Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 11:03 am by Chairman Jerry Buzzard.
1. Roll Call
  
  Present: Chairman Jerry Buzzard, Trustee Carol Connerton, Trustee Erin Gardiner, Trustee Gary Mirata
  
  Absent: Trustee Rick Iverson
Public Comments
Consent Agenda
1. Approval of Minutes - July 16, 2024 Regular Monthly Board Meeting
2. Approval of Claims - July 2024
Trustee Erin Gardiner motioned to approve. Trustee Gary Mirata seconded the motion.

The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
Correspondence
1. GSRMA board meeting report
  
  Rick Beale reported that GSRMA's annual conference will be in Corning on October 24 & 25th.
2. Special District Grant Accessibility Act (SDGAA)
  
  U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Special District Grant Accessibility Act (H.R. 7525), legislation that would codify a first-ever definition of “special district” in federal law and ensure districts are eligible for all appropriate forms of federal financial assistance.
Office Manager's Monthly Report
1. Financial statements presented for July 2024
  
  The financial statements were presented to the board for July 30, 2024. The County has closed their records through April 2024. They are aiming to close the June 30, 2024 year end by Labor Day.
2. Review cemetery price list
  
  The Trustees, Foreman Cooper and Office Manager Kornegay all discussed the current price list and agreed to keep the prices the same at this time.
3. Report on Public Cemetery Alliance Conference
  
  Kornegay and Perry attended the Public Cemetery Alliance conference on August 1 & 2nd. Some key topics discussed were cemetery websites; making sure they are in compliance with ADA requirements, bereavement law changes, sick leave policies and the new Workplace Violence Prevention Program.
Investment Committee Report- Stifel Investment financial reports presented for July 2024
The Stifel Endowment Investment reports were presented to the Board for July 2024. The balance in the Stifel Endowment account as of July 2024 is $1,747,684 and the balance in the Stifel Endowment Interest account is $118,451.
Grounds Foreman's Monthly Report
1. Burials for month and year to date
  
  Grounds Foreman Cooper reported that year to date burials are 31 full and 49 ash for a total of 80 burials. 2023 year to date burials were 33 full and 35 ash for a total of 68 burials.
2. Grounds maintenance
  
  Cooper has been doing a lot of tree trimming throughout the cemetery. Valley Paving will be coming out soon to meet with Cooper to discuss the paved road for Deer Park. He is hoping to have the road finished before winter.
Approval to purchase Sweep-All sweeper
Cooper received a quote from Schnell Industries for a PSE3960 Sweep-All sweeper with 9HP Honda engine in the amount of $12,186.50.
Trustee Erin Gardiner motioned to approve. A second was made by Trustee Gary Mirata.
The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor _ Opposed
_ Abstained 1 Absent _ Recused
Resolution 124-2024 Withdrawal of District's Funds from County of Mendocino
Kornegay talked to the District's current auditor, David Farnsworth CPA, Attorney Robert Hunt, investment advisor Sandra Wheeler from Stifel and the Public Cemetery Alliance regarding the pros and cons with having the County being the District's treasurer. Pursuant to California Health & Safety Code section 9077, the Board of Trustees authorizes and directs the withdrawal of District funds from the Mendocino County Treasurer. The decision was largely based on the following:
Years ago the District adopted a system of accounting using QuickBooks which adheres to generally accepted accounting principles.
The District prepares the employees payroll including processing the payroll liabilities, payroll tax returns and retirement contributions.
The District processes their own claims and pays all invoices from the District's general bank account held at the Savings Bank of Mendocino County.
The District will significantly increase their investment interest revenue by investing their reserve funds with Stifel.
Trustee Erin Gardiner motioned to approve. Trustee Carol Connerton seconded the motion.

The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor Opposed
Abstained 1 Absent Recused
Trustees Discussions, Questions & Comments
1. Frank Zeek and cemetery boundary line
  
  Trustee Gardiner talked to Debbie Ornelas, Executive Assistant to Debra Kubin, Superintendent for Ukiah Unified School District regarding the boundary line between Frank Zeek School and the cemetery. She let Gardiner know that school was about to get started and would like to discuss this at a later date.
2. Next cemetery walk - Saturday, September 7 @ 9:30 am
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 12:29 PM
Next Regular Meeting: September 17, 2024

Posted 8:11 pm on December 7, 2025