that the golf course will be the first property connected to the system.
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Approve Procurement & Purchasing Policy
The District approved the updated Procurement and Purchasing Policy. The updated policy now includes sections on credit card use and employee reimbursement.
Trustee Gary Mirata motioned to approve. Trustee Carolyn Johnson seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
3 In Favor 0 Opposed
0 Abstained 2 Absent 0 Recused
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Approve Emergency Action Plan
GSRMA recommended that the District revise its Emergency Action Plan to better reflect the specific operations and conditions of the Russian River Cemetery District. The prior plan contained mostly generic language and lacked detailed procedures tailored to the District’s facilities and staff. The revised plan now incorporates the recommended content and provides clearer direction on emergency actions, responsibilities, and communication during various types of incidents.
Trustee Gary Mirata motioned to approve. Trustee Carolyn Johnson seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
3 In Favor 0 Opposed
0 Abstained 2 Absent 0 Recused
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Approve Motor Vehicle Policy
The District updated the Employee Vehicle Policy to include a new section outlining insurance coverage requirements and procedures for reporting accidents or incidents involving District or personal vehicles used for District business.
Trustee Gary Mirata motioned to approve. Trustee Carolyn Johnson seconded the motion.
The motion passed with the following vote:
3 In Favor 0 Opposed
0 Abstained 2 Absent 0 Recused
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Discussion and Possible Action: Cemetery Grounds Use (Amplified Music & Tables on Graves) and After-Hours Vehicle Access Once Gates Close
The Board discussed recent issues related to gatherings, weekend activities, and after hours use within the cemetery. The District agreed that the cemetery is a peaceful place that should remain quiet and respectful for all visitors paying tribute to loved ones. It was noted that the cemetery is not an appropriate location for parties or large gatherings involving tables, chairs, or amplified music. The Board also concurred that vehicles should not be allowed inside the cemetery after the gates are locked. Kornegay will amend the Rules and Regulations accordingly and present the revisions at a future meeting.
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Trustees' Comments
Trustee Gardiner reported that she held the last guided walk of the year on October 4th. She also shared that she continues to receive many compliments from visitors about how nice the cemetery looks.
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Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12:01 pm.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2025.