Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Cemetery, Parks, Recreation & Beautification Committee met March 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members of the Cemetery & Parks Committee met in person on March 19, 2024 at 5:02 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 Hughes, Clerk Jill Byrnes, Superintendent Shawn Sutherland.

Others absent in the Council Chamber: None

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None.

PURPOSE:

BUDGET REVIEW:

Superintendent Shawn Sutherland reported to the Committee the Cemetery budget is 55.54% and Parks budget is at 44.81%, within the budget guidelines. Superintendent Sutherland announced that 2 seasonal workers would be returning to work next Wednesday and more would return as needed.

DISCUSSION – CATHOLIC SECTION – CEMETERY:

Chairman T. White announced to the Committee he had not received an update from City Attorney Kevin Day or the Catholic Diocese. Updates will be reported at the next Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting.

ROBIN SAVAGE - MEMORIAL GARDEN:

Chairman T. White reported to the Committee that Robin Savage is still out of town. Chairman T. White will update at the next Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting.

HEADSTONE REPAIRS:

Superintendent Sutherland had attempted to contact Debbie Crew from Otto's Monument, to date she had not returned his calls or submitted an itemized bill for completed repairs. Superintendent Sutherland will attempt to contact Debbie this week for an itemized bill so that any repairs completed can be paid to Otto's by end of the budget year.

TREE REPLACEMENT – CEMETERY:

Chairman T. White reported that a concerned citizen had reported a diseased birch tree in the City Cemetery, the tree has been removed. Superintendent Sutherland has budgeted for new trees in the 24-25 budget, a replacement tree will be ordered and placed in the Cemetery soon. This agenda item is considered resolved.

FLAG POLE REPLACEMENT - VETERAN SECTION - CEMETERY:

Superintendent Sutherland reported to the Committee he had received a request from the VFW Post #4999 for a flag pole to be erected in the Veterans Section of the City Cemetery. Superintendent Sutherland left a message for Peoria Flag & Decorating and is waiting on a call back with a quote. Updates will be discussed at the next Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting.

SHADEMAKERS UPDATE:

Alderperson Connor, Chairman of Shademakers Committee has requested an increase in their 24-25 budget from $15,000.00 to $20,000.00. Proposed projects from the Committee includes, several metal sculptures in various locations throughout the city, a Pollinator Garden sign and photo op area, Moffitt Park Memorial Garden, and a Veteran's memorial project.

OLD BUSINESS:

SHADE - CANOPY FOR CITY PARK STAGE VIEWING AREA:

Chairman T. White reported to the Committee that donations for the Shade Canopy had stalled, to date a total of $3,500.00 had been received leaving a deficit of approximately $10,500.00 for the purchase of the Shade Canopy for City Park. It was the consensus of the Committee to submit the $10,500.00 as a Priority 1 project for the 24-25 budget.

AGENDA ITEMS:

None

CHAIRPERSON ACTIONS:

None

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/03.19.24%20cem%20minutes.pdf