Title
Community Development Agency, Administration and Finance Division, recommending the Board;
1) Approve the installation of columbaria, sidewalk, flagpole foundation and access improvements for the new Veterans' Niche Section at the Renke Annex to the Georgetown Pioneer Cemetery, and
2) Authorize the Agency to enter into agreements for the construction and installation of same.
FUNDING: Georgetown Cemetery Zone of Benefit Special Taxes.
Body
BUDGET SUMMARY: |
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Total Estimated Cost
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$23,000.00 |
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Budgeted
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$23,000.00 |
New Funding
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Savings
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Other
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Total Funding Available
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$23,000.00 |
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Change To Net County Cost
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$0.00 |
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost
The cost of the columbaria and the access improvements for the Veterans' Niche Section (Project) is estimated to be approximately $23,000. Funding for construction and installation of the proposed improvements is budgeted from the Georgetown Cemetery Zone of Benefit special taxes. There is no Net County Cost associated with this Project.
Background
The Georgetown Cemetery Zone of Benefit was formed on February 28, 1984 by Resolution 57-84 to provide cemetery creation and operation services for two public cemeteries within the zone boundaries, the Georgetown Pioneer Cemetery and a second property consisting of approximately fifteen acres located on Georgia Slide Road. Land for the Renke Annex to the Georgetown Pioneer Cemetery transferred to the County by the Renke family through Grant Deed accepted November 23, 1999. On August 17, 2002, by Resolution 217-2002, the Renke Annex to the Georgetown Pioneer Cemetery was dedicated for public cemetery purposes.
An advisory committee was appointed for the zone of benefit at the time it was established. Duties of the advisory committee include meeting periodically with the property owners and residents within the zone to identify unmet service needs, evaluate the adequacy of the services provided, make recommendations regarding the scope of services to be provided, compilation of the annual budget, and other matters pertaining to the zone. Advisory committee activities are subject to the Policy and Procedure Guidelines for Creation and Administration of Zones of Benefit within a County Service Area as amended June 2, 1987, and to California's Open Meeting Laws.
Reason for Recommendation
In April 2013, the Georgetown Cemetery Zone of Benefit Advisory Committee (Committee) submitted to the Community Development Agency Administration and Finance Division (Agency) two proposals: one from Cornerstone Builders to construct concrete foundations, sidewalks, and a flag pole foundation at a cost of approximately $12,500, and one from Premier Columbaria for delivery and installation of two double-sided columbaria niche walls at a cost of approximately $8,500 for the Project at the Renke Annex. The Committee has indicated to staff that the Veteran's Niche is a top priority project. The Project received a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Construction of mausoleums and columbaria is subject to provisions of Part 5 of Division 8 - Cemeteries, of the Health and Safety Code, commencing with Section 9501. Health and Safety Code Section 9550 requires the cemetery authority constructing the improvements to obtain a building permit for each columbarium; however, Community Development Agency Building Division staff has advised the type and configuration of the proposed construction, sidewalks (flat work) of less than 120 square feet and installation of the prefabricated niche walls measuring less than six feet in height, does not require a building permit.
Installation of the two columbaria at the Renke Annex will add 96 interment spaces to the cemetery, increasing the total space available from 302 to 398 plots. Comparable niche spaces at the Placerville Union Cemetery are selling for $1,100 ($600 for the space and $500 for "endowment care fund"). Similar charges for niches at the Georgetown Cemetery would create the potential for $105,600 in sales revenue, exclusive of non-resident fees. The actual increase to potential revenue has not yet been established. County Ordinance Code Chapter 8.20 - Cemeteries includes a provision that requires authorization of the Board of Supervisors prior to the expansion of a cemetery. Upon approval and construction of the proposed Project, and prior to selling any niche spaces, Agency staff will submit a revised fee schedule and any applicable permitting for the Georgetown cemeteries for Board consideration and approval.
The Fiscal Year 2013-14 Georgetown Cemetery Zone of Benefit budget includes $71,000 for buildings and improvements, which is sufficient to complete the proposed Project, based on the following estimated costs:
1) Veterans' Niches Section with sidewalk and flag pole foundation, columbaria foundations, and installation of two double-sided columbaria: approximately $21,000.
2) Other sidewalk and access improvements: approximately $2,000.
Action(s) to be taken following Board approval
1) Agency staff will enter into agreements to complete the proposed improvements, subject to the County's requirements for Public Work Projects.
2) Agency staff will return to the Board with a revised fee schedule for the Georgetown Zone of Benefit Cemeteries upon completion of the improvements.
Contact
Kim Kerr, Acting Director
Community Development Agency
Concurrences
None