Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Cemetery, Parks, Recreation & Beautification Committee met May 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Cemetery Parks Committee met at 5:00 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.

Members of the Committee present at the meeting:

Chairman Jenkins,

Alderperson Connor

Alderperson Bredeman

Also present in the Council Chambers: Mayor Hughes, Superintendent Shawn Sutherland, Clerk Hurd, Alderperson Connor.

Public Comment:

Township Supervisor Mike Ratcliff asked to address the committee during agenda items concerning repair and maintenance of head stones and memorial bench. Chairman Jenkins asked the committee if there would be any objections to hearing those agenda items first. There was no objection.

Repair and Maintenance Head Stones:

Mike Ratcliff, Chillicothe Township Supervisor informed the committee that the Township can assist the city with the repairs to old headstones in the cemetery. He said the Township Board has agreed to give the city $2,000.00 to assist with repairs. Superintendent Sutherland told the committee that he has budgeted an extra $2000.00 to do the same. A lengthy discussion was held on how to identify the stones needing repair and how to prioritize them (safety and aesthetics ) It was the consensus of the committee to have Superintendent Sutherland and Township Supervisor Ratcliff meet at the cemetery to identify monuments that need repaired. Township Supervisor Ratcliff informed the committee that he will have a check to present to the city at the June 13th council meeting.

Superintendent Sutherland will report back at the next committee meeting.

Memorial Bench-Sharon Crabel:

Township Supervisor Ratcliff informed the committee that the Township Board would like to place a veteran’s memorial bench in memory of former Township Clerk and City Clerk Sharon Crabel. He asked that the city grant permission to place the bench in section 34 of the city cemetery (new veterans’ section). He informed the committee that the Township Board will allot up to $3,000.00 for the project. Discussion was held on how the city could help with any additional cost. After discussion it was the consensus of the committee to have Superintendent Sutherland work with Township Supervisor Ratcliff to identify a location and total cost of the project and report back to the committee.

21-22 Budget Review:

Superintendent Sutherland reviewed the yearend report.

Sycamore Trail Park – Bench and Tree:

Alderperson Connor informed the committee that she was contacted by the Boy Scouts and they are willing to build the benches as an Eagle Scout Project and that Shademaker’s could pay for the materials. Superintendent Sutherland reported he will be looking at trees to place in the park.

Purchase Mulch:

Superintendent Sutherland presented an invoice from Picket Fence in the amount of $867.00 for mulch at Cutright Park. The consensus of the committee was to seek council approval for the purchase.

Pinning-New Section of Cemetery:

Superintendent Sutherland informed the committee that the pinning is an operating expense and that he will be getting the final dollar amount from the city engineer to take to council. The total dollar amount in the operating budget is $23,000.00. Superintendent Sutherland told the committee that the $23,000.00 will be billed in 3 phases. Discussion was held and the consensus of the committee was to seek council approval.

Moving Veterans Memorial – City Hall to Cutright Park:

Superintendent Sutherland reported he will be meeting with Jeff Anderson to seek out a location in the cemetery for the memorial. He will report back.

Part Time Seasonal – Employment:

Superintendent Sutherland asked to hire Kaden Timmerman and Gunner Powers as part time seasonal employees. The consensus of the committee was to seek council approval through the HR committee.

OLD BUSINESS

Update Shademakers: No report

Update -Approved Projects: No Report

SUMMARY

COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS

Purchase Mulch

Hire 2 part time seasonal workers

Cemetery Pinning

CHAIRMAN ACTION – NONE

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm.

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/05.17.22%20cem%20minutes%20.pdf