Russian River Cemetery District
Minutes
Regular Meeting
January 20, 2026 11:00 AM
940 Low Gap Road, Ukiah, CA 95482
https://russianrivercemetery.com/


  1. Call to Order
    The meeting was called to order at 11:02 am by Chairman Jerry Buzzard.

    1. Roll Call

      Present: Chairman Jerry Buzzard, Trustee Erin Gardiner, Trustee Carolyn Johnson, Trustee Gary Mirata, Vacant Trustee Seat

      Staff Present: Office Assistant Natalie Perry


  2. Election of Officers

    1. Nominate and elect Chair

      Chairman Buzzard nominated Trustee Gardiner for Chair.

      Chairman Jerry Buzzard motioned to approve. Trustee Gary Mirata seconded the motion.

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

    2. Nominate and elect Vice Chair

      Trustee Mirata nominated Chairman Buzzard for Vice Chair.

      Trustee Gary Mirata motioned to approve. Trustee Carolyn Johnson seconded the motion.

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

    3. Nominate and elect Secretary

      Chairman Buzzard nominated Trustee Johnson for Secretary.

      Chairman Jerry Buzzard motioned to approve. Trustee Gary Mirata seconded the motion.

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

    4. Nominate and elect Treasurer

      Chairman Buzzard nominated Trustee Mirata for Treasurer.

      Chairman Jerry Buzzard motioned to approve. Trustee Carolyn Johnson seconded the motion.

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

  3. Public Comments

  4. Consent Agenda

    1. Approval of Minutes: November 18, 2025 Regular Monthly Board Meeting


      Chairman Jerry Buzzard motioned to approve. Trustee Gary Mirata seconded the motion.

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

    2. Approval of Warrants/Claims: November & December 2025


      Chairman Jerry Buzzard motioned to approve. Trustee Gary Mirata seconded the motion.

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

  5. Correspondence      

      Correspondence was received and reviewed by the Board. (See attached correspondence)

  6. Office Manager's Monthly Report

    1. Financial statements presented for November & December 2025.

    2. On December 13, 2025, the Wreaths Across America ceremony was held at the cemetery, with a total of 1,334 wreaths placed on veterans’ graves throughout the grounds. The Redwood Valley/Calpella and Ukiah 4-H Clubs coordinated and supported the event, with assistance from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and cemetery staff.

    3. Received $274,078.37 from County for FY25-26 property tax income on January 5, 2026.

    4. $831.99 in Endowment interest was discovered in the County Endowment Fund and transferred to the District's general fund on December 9, 2025. A majority of the funds were 2nd quarter interest, with minor interest on the interest for 3 and 4th quarter. 

    5. Received $3,613.04 from Colombini Vineyard Management for 2025 grape crop. (pmt 1 of 2).

    6. Received $549.45 Cal Card rebate for 3rd quarter 2025 credit card purchases.

    7. CemSites software — system is live and staff is working with vendor to resolve minor mapping and setup issues.

    8. David Farnsworth, CPA started the FY June 2025 audit on December 18th, 2025.

    9. Kornegay and Perry attended a managers meeting hosted by Roseville Public Cemetery on December 5, 2025.


    10. Kornegay attended two zoom meetings - Brown Act & Meeting Conduct Rules and Labor & Code Laws. See attachment

      SB 827 - New Fiscal & Financial Training Requirement.  This new bill requires at least two hours of fiscal and financial training every two years for every Trustee.

  7. Investment Committee Report 

    The Stifel investment reports for November and December 2025 were presented. Balances as of December 31, 2025: Endowment Account: $2,331,722, Endowment Interest Account: $168,948, Capital Projects Account: $822,681, General Fund Cash Account: $105,217. 

  8. Grounds Foreman's Monthly Report

    1. Burials for month and year to date

      Grounds Foreman Cooper reported that in 2025 there were 38 full and 81 ash for a total of 119 burials. 2024 there were 55 full and 83 ash for a total of 138 burials. 

    2. Grounds maintenance

      Grounds Foreman Cooper reported that the Grasshopper riding lawn mower is currently under repair. He also reported that all tractors, gators, and the excavator have had their annual service.

      Grounds Foreman Cooper further reported that Phase 2 of the Deer Park Development is scheduled to begin in the near future, along with replacement of the waterline from Dogwood to Camellia.

  9. Discussion and Possible Action: Cemetery Grounds Use 

      Staff presented the proposed amendment to the District Rules and Regulations regarding public use, gatherings, events, noise, equipment set-ups, and after-hours vehicle access. The amendment was presented in response to recent incidents involving inappropriate activity on cemetery grounds.  The District rules will be available in English as well as Spanish.  

      Trustee Gary Mirata motioned to approve. Trustee Carolyn Johnson seconded the motion.

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

  10. Trustees Comments

  11. Adjournment

    The meeting was adjourned at 12:21 pm. 


    The next regular meeting will be held on February 17, 2026. 

Posted 8:33 am on February 18, 2026