Peoria Standard

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

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members of the Cemetery & Parks Committee met in person on April 22, 2025 at 5:08 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 Connor

Committee members absent: Barry Bredeman

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

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None.

PURPOSE:

PRESENTATION: ASHLEY DIEBEL - COLUMBARIUM ADDITION:

Ashley Diebel from Mastercraft Memorials presented to the Committee a rendering of Phase 2 Cremation Garden addition, however all quotes are for curved structures, that only allow for single niches. After discussion Chairman T. White asked Ashley to provided pricing for straight structures to allow for both single and double niches along with color options to match or compliment our existing structure. Ashley agreed, and hopefully we will have those to discuss at the next Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting.

BUDGET REVIEW 24-25:

Superintendent Sutherland informed the Committee of the current budget percentages.

Cemetery: 53.2%

Parks: 78.8%

Both within the budget guidelines.

PONTEM SOFTWARE - ONLINE SEARCH HOSTING - CEMETERY:

Clerk Byrnes explained to the Committee the Pontem contract is 2-part, the annual Maintenance Agreement was approved at the January 21, 2025 Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting. The annual Subscription is due by July 1, 2025 in the amount of $1,310.00. There is no price increase from last year. The consensus of the Committee was to move this agenda item to Council for approval at the April 28, 2025 Council meeting.

DISCUSSION - SALE CEMETERY PLOTS - DREW'S PLOTS:

Chairman T. White stated he had reached out to Brad & Robin Bannister to inquire if they were interested in purchasing any discounted plots for their use as Drew's Plots. Per Chairman T. White they had not yet contacted him. The consensus of the Committee was to discuss further at the next Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting lowering the lot prices for remaining lots and potentially offer discounted prices to any resident of the remaining plots in the Cemetery.

DISCUSSION - PRICING NEW CEMETERY SECTION:

Clerk Byrnes informed the Committee that a price increase of $50.00 per grave space went into effect in 2019 and a $100.00 dollar increase in 2022. After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee to leave the existing cemetery lot prices unchanged as new sections are opened.

DISCUSSION-ROADS FOR NEW CEMETERY AREAS:

Superintendent Sutherland informed the Committee that as new sections are opened he will contact City Engineer Horton for guidance on road placement. This will be further discussed at the next Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting.

DISCUSSION - BEAUTIFY CITY PARKS:

Chairman T. White discussed a rendering of proposed updates to both City and Cutright Parks. Discussion will continue at the next Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting.

DISCUSSION - BROKEN LAMP POST CITY PARK:

Superintendent Sutherland informed the Committee that this issue was discussed at the last Public Works Committee meeting and was decided to not replace the lamp post. Superintendent Sutherland stated City Engineer Horton determined existing light was sufficient for the area, power has been cut to the post and after discussion the consensus of the Committee to have Public Works department move forward with removing the post.

DISCUSSION: PORTA POTTA - RIVERSOUND PLAYGROUND:

Chairman T. White stated the Committee was in support of a porta potty to be placed in Riversound Playground, subject to obtaining quotes and erecting an enclosure/fencing to make the porta potty more esthetically pleasing. Updates will be discussed at the next Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting.

PRIORITY 2 PROJECT - CEMETERY KIOSK:

Shademakers Chairman/Alderperson Connor stated she would like to keep the same motif for the cemetery kiosk as existing signs within the City. Alderperson Connor will continue to obtain quotes for the kiosk sign and report updates at the next Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting.

TREE CARVING DESIGN-WALNUT STREET:

Shademakers Chairman/Alderperson Connor stated she had been in contact with Tim Gill, TC Stump Carver, however they are currently waiting input from Amber Rusk on the design. Alderperson Connor stated the Shademakers Committee would like to do 2 tree carvings at a cost of up to $1,200.00 each, one that would be paid for by Shademakers and one that would be paid for by Cemetery & Parks. Alderperson Connor will be contacting Mr. Gill for an invoice to submit to City Hall. Updates will be discussed at the next Cemetery & Parks Committee meeting.

SHADEMAKERS UPDATE:

Alderperson Connor recognized Superintendent Sutherland and his staff sealcoating the City's existing tree carvings. Alderperson Connor also recognized McDonald's for their coupon donations.

Alderperson Connor stated upcoming expenditures as follows:

**Walnut Street median planters not to exceed $250.00.

**Cutright Park Planting with the Girl Scouts not to exceed $250.00.

**Pillar planters, parking lot, not to exceed $500.00.

For Shademakers 25-26 budget:

**Downtown Planters by Picket Fence the cost remains unchanged from 2024 at $140.00 x 14 planters not to exceed $2,000.00.

OLD BUSINESS:

Headstone Repairs - To continue as weather permits.

AGENDA:

Approve - Pontem Subscription

CHAIRPERSONS ACTIONS:

None

There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 6:07 p.m.

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/04.22.2025%20cemetery%20&%20parks.pdf