Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Cemetery, Parks, Recreation & Beautification Committee met Aug. 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members of the Cemetery & Parks Committee met in person on August 22, 2023 at 5:04 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Cemetery & Parks Committee members present at the meeting in the Council Chambers: Chairman Tim White, Alderperson Bredeman, Alderperson Connor

Cemetery & Parks Committee members absent for the meeting in the Council Chambers: None

Others in attendance in the Council Chamber: Mayor Michael Hughes, Clerk Byrnes, Superintendent Sutherland, Alderperson Sharp

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None.

PURPOSE:

MONUMENT FOUNDATION GUIDELINES AND FEE-CODE CHANGE:

Debbie Crew, P.O. Box 523, Chillicothe from Otto's Monument addressed the Committee with additional questions and concerns regarding the current proposed guidelines and monument foundation permit form. After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee to revise the current form which will be presented at the next Cemetery and Parks Committee meeting for review.

BUDGET REVIEW:

Superintendent Sutherland updated the Committee on the Cemetery & Parks budget: Cemetery 19.08% and Parks 19.03%, within the 25% budget guidelines.

REVIEW ORDINANCE FEE – COLUMBARIUM/OSSUARY → NON-RESIDENT CODE CHANGE:

After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee to add a non-resident fee for purchase in the Columbarium and Ossuary.

Current resident fee for Columbarium:

$800.00 for double niche

$400.00 for single niche

$800.00 for 2 single niches if purchased at the same time

Proposed addition of non-resident fee:

$1000.00 for double niche

$500.00 for single niche

$1000.00 for 2 single niches if purchased at the same time

Current resident fee for Ossuary: $250.00

Proposed addition of non-resident fee: $325.00

After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee to add this agenda item to the Council for approval for City Attorney Kevin Day to draft the Ordinance reflecting the addition of non-resident fees.

UPDATE CUTRIGHT PARK VANDALISM & REPAIR

Chairman T. White announced that per Renee Beard the Cutright Park playground equipment repair was still in process.

UPDATE PINNING OF NEW SECTIONS OF THE CEMETERY:

Clerk Byrnes read an email from City Engineer, Dave Horton that Cemetery Section 38 will be completed by the end of today. Section 39 will be close to completed by the end of the week and Section 40 is to be completed by next week.

SHADE - CANOPY FOR CITY PARK STAGE VIEWING AREA:

Chairman T. White addressed the Committee with an interest in pursuing information regarding a canopy for the City Park stage and viewing area. He stated he had received complaints from citizens that did not attend events at the park due to the heat and sun. He has done research on the shades and will continue to gather information on cost and installation. He proposed that it would be 100% funded by donations, those donations given to the City and the proposed purchase would be added to the 2024-2025 budget to be purchased and maintained by the City. After discussion Chairman T. White will have this agenda item added to the next Council meeting for discussion.

SHADEMAKERS UPDATE:

Alderperson Connor reported to the Committee that from her Shademakers Committee meeting there would be no agenda items to add to upcoming Council meeting.

OLD BUSINESS: None

AGENDA ITEMS:

Approve motion for City Attorney to draft an Ordinance- Columbarium/Ossuary Non-Resident fees

CHAIRPERSON ACTIONS:

None.

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 5:52 p.m.

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/08.22.23%20cemetery%20and%20parks.pdf