10-23-13 Community Relations - Laserfiche WebLink

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS OCTOBER 23, 2013 5:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis, Valarie Schey, Tim Scott, David Varner Other Council Present: Henry Davis, Dr. David Ferlic, Gavin Ferlic, Karen White, Derek Dieter Citizens Members Present: Vacant Others Present: John Voorde, Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, and See attached sign in sheet Agenda: City Cemetery Restoration Project "Prior to the beginning of the meeting Chris Dressel representing the city as a planner with the Community Investment Department asked to be on the meeting notification list. Community Relations Chairman Oliver Davis welcomed all attendees. He spoke briefly on progress made to date in formulating the outline of a five (5) year plan (2013 -17) to restore, enhance, fund and preserve the City Cemetery. John Voorde, City Clerk reported that Senator Donnelly's office had called in response to a letter asking for permission to use the Vice Presidential seal (Schuyler Colfax) and generally help with funding for a monument. Donnelly's aide said the seal could be used per executive order 11649 ('72,'75). No funding was identified Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, Council Attorney felt written permission to use the seal was needed from the White House Counsel. That and potential funding from federal and state sources would be pursued. It was suggested that any Colfax descendants be contacted and their cooperation with the Colfax monument restoration effort be solicited. Dru Cash, first —time attendee, said he would use contracts at the Center for History to help specifically with identifying Colfax family members and generally with the overall project. According to Steve Nemeth from the Park Department the current balance of the Cemetery Trust Fund was around $15,000.00. Chris Huff, former City Planner in Mishawaka indicated that a design analysis of the cemetery had already been done by Jon Geels which estimated costs to restore and maintain the cemetery of nearly one million dollars. The study included a proposal to identify vacant grave sites for possible resale within the current footprint of the cemetery and on land from a possible expansion of the cemetery. There was general consensus this expansion plan was a good idea and should be pursued with the help of the City. This would mean acquiring some houses adjacent to the property. Houses near the elaborate gated entrance to the cemetery should be acquired and demolished first to open a usual presence of the entrance.