1994 ADJ MIN JAN 4 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Upon her appointment as Cemetery Manager in 1988, Manager Ramos reported having gone out of state to obtain training as a cemetery manager, on her own time and at her own expense. The beginning was difficult as she met resistance from the local mortuaries. Having extended an invitation to meet with the mortuaries, only one company representative met with her and second representative refused her offer to work together. She recounted success in having won Mr. Sainz from Montecito Cemetery. Manager Ramos assured that Cemetery staff has done the job in spite of manpower shortage, worn tools and borrowed equipment. There was lengthy discussion on the backhoe which is used to dig graves. With double depths to dig, the backhoe is important to cemetery staff. With a borrowed backhoe, Manager Ramos pointed out that staff must work odd hours to use the equipment when it is available, which puts unfair pressure when cemetery staff may have as many as three burials in one day. She described the turfvac as a piece of equipment that is used to vacuum around markers and curbs. Manager Ramos identified the need for the City's departments to work together. She mentioned that when the water main broke in the Reche Canyon area last year, Cemetery staff was assigned to help clear the mud. Similarly, when a tree needs trimming, she indicated she would like to be able to ask for the service from the Parks Department. From exhaustive research she conducted, Cemetery Manager Ramos found the Cemetery never borrowed money from the City's Electric Utility. Yet, the debt hangs like cloud over the enterprise. Last year she attempted to pledge $25,000 towards this debt but there were budget cut-backs and other needs prevented payment on the debt. There is good news. Mrs. Ramos spoke about having obtained permission to develop and sell 50 double -depth lawn crypts. With 13 double -depth lawn crypts remaining to be sold, these represent 100% profit for the City. City Manager Young indicated that the Cemetery had been subsidized by the general fund for a number of years and the money represents that debt. Cemetery Manager Ramos said there is great need for a computer and pertinent software. Cemetery records are still maintained longhand, with two cards created for each journal entry. The limited advertising done today is accomplished through personal funds of Mrs. Ramos and Mr. Sainz. Working together, the Cemetery Commission and staff have determined best use of land and needs assessment for Hermosa Cemetery. Certain areas of the cemetery are now saturated and Cemeterians Ramos and Sainz have identified the need to proceed with the survey of one partially developed area of the cemetery plus the survey, grading and hydroseeding of an undeveloped area of Hermosa. Family Service Counselor Sainz informed that it takes a year for sodding -2- JAN041994