1994 ADJ MIN JAN 4 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Inc., had provided the rendering and were willing to work with the City of Colton. They will allow us to buy on a time plan. Cemetery Chairperson Hayden reminded the Mayor and Councilmembers there are many rules and regulations that must be adhered to and the Cemetery staff must comply with the law. He declared that with the City's in-house services and financial assistance, the potential of the City's return would be ten -fold. Councilmember Bennett inquired about prices per plots and individual niches. Manager Ramos said prices vary as plots may be double or single. At the beginning, the Cemetery sold vaults to the mortuaries who would sell at a higher price to their customers. In her research, Manager Ramos found that in the late 1970's or 19801s, before the City of Colton sold vaults, the mortuaries sold all of the products to the customers and they made money. She remembered, at that time, the mortuary owners belonged to the City's commissions and boards. Hermosa Cemetery needs to have an inventory of supplies on hand in order to make money. Sale of land is not sufficient to make profit. Mayor Gonzales emphasized that in 1990-1991 the Cemetery turned a profit. The City Council paid the money and it made a difference. When the Council invests in the Cemetery, it does pay off. From what has been described and planned, it is evident that the Cemetery can be self-sustaining. Motion by Mayor Gonzales, seconded by Councilmember Beltran, to adopt the proposed short range goals: (1) Provide general maintenance with necessary manpower and necessary heavy equipment such as the backhoe for double -depth burials; provide in-house services such as tree -trimming, black topping, surveying and recording and any other necessary service available through the City departments; (2) Provide computer and software - include Cemetery in the City's current computer upgrade; provide for relocation/purchase of a new maintenance building and the creation of a parking lot; provide painting and carpeting for the office and to provide $25,000 for advertising in order to. establish an effective marketing plan. After further discussion, City Manager Young stated that he could comply with most items except for the $25,000, but that he would work on it. Councilmember Rios said it is within our capabilities to make the Cemetery succeed as an enterprise. He urged better cooperation between the departments. City Manager Young said he would give the message for better cooperation to the departments. Councilmember Bennett recalled there is policy that allows Council to forgive a debt and asked if the City couldn't forgive the Cemetery's Debt to the Electric Department. -4- JAN 0 4 1994