July 1, 2019 - Welty Cemetery Meeting

MINUTES

BREWSTER COUNCIL OF THE WHOLE

Welty Cemetery Proposal

July 1, 2019

6:30 P.M.

6:30 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

John Anthony, Village Solicitor

AUDIENCE:

Welty Cemetery Board Members: Buzz Belloni, Margaret Arthur, Kevin Bratcher, Ruth Wisselgren.

Ray Heitger was also in attendance.

Buzz Belloni reviewed the history of Welty Cemetery from it’s beginning in 1854 as a one-acre cemetery for a small church. He stated that the cemetery has been run by dedicated volunteers for all these years. Mr. Belloni discussed the mission of the board and how Brewster could make it a site of community pride. They are approaching the Village in hopes that the Village would take over the management and keep it in good shape. Councilman Hilliard asked why the board didn’t just look for younger blood for their board. Mr. Belloni stated people don’t volunteer their time like they used to. He wants to see it remain professional and make sure the rules are followed. There are more regulations than ever. He also stated the economics make sense. Mayor Schwab and Councilman Hawk met with Mayor Benson of Navarre to discuss Navarre’s cemetery and Mayor Benson stated they have had no problems with their cemetery and it runs smoothly. The cemetery currently consists of 5.5 acres. Mr. Belloni stated that buying a cemetery is the only way a Village can purchase property that is not contiguous. Solicitor Anthony stated that the Village would also have police powers over the cemetery.

Meeting adjourned at 6:58 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

________________________________

Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer