Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Cemetery, Parks, Recreation & Beautification Committee met Jan. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members of the Cemetery & Parks Committee met in person on January 21, 2025 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, Alderperson Connor

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 24-25:

Superintendent Sutherland reported to the Committee that the current budget is as follows:

Cemetery - 48.7%

Parks 75.8%

BUDGET REVIEW 25-26:

Chairman T. White informed the Committee that he would be meeting with Superintendent Sutherland next week to discuss Cemetery and Parks improvements and updates for the 25-26 budget. Superintendent Sutherland encouraged the Committee to bring forward any requests to be added to the budget.

PONTEM SOFTWARE EXPENSE:

Clerk Byrnes informed the Committee that she had received a quote for the Pontem Annual Maintenance Agreement for 2/1/2025-1/31/2026 in the amount of $605.00. The Online Search Hosting Agreement quote of $1,310.00 is not due to renew until 6/30/2025 and has been submitted to Office Manager Passage to be included in the 25-26 budget. There was no increase in these costs for 2025 over 2024. The only bill being presented tonight for consideration is the Annual Maintenance Agreement in the amount of $605.00. It was the consensus of the Committee to move this agenda item to Council for approval.

DISCUSSION - ROADS FOR NEW CEMETERY:

Superintendent Sutherland reported an estimate of $2,500.00 for an engineering study by City Engineer Dave Horton, to determine the best placement of the new roads and approximately how many grave spaces would be lost. After discussion is was the consensus of the Committee to make the engineering study ($2,500.00) a Priority 2 project and the actual completion of the roads a Priority 3 project for the upcoming budget. No dollar amount was given. Updates will be discussed at the next Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting.

DISCUSSION - BEAUTIFY CITY PARKS:

Chairman T. White informed the Committee that the Shade Canopy for City Park had been delivered and is currently being housed at the Public Works building until installation can begin in the spring. Superintendent Sutherland informed the Committee that additional installation costs would most likely be requested once installation begins. Chairman T. White reiterated that the footings needed for the installation would be donated. Updates will be discussed at the next Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting.

DISCUSSION-WINTER DOCK STORAGE:

Superintendent Sutherland stated that the ramp has been removed for the winter. Superintendent Sutherland informed the Committee that he would be budgeting $10,000 for the docks to be moved to the Casting Club for winter storage in the 25-26 budget. This agenda item is considered resolved.

SEASONAL WORKERS:

Superintendent Sutherland confirmed that three of his seasonal workers, Kurt Meyer, John Duvall, and Dan Johnson would not be retuning in the spring of 2025. He has interviewed 3 potential candidates, Marty Stewart, Timothy Chambers and Johnathan Alexander. After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee to move this agenda item to Council for approval of hiring the 3 candidates pending pre- employment drug testing and background checks. Updates will be discussed at the next Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting.

BOAT RAMP SIGNAGE RE: DUMPING BOAT BILGES:

This agenda item is being discussed in Public Safety Committee.

PRIORITY 2 PROJECT - CEMETERY KIOSK:

Superintendent Sutherland suggested to the Committee that $10,000 be considered in the 25-26 budget for the kiosk, after discussion the Committee agreed. Alderperson Connor agreed to research kiosk options and report back to the Committee with updates.

SHADEMAKERS UPDATE:

Alderperson Connor reported that the Shademakers Committee typically does not meet in January or February but she will be reaching out to Committee members to discuss the 25-26 budget.

OLD BUSINESS:

Headstone Repairs - Chairman T. White reported headstone repairs will resume when seasonal workers return in the spring.

Approve - Pontem Annual Maintenance Agreement Approve - Hiring of 3 seasonal workers

CHAIRPERSONS ACTIONS:

Meet with Superintendent Sutherland to discuss 25-26 budget

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 5:31 p.m.

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/01.21.2025%20cemetery%20and%20parks.pdf