June 3, 2019 - Welty Cemetery Proposal

MINUTES
BREWSTER COUNCIL OF THE WHOLE
Welty Cemetery Proposal
June 3, 2019
6:00 P.M.
 
6:00 P.M. – CALL TO ORDER – Councilman Chuck Hawk
 
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mike Schwab, Mayor
Dale Fox, Council Member                           Chuck Hawk, Council Member                   
Tom Hilliard, Council Member                    Dave Godwin, Council Member
Andrew Hess, Council Member                  Sydney Radich, Council Member                              
 
VILLAGE OFFICIALS:
Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer                             Michael Miller, Village Administrator      
 
It was discussed that this is not the first time that Brewster was approached concerning the village taking over the cemetery.  Mayor Schwab stated that last time the cemetery board was split on whether they wanted to pursue it, so the village backed down.
 
The floor was opened for questions and discussion.  Councilman Fox asked how many plots are left for purchase.  Councilman Hawk stated that more than half are still available.  The upkeep was discussed.  The mowing is hired out for about $7,000 per year.  Councilman Godwin asked if the township had been approached.  Councilman Fox asked why they are getting rid of the cemetery.  Councilman Hawk stated the board members are getting older and want to make sure it is taken care of.  The original area was 2 acres and has been expanded by another 3.3 acres.  Councilman Hilliard asked why the village would take it on when there is nothing to gain from it.  During a meeting with Mr. Buzz Belloni, Mr. Belloni asked why the village would not accept something that is given for free.  Councilman Godwin asked who would take of things if all the money ran out.  It would be the village’s responsibility.  Councilman Hawk and Mayor Schwab met with Mayor Benson from Navarre to see how much of a nuisance their cemetery was.  Mayor Benson said it was no problem at all.  Mayor Schwab has put together a proposal that would have the village participate in the management of the cemetery for two-years.  This would allow the village to see what all managing the cemetery entails and the cemetery board to make sure they would be happy with the village managing the cemetery.  Councilman Hilliard asked VA Miller what his opinion was.  VA Miller stated that once you sell all the lots that you have no income, but the village is not here to always make a profit.  Councilman Godwin reminded everyone that former VA Hartman always said that the two things you don’t want in the village are a graveyard and a swimming pool.  Councilman Hawk asked that council review the information given and talk to the people in their circle of life and decide whether this was something council would like to pursue.
 
Councilman Hawk is going to speak with Mr. Belloni and see if he and any of the other cemetery committee would be willing to come to a meeting on July 1st at 6:30pm to answer any questions.
 
Meeting adjourned at 6:30pm.
 
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
 
________________________________
Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer