Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Cemetery, Parks, Recreation & Beautification Committee met Aug. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members of the Cemetery & Parks Committee met in person on August 20, 2024 at 5:00 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

Cemetery & Parks Committee members absent for the meeting in the Council Chambers: Alderperson Connor

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

Others absent in the Council Chamber: None

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None.

PURPOSE:

NEW EMPLOYEE HIRE:

Superintendent Sutherland addressed the Committee stating that he had interviewed a potential candidate for the replacement of one of his seasonal workers who will be out for the remainder of the season due to an upcoming surgery. If the Committee agrees he will submit this application to Chief Cooper for a background check. The consensus of the Committee was to proceed with submitting the application to Chief Cooper for the background check and moving this agenda item for Council for approval.

LANDSCAPING CITY PARK SIDEWALK AREA:

Superintendent Sutherland reported that if approved by the Committee and Council they would proceed with leveling the slope, adding topsoil and seeding before the end of the year if weather permits. Superintendent Sutherland stated there is $10,000.00 in the budget for this project. The consensus of the Committee was to move this agenda item to Council for approval.

DISCUSSION - CEMETERY BACKHOE HYDRAULIC LEAK:

Superintendent Sutherland reported that the backhoe had been repaired.

PRIORITY 1 PROJECT - PURCHASE - MOWER:

Superintendent Sutherland reported that there is a Priority 1 Cemetery Project of $15,000.00 for the purchase of a mower, he has located one from Bill Small Engines in Lacon for $12,683.00. After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee that this agenda item move to Council for approval.

DISCUSSION – CITY PARK STAGE – BATHROOM AND PAINTING UPDATES:

Superintendent Sutherland reported to the Committee that painting of the bathrooms is complete. A sink and doors are to be installed soon as well as exterior painting of the back of the building. These will not be public bathrooms, they will only be open for events in the park. Updates will be discussed at the next Public Safety Committee meeting.

DISCUSSION PORTA POTTY AT RIVERSOUND PARK:

Superintendent Sutherland reports he had obtained a rental quote from Simmons Little Johnnies at $125.00 per month. An enclosure or covering was discussed to be more esthetically pleasing as the park is located in a residential area. After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee to add this agenda item in next year's budget for consideration.

SHADE - CANOPY FOR CITY PARK STAGE VIEWING AREA:

Chairman T. White explained to the Committee that he is still obtaining financials on the shade canopy and installation and will provide updates at the next Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting.

DISCUSSION-CATHOLIC SECTION - CEMETERY:

Chairman T. White announced to the Committee that he had received an update from City Attorney Kevin Day indicating the diocese did not have any objections to the City releasing the remaining grave spaces in the Catholic Section to the public. Clerk Byrnes will contact City Attorney Day for a copy of said email for City record keeping. This agenda item is pending direction from Attorney Day.

HEADSTONE REPAIRS:

Superintendent Sutherland informed the Committee that headstone repairs that his department is capable of doing had been done. Chairman T. White offered to reach out to Wyoming Monument again for price quotes on remaining headstone repairs. Updates will be discussed at the next Public Safety Committee meeting.

FLAG POLE REPLACEMENT - VETERAN SECTION CEMETERY:

Superintendent Sutherland reported to the Committee that the estimated cost he had received exceeded the budgeted amount. After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee to add this agenda item in next year's budget for consideration.

PRIORITY 2 PROJECT - CEMETERY KIOSK:

Superintendent Sutherland reported to the Committee that in his online research he discovered the options were numerous. He asked the Committee for guidance on the specific needs of the kiosk. Currently the budgeted amount is $3,000.00. After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee to add this agenda item in next year's budget for consideration.

SHADEMAKERS UPDATE:

Marie Geiger, member of the Shademakers Committee spoke on behalf of Alderperson Connor who was absent on vacation. She is requesting $200.00 from General Fund, Tree City funds for a larger advertising space in the "Voice" the local City newspaper for Shademakers Committee information, upcoming Shademakers Committee events and recognition of recent beautification award winners. Mrs. Geiger is also asking for approval of $125.00 from Round Up dollars for over seeding of the Pollinator Garden. Mrs. Geiger stated that per the Land Grant Agreement there is still $300.00 left for their use, only until October 23, 2024. After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee that the dollar amounts requested are within the allowed amounts to spend by the Committee, therefore, it would be approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

AGENDA

Approve - New Hire for Public Works Department Approve - Landscaping of City Park sidewalk Approve - Purchase of mower

CHAIRPERSONS ACTIONS:

None

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 5:34 p.m.

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/08.20.2024%20cemetery%20and%20parks.pdf