07-25-02 OHPC MIN11 City of Otsego - Heritage Preservation Commission 11
Thursday, July 25, 2002
Chair Elaine Norin called the meeting to order at 6:36 P.M., Sharon Carter, Arlene Holen, Elaine
Norin, Joy Swenson and Frieda Lobeck were present. Council member Jerry Struthers was
present.
ARLENE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 27, 2002 MEETING AS
PRINTED. SECONDED BY FRIEDA. MOTION CARRIED.
Frieda submitted an updated written book report. A copy is attached.
Elaine received National Alliance Preservation Commission Report. There is an article on the
benefits of restoring cemeteries. The manual will be on file in the OHPC storage room.
We continue our quest to have the Otsego Cemetery designated as a historic site and to request
grant money to restore the cemetery. OHPC asked the Otsego Cemetery Board to attend our July
meeting and respond to questions regarding the cemetery.
❖ In attendance were Harlan Rask, Della Anderson, and John Anderson.
The following questions were asked:
• What are the names of officers and directors of the cemetery board?
Response - Harlan Rask, Della Anderson, John Anderson, Terry Rask
• How many graves are available?
Response - 2830
• Who issues deeds?
Response - Years ago, deeds were issued by the township. Now, they get a receipt issued by
Harlan Rask.
• Are sales of grave sites restricted to Otsego Residents?
Response - They believe the sales should be restricted to residents, but this restriction is
hard to uphold. Relatives of deceased (who are buried in the cemetery) ask to purchase
plots. In addition, former residents sometimes ask to purchase a grave site.
• What is involved in maintenance of the cemetery?
Response - Maintenance includes shoveling, mowing, spotting and finding a site in the
winter.
• Who digs the graves? Are families allowed to dig a grave for a deceased family member?
Response - Usually, they depend on a man from St. Michael to dig graves. Family members
are not allowed to dig the grave themselves.
• Are there guidelines or bylaws the cemetery board follows (the Constitution and Bylaws for
Bailey Station Cemetery were used as an example)?
Response - the Otsego Cemetery Board follows guidelines.
• Some grants have matching funds. Would the cemetery board be willing
to match a grant to repair the cemetery?
Response - It would depend upon the amount of the grant.
• How often to they have meetings?
Response - They hold meetings in the spring and the fall. In addition, if other times if
needed.
• How would citizens know where/who to go to if they would like to purchase a grave site?
Response - Either the mortuary or the city would provide the name and telephone number of
a board member to contact.
• What is the cost of a gravesite?
Response - $600.00 per site (a lot contains 8 graves). This cost includes perpetual care.
Harlan produced a book with records starting in 1912. In addition, he shared a laminated
map of the cemetery.
Elaine explained the Heritage Preservation Site Ordinance and what OHPC is trying to do with
the cemetery.
Elaine sent a letter to the Minnesota Historical Society, asking for names of who can repair old
headstones. Sharon will contact on-line sites for information on repairing old cemeteries.
The cemetery board members were thanked for their participation.
Frieda moved to adjourn, Arlene seconded. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 P.M.
We will meet again on Thursday, August 22, 2002 at 6:30 P.M. at City Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Carter, Secretary