MONTANASTATEVETERANSCEMETERY
- ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING -
April 8, 2009
The meeting was called to order by Joe Foster, Administrator of the Montana Veterans Affairs Division,at 1p.m. in the HelenaArmedForcesReserveCenterstate conference room. Present at the meeting were:
Alma Dickey, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary/Prisoners of War
Walter Bauer, Military Order of the Purple Heart
Rose Marie Storey, American Legion Auxiliary
Gary White, American Legion
Bill Jacobson, First Special Service Force
Don Buffington, 40 & 8
Helen Dawson, WIMSA
George Poston, Disabled American Veterans
James Heffernan, Marine Corp League
Chris Denning, Dept. of Military Affairs Facilities
June Rychalski, Scribe –Montana Veterans Affairs Division
The meeting opened with Joe Foster leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Each attendee then introduced him/herself to the group.
Joe asked if everyone had received a copy of the minutes of the Oct. 8, 2008 meeting and if there were any corrections to be made. There were none. Alma Dickey moved that the minutes be accepted as written. Gary White seconded the motion.
First on the agenda was a review of the budget report. Joe pointed out the balances of the Montana State Veterans Cemetery (MSVC)plot allowances and donations received, to date. Though donations are a little down from last year,they are still good. The cemetery budget is solid as the fiscal year is completed.
A question was raised regarding a figure of $2.00 in the EasternMontanaStateVeteransCemetery donation account. As later determined, the $1,220 shown under the EasternMontanaStateVeteransCemeterydonations was used to purchase a cemetery bench. The $2 is the amountleft after that purchase.
Authorization was attained from the Governor’s Office to hire a temporary employee to assist the WesternMontanaStateVeteransCemeterysexton through the remainder of this fiscal year, which ends June 30. The position is needed to accomplish the Spring season grounds work and support the high quantity of interments.
Two new types of Veteran license plates will are expected to beavailable Jan. 1, 2010. One is a “Gold Star Family Member”plate whichis awaiting the Governor’s signature. The requirements to purchase a Gold Star Plate are the same as the federal law that created the Gold Star Lapel Button. Information was provided which state the eligibility requirements, in the event any of the members are asked about this new plate.
Also, it looks like there will be a Veteranmotorcycle plate. The existing Veteran license plates will be shrunk to accommodate the smaller motorcycle plate size. Motorcycle license plates are permanently registered.
Thanks to the efforts of the Veterans Service Organizations and other interested people,a bill designed to eliminate specialty plates and replace them with decals was defeated. The “Veteran” and “Patriot” license plates are specialty plates and would have been very negatively impacted.
Question: Have the price of opening and closing of the graves been raised? Answer: No, it is still $300. There is federal legislation to raise the plot allowance from the existing $300, but – to date – it has not passed.
A question was asked if a request for a cemetery to be built in northern Montana has been received. Joe stated “no,” but that there is not enough revenue into the veterans cemetery program to support a fourth state veterans cemetery.
Construction Update: We are in the process of developing Section D at the MontanaStateVeteransCemetery. The irrigation system and turf will be completed this summer, and next year it will be utilized specifically for full-casket internments. In late February, Fred Salvas, administrator for the VA’s State Veterans Cemetery Grant Program,met with Joe in Missoula. Mr. Salvas toured the cemetery and, amongst other issues, the MSVC’s expansion project was discussed. Mr. Salvas supports the expansion effort, and the division will move forward in the $1.2 million project if it is ultimately identified by the VA as a Priority 1 project. An update on this project will be provided next meeting.
Sexton Report: Waynereported on the annual Spring clean-up at the MSVC. He stated that all decorations must be removed from the gravesites by May 1, with redecorating starting May 20. After discussion it was determined that a newspaper ad would be purchased to notify the public of the decorations timeframes. In answer to a question, Wayne confirmed the same dates apply to the other two state veterans cemeteries.
Wayne advised the group that the MSVC cemetery trees will be sprayed for bark beetles. The spraying will kill all the new eggs, but there is currently one tree that may have to be cut down. Wayne also stated that the Russian Olive tree has been designated as a “noxious weed,” and can no longer be purchased. We don’t have to cut them down; but once they die, they cannot be replaced.
Wayne advised the group that a new MSVC record was reached by interring 211 people for the year. Since opening in October 2008, the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery (WMSVC) has had 93 internments through February. This large number is due, in part, to the quantity of cremated veteransheld by families waiting for the cemetery toopen. The WMSVC is now averaging about 12 interments a month.
State Veterans Cemeteries Update:
In MilesCity, the person who damaged the cemetery fence was caught. His court hearing is to take place soon. He has paid restitution for the damage. No construction projects are planned at this time.
In Missoula the cemetery is shaping up very well; however, two vehicles have damaged the cemetery fence. Also, vandals broke in the cemetery and stole the POW Flag and moved gravesite markers. They were caught in the course of other vandalism and the POW Flag was found in their vehicle.
Miscellaneous issues: Rose Marie discussed the shortageof disabled parking spaces available in the north end of the building. Joe pointed out the parking on the east side of the building – on the north end – also has designated disabled parking. Chris Denning stated one reason there are only two disabled parking places in north parking lot is because there is no wheelchair accessibility. The other identified disabled parking area has wheelchair accessibility andis just around the corner of the building from the door. It was recommended that Rose Marie use that parking area.
Helen Dawson stated the plane that crashed in Butte landed in the cemetery’s veteran section. She was hopeful that it would be properly repaired.
A question was raised regarding how the proposed 2% budget reduction to state agencies might affect the division’s budget, and specifically the cemetery program. Joe explained that the cut is applicable only to “general fund” programs. Because the cemetery program is a “special fund” program, it will not be affected. As for the division, in total, there will be an effect; but, so far it looks to be manageable.
Memorial Day was discussed. It will be held Saturday,May 30. The group was asked if theyhad any suggestions for guest speakers, and also if starting the ceremony at 12 noon is desired. No speakers suggestions were given, and the ceremony will continue to start at 12 noon.
The next meeting will be held September 16, 2009 at 1p.m. in the same location. Joe thanked everyone for coming, and the meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m.
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