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DISCUSSION When the acquisition of the Cemetery was approved, the City Council determined that on-going maintenance would be performed at the existing "pioneer" (non-landscaped) standard. Based on estimates at that time (page 9 of Attachment 1), capital costs of approximately $742,000 would be required to raise the level of the Cemetery to a "landscaped" standard, and $75,400 annually to maintain the site at that level. Since the acquisition, community members have inquired about the possibility of improving the Cemetery to a "landscaped" standard, and making additional plots available for sale. Parks Maintenance staff recently reviewed the costs to bring the Cemetery up to the higher landscape standard, and the revised estimate is now approximately $990,000 in capital costs, with annual maintenance expenses increasing to $85,000 annually. Staff has determined that new burial plots could be established along the south side of the property, which is currently used for storing excess soil from burials. The area could accommodate up to 200 full-size, double-depth plots, and 200 smaller plots for the burial of cremains. Staff proposes that each full-size plot (approximately 3' x 8') have a pre-installed double vault. While pre-installing vaults would involve an initial cost of approximately $190,000, it is believed that having all vaults installed at the same time would be more cost efficient in the long run. It would not be necessary to pre-install vaults for the cremain plots, due to the size of these plots (approximately 3' x 4'). Marketing for a cemetery is significantly different from the type of marketing that the Parks and Community Services Department currently conducts for other programs, due to the sensitive and emotional nature of families seeking funeral services. Since CFCS has experience in this area, it is recommended that the City contract with CFCS for production of appropriate marketing materials. Staff would work with CFCS on an appropriate marketing and sales plan. The Parks Maintenance Division would continue to be responsible for maintenance of the site. New plots would not include fees for ongoing maintenance, as the City is currently funding that service level from the General Fund. Since no accommodations were made with original purchasers to pay for on-going maintenance/perpetual care, it does not seem reasonable to add that cost to those purchasing new plots. If there is interest from the public in making donations toward cemetery maintenance, funds could be placed in a specific account, and draws made as needed. Staff consulted with CFCS to determine appropriate fees to charge customers, if additional plots were sold. CFCS reviewed prices at St. Michael's Cemetery in Livermore, and Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward, taking into consideration the potential installation of a new irrigation system for the Cemetery property. Based on these factors, the following rates were suggested: Page 3 of 6