07-17-1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--July 17, 1995 1~65 18. 19. FUNERAL/BURIAL NEGOTIATIONS, Policy established Social Services Director Kathy Hogan reported on meetings of the burial negotiation committee, which was formed as a result of legislative action during the last session. She said the committee discussed the costs of funeral services as opposed to the costs of burial services for indigents; and that it is the State's Attorney's interpretation that the century code is referring to burial expenses as the county's responsibility for indigents. Mrs. Toussaint said the county owns Springvale Cemetery, and the committee feels that indigents who have not purchased a cemetery plot elsewhere should be buried in the county cemetery. The committee also discussed not purchasing a vault unless one is required by the cemetery association where the body is buried. Kevin Schluchter, Hanson Runsvold Funeral Home, expressed concern that indigents not be treated with any less dignity than a person whose family has resources to pay their own expenses. Mr. Ness said the county would not prohibit a funeral service by paying the burial expenses only. Roger Landblom, Ivers-Landblom Funeral Home, said he does not propose providing funeral services for individuals who do not want a service, but the majority of family members want a funeral service or memorial. He said the clergy would not be happy with the idea of immediate disposition of indigents. Mrs. Hogan said family members can pay for services if they have resources. If an indigent is eligible for general assistance, $1,000 will be paid by Social Services to the funeral directors without them having to make the collection. This is a 10% increase over what was previously paid. MOTION, passed Mrs. Schneider moved and Mrs. Toussaint seconded to accept the burial negotiating team recommendation and approve draft A revised Cass County burial policy as distributed. Motion carried on roll call vote with four members voting in favor, and Mr. Eckert opposing. EXTENSION SERVICE, Parenting R~source Program/Coordinator Correspondence was received and Brad Cogdill, Cass County Extension Services, was present requesting approval of the parenting resource program/coordinator, which is a program of the Region V Children's Services Coordinating Committee and Cass County Extension Services. The job description states that the position is administratively responsible to the District Director of NDSU Extension Services. Mr. Cogdill intends to supervise the position because he will become the equivalent of a District Director under a 6-month pilot project,