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5. Historic Landmarks <br />1. 514 East Indiana -- First reading <br />Mr. Oxian reported that this property was a Studebaker <br />family residence and that a full report would follow in <br />September. <br />6. Standards and Maintenance <br />Mr. Holycross reported that he had sent a memo to <br />Maintenance Committee members asking for suggestions as to <br />Cemetery Maintenance Standards. <br />Mrs. Sporleder reported that she had recently discussed the <br />matter with Clay Township officials who felt that state <br />standards were adequate. <br />Mr. Oxian asked whether staff had pursued the owner of the <br />cemetery at 62472 US 31 South. Mr. Holycross relied that he <br />had but an answer had not yet been received. <br />Mrs. Sporleder suggested that research should ensue as to <br />whether or not state statutes concerning tax levies for <br />cemetery maintenance were outside the normal levy. <br />Mr. Oxian replied that his research revealed that special <br />legislation had been passed in LaPorte to address the matter; <br />St. Joseph county officials felt that it was part of the <br />levy, not outside of it, and suggested that special <br />legislation was necessary, as in LaPorte, to fund such <br />activities outside the regular tax levy. <br />Mr. Oxian reiterated that standards were needed. <br />Mrs. Sporleder moved to adopt the state standards for <br />cemeteries temporarily until additional maintenance standards <br />could be set up. Mrs. Choitz seconded the motion. Motion <br />Passed unanimously. <br />Mrs. Sporleder asked that a letter be sent to the township <br />officials advising them that the HPC had temporarily adopted <br />the state standards. <br />Mr. Herendeen asked whether it was common courtesy for owners <br />of property on West Washington Street to inform the <br />Commission of intended changes to their property. <br />Mr. Oxian replied that only in the case of designated <br />landmarks were owners required to apply to the Commission for <br />approval. <br />Mr. Herendeen suggested that we contact such owners in order <br />that the HPC could have changes to the property filed for <br />further reference. He offered to do so in the West Washington <br />neighborhood in the case of changes he knew were currently <br />underway. <br />5 <br />