City Council Meeting Date: February 11, 2020
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Discussion of Oak Lawn Cemetery Request for Assistance.
Body
Action Requested:
None. Information only.
Summary Report:
In 2019, Oak Lawn Cemetery had reached out to City Administrator Martig regarding some financial challenges they are facing. Representatives of Oak Lawn and the City Administrator have been working to better understand their financial picture and history and to begin to explore some discussions of what role and responsibility for the City to assist in their challenges. They have not made any formal request but have been facing recent annual operating deficits and believe they will need some financial assistance to remain viable.
The purpose of the worksession is to build some initial foundation of understanding of the operations of cemeteries. Attached is a background memo related to cemeteries in Minnesota. I encourage you to take a read of this document at least as an overview.
Staff is developing a presentation in partnership with Oak Lawn Cemetery. We will be providing the document as a supplemental memo.
There is no expectation of the City Council providing policy direction at this meeting. It is an initial step of building some education and background on this issue. We anticipate further discussion and research to be conducted.
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA