9) Bequest from the Estate of Teunis and Alie Molenaar:
Informed recently that it was Teunis’s wish to donate to Pinedale Cemetery, we were informed of a 5K donation being processed and received soon. The Board expressed its most sincere appreciation to John, Molenaar and the late Alie and Teunis Molenaar for this generous support and consideration!
11) 2024 Grass Cutting and Maintenance Contract:
Proposed Rick De Jong for 2024:
a) cut and trim Pinedale at $160.00 ($10.00 increase over 2023 rates)
b) raking, rolling, fertilizing at $160.00
c) other outdoor maintenance work e.g. tree trimming, levelling topsoil, etc. at $25.00 per hour
d) Opening and closing cremation grave - $100.00
The aforementioned costs were discussed and moved by John M., seconded by Brian H., and carried. Jay S. asked about cleaning gravestones and suggested a possible, safe solution which he will investigate and report to the Board. Concern not to damage the most sensitive stones was raised. Brian H. offered to possibly clean the stones.
12) Church Maintenance
a) Comments on VanKessel Masonry work:
At a cost of $4K, the Board felt this was a good investment to both protect the metal roof and to the deteriorating masonry.
b) Church – worth getting a price on redoing the ceiling?
At this point, because there is a strong possibility the ridgecap is leaking during heavy, windy rains, that this be solved before repairing the ceiling tiles. Brian H. and Rick D. volunteered to
set up a ladder inside the sanctuary to the attic to visually determine where the leaking is occurring. They will share their assessment with the Board at that time to determine the best action required.
c) Church – furnace removal:
With the removal of the chimney in 2023, the two furnaces need to be removed. Brian H. volunteered to drain the fuel lines and coordinate a time, with help from other volunteers, to remove the two furnaces.
d) Church – Oil Tank Removal – Required by Insurance:
Brian H. volunteered to remove the old tank as soon as possible so Rick D. can notify our insurance carrier that this action has been completed.
e) Organ:
In spite of an effort to acquire an organ for the church, the one Rick D. assessed and moved into the sanctuary, doesn’t work as well as when it was tested. This will be removed by Rick D.; efforts will continue to find a replacement. John M. suggested purchasing a simple electronic keyboard.
f) Sale of 12 Small Chairs to Victoria Hadden – Suggest $20.00/chair - $240.00?
The Board received a request by Victoria and Curtis Hadden, owners of Wick Presbyterian Church building, to purchase 12 antique chairs located in the Pinedale Church basement. The proposal of 12 x $20.00 each for a total of $240.00 was moved by Linda H-S., seconded by Dale
E., and carried.
g) SLCT Expression of Thanks!
Rick D. conveyed appreciation to the Pinedale BOD for allowing this group, who work with many youth in our community, to store costumes and props in the church basement. The group donated $100.00 to Pinedale Cemetery in appreciation for this support.
h) Pinedale Metal Sign:
Pinedale Wesleyan Methodist Church was founded in 1873 and 2023 marked the 150 th anniversary of its founding. The Board is examining ways to celebrate this special occasion through a historic plaque to be located somewhere outside and possibly affixed to the building
for visitors to read and admire. Jay S. and Rick D. shared their preliminary research and will work together to create the wording for the marker and investigate options for the Board to consider this year. Cost estimates of $1000.00 to $2000.00 were noted.
13) Cemetery Maintenance:
- topsoil provided by Dale Evans needs to be raked and banked up against the building, down
drains positioned, seeded, etc.
- roll grass, topsoil and spread grass seed
- fertilize grass
- update sign on church
- return benches to the flagpole
- anything else?
In addition to the list above, the Board discussed the work that needs to be done around the foundation of the church by banking the topsoil provided kindly by the Evans family and improving the runoff from downpipes, etc. Sometime this spring, Rick will organize a “work
bee” to move soil into place, top with grass see, relocate downpipes, etc. and ask for volunteers to assist. Jay S. and Linda H-S asked about the condition of the west-facing Pinedale Cemetery arch that possibly needs a coat of paint and the restoration of the Reesor donation sign. Brian H. volunteered to meet with Linda, H-S and Rick D. to look at what painting is require; the option
of having this work professionally done was noted. Linda H-S and Rick D. will also meet soon to examine the plaque affixed to the archway and make every effort to keep it in place or issue a new plaque to honour the donors. Dale E. asked about the owners who have an outstanding balance of $305.00; payment still not received so all rights and privileges continue to be revoked.
17) New Business:
c) Columbarium – J. Sonley
As information only, Jay S. provided a summary of a “columbarium”, a granite structure with niches that house cremated remains. Columbariums appear to be increasing in their presence in neighbouring cemeteries.
Points shared:
- information received from Sanderson Monuments who would install a columbarium using the company “Rock of Ages” from Quebec as the source company.
- granite with a lifetime warranty
- niches lined with aluminum for durability
- 5’ foundation as part of the installation
- require one year notice to install
- cost is dependent on the number of niches units:
16 units – 20K 32 units – 28K 48 units – approx. 42K
- company offers pre-paid services and financing over 5 years
- seems that many niches are pre-paid by residents who appreciate this option Jay S. suggested there may be a demand for a columbarium and to possibly include this as an item in the Pinedale Newsletter. Rick D. will contact neighbouring cemeteries to learn more about their experiences with the columbariums they may have purchased and installed and report to the Board. Jay S. was thanked for his efforts to bring this information to the Board.
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