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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRecommending Establishment 5-year Action Plan Historic City CemeteryRESOLUTION 4263 -13 Passed by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana June 24, 13 20 Attest: Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of South Bend, Indiana .June 25, 20 13 Approved and signed by me 7yN f ZS City Clerk President of Common Council 2013- City Clerk L' rte' r »y RESOLUTION NO. '� 2-b 3— 0 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, RECOMMENDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A 5 -YEAR ACTION PLAN FOR THE REVITALIZATION AND PRESERVATION OF THE HISTORIC CITY CEMETERY the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, acknowledges that South Bend founders, Alex Coquillard and Lathrop Taylor, donated the land which became South Bend's oldest cemetery - .located just west of the downtown at LaPorte Avenue along the north and its main entrance off Elm Street which is today located just outside and northwest of the West Washington National Register District; and /ems, the Common Council notes that the first recorded burial was Peter Roof, a Revolutionary War veteran in 1831; followed by burials of prominent African - American families such as the Bryants and Powells, with this cemetery being notable for never being segregated; and City Cemetery has grown to be the home to approximately 14,800 final resting places on its 21.36 acres, with the historic and ornate entry gates being erected in 1899; and William G. George, South Bend's first Mayor; James and Mary McKinley, the paternal grandparents of President McKinley who both died of typhoid fever on their 43rd wedding anniversary on August 20, 1847; John Auten, the first solider from St. Joseph County to be killed in the Civil War in 1861; Norman Eddy who was a U.S. Congressman and served as a Colonel in the Union Army during the Civil War who died in 1872; South Bend Police Officer Lewis Keller who was killed in 1898 during a robbery of a store on Washington Street; Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Private Enoch R. Weiss who served in the U.S. Army in Company G, 1St US Cavalry who died in 1917; South Bend Police Officer Howard Wagner who was killed at the age of 29 by John Dillinger's gang during the robbery of downtown Merchants Bank in 1934; and Schuyler Colfax who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1863 -1869, and served our country as the 17th Vice - President of the United States from 1869 -1873 under President Ulysses S. Grant - are just some of the thousands of individuals buried in this historic City Cemetery along with the many infants who died from teething, consumption, whooping cough, scarlet fever and measles; and the Common Council notes that in 2009, the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County partnered with- the Schuyler Colfax Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to collaborate together and promote the preservation of City Cemetery, with its Mission Statement "to preserve, protect, share carefully and treat reverently this hallowed and historic site "; and the Common Council acknowledges that on May 1, 2009, a 93 -page copyrighted publication entitled Preservation Assessment of City Cemetery, South Bend, Indiana, also referred to as the Chicora Research Contribution 512, was prepared by Michael Trinkley, PhD and Debi Hacker of Resolution Establishing a 5 -Year Action Plan for Historic City Cemetery Page 2 Chicora Foundation, Inc. who specialize in cemetery preservation with a special emphasis on conservation treatments, cemetery preservation plans, marker inventories and assessments, historical research, grave identification, archaeological investigations, and cemetery preservation workshops for Amy B. Minnick, Assistant Director of the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend with this detailed publication being available at htt p:// www.chicora.org/,odfs /RC512.pdf; and lamas, the Common Council further notes that the Preservation Assessment of City Cemetery, South Bend, Indiana publication sets forth key data, information, maps, pictures and recommendations addressing the following topic: Introduction — preservation fundamental, the Cemetery — its setting and context, factors affecting the landscape character, administrative and legal issues; Historic Synopsis; Road and Pedestrian Issues; Lighting and Security Issues; Cemetery Fixtures and Furnishings; Landscape Maintenance; Other Maintenance Issues; Conservation Issues; Priorities and Funding Levels; and detailed source information as well many recommendations; and <�lins, on January 14, 2013, the South Bend Common Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 4226 -13, which officially declared March 23rd of each year as "Schuyler Colfax Day in South Bend, Indiana" to recognize his public service career and especially his determined dedication to civil rights and the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865 to abolish slavery, the passage of the 14th Amendment in 1868 addressing due process, and equal protection, and the 15th Amendment in 1869 addressing the right to vote regardless of one's race, color or previous condition of servitude; and the fact that he was the first person from Indiana to be elected Vice - President of the United States; and on March 23, 2013, the 190th birthday of Schuyler Colfax, members of the South Bend Common Council, representatives of the Colfax Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, union members, city residents, Historic Preservation members, members of the St. Joseph Lodge 45 of the Free Masons, and concerned citizens gathered at 601 West Colfax Avenue, where Schuyler Colfax once lived in patriot observance of the first observance of "Schuyler Colfax Day"; this year's celebration of Schuyler Colfax then continued to his final resting place in City Cemetery, where he, and his son Schuyler Colfax, Jr. who was the 11th Mayor of the City of South Bend serving from 1899 -1902, and other family members are buried; and ill �Pr this year's celebration was dampened by seeing first -hand the overall condition of City Cemetery which has far too many neglected and broken headstones many of which have weathered into anonymity, a place which has repeatedly become the target for vandals with well over one hundred grave markers pushed over and damaged resulting in significantly hurting our rich City's history; and since March, spirited discussions have taken place with regard to developing a collaborative approach and partnerships to making the preservation and maintenance of historic City Cemetery a top priority so that its rich history and the thousands buried there is continued for future generations. It was noted that in 2011, there was a Veterans Day Tour of City Cemetery led by the Resolution Establishing a 5 -Year Action Plan for Historic City Cemetery Page 3 Center for History and that in 2008 the DAR Schuyler Colfax Chapter and volunteers from the DuComb Center raked leaves, trimmed bushes, scraped, primed and painted the rod iron fence which surrounds City Cemetery; and the Council recognizes that the City Cemetery Trust Fund # 730 has a modest balance with one item noted in the budget detail that cemetery records have begun to be digitized; yet so much more that needs to be addressed so that City Cemetery can again become a place of peace and learning about the countless number of persons who are buried there, the magnificent tombstones, the veterans section, the potter's field which provide an opportunity to appreciate and renew our interest in our City's history, its former residents; and a cemetery uniquely located in a developing urban setting; and creative and innovative methods such as those used to renovate and re- dedicate the gravesites of Charles Curtis, who served as a U.S. Vice - President from 1929 -1933, and his wife, Anna Baird Curtis, who are buried in Topeka Cemetery in Kansas. The project went from gravesites which "looked terrible and embarrassing" to upgrading cemetery roads, curbing, replacement of flag poles, and upgrading the gravesites to include engraving the Vice - Presidential Seal into the granite headstone and "Son of the Kanza Nation" to honor the Vice - President's Native American heritage. The first donation received for the cemetery renovation project came from the Potawatomi Nation, which triggered donations from the Sac and Fox Nations, the John Haupt Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, local historians and other interested groups and citizens; with a public celebration and rededication taking place in 2002. a;os Xor Ga it raWzwd,, by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. The Common Council believes that the City of South Bend's oldest cemetery, City Cemetery, has been neglected for far too long. With the eye- opening experience which took place at the 1St annual "Schuyler Colfax Day in South Bend, Indiana" in March of this year, the Council sees an opportunity to collaborate together with the City Administration, the Historic Preservation Commission, the Colfax Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the many individuals and groups who have expressed an interest in preserving, sustaining and taking positive actions to revitalize City Cemetery. The State of Indiana is known as the "Mother of U.S. Vice - Presidents" - namely Schuyler Colfax, Thomas A. Hendricks, Charles W. Fairbanks, Thomas Marshall and Dan Quayle; The Council believes that South Bend should be a leader in preserving more of our rich history by making City Cemetery another destination point which enriches our present and future by remembering and preserving our past. Section II. The Common Council therefore recommends the establishment of a 5 -year Action Plan for the revitalization and preservation of City Cemetery, which shall be overseen and monitored by the Community Relations Committee of the South Bend Common Council. Specific objectives shall include but not be limited to the following: Resolution Establishing a 5 -Year Action Plan for Historic City Cemetery Page 4 1. Proposing that such Action Plan reflect and identify goals and objectives, specific action items, timelines, measureable outcomes and potential funding sources which the Common Council in conjunction with the City Administration and interested stakeholders including but not limited to representatives from the Colfax Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Historic Preservation Commission, and all other persons and organizations interested in preserving and restoring the City Cemetery have had the opportunity to develop which has realistic and sustainable goals for the betterment of the City Cemetery; and 2. Proposing that the City Administration earmark a specific dollar amount from the City Cemetery Trust Fund # 730 for the 2014 calendar year which would be used to leverage donations, contributions and grant opportunities to begin the restoration and preservation of the headstones and markers of Schuyler Colfax and his family so that visible and sustaining improvements may begin by the 2nd Annual Schuyler Colfax Day in March 2013; and Proposing that the Common Council and the City Administration work together to develop, fund and maintain adequate personnel in the Parks and Recreation Department beginning with the 2014 budget; and 4. Proposing that an immediate reassessment of equipment used to cut grass in City Cemetery be conducted in light of damage to headstones caused reportedly by using large deck lawnmowers and /or large equipment which has not been properly or carefully used and /or supervised; as well as damage caused to headstones reportedly by using the improper nylon trimmer line, with new maintenance standard operating procedures being implemented addressing all of these concerns which would take effect as soon as possible. [See: Page 72, Table Prioritization of Recommendations # 1.14 - # 1. 16, et seq. of Preservation Assessment of City Cemetery, South Bend, Indiana] 5. Proposing that priority. be given to regularly removing trash from containers; that the use of 55 gallon drums detract from City Cemetery and that more appropriate containers should be considered; that trash should be removed from along the fence surrounding City Cemetery on a more regular basis [See: Page 72, Table Prioritization of Recommendations # 1.23 and Page 75, # 2.15 of Preservation Assessment of City Cemetery, South Bend, Indiana] 6. Proposing a 5 -year capital improvement plan for the City Cemetery; and 7. Proposing that all city ordinances regulating conduct and activities in city cemeteries be updated as soon as practicable, in light of the fact that the City Sexton was eliminated; that the Bureau of Cemeteries was consolidated into the Park Department several years ago; and that vandalism is a growing concern at City Cemetery. [See: Page 72, Table Prioritization of Recommendations # 1.23 of Preservation Assessment of City Cemetery, South Bend, Indiana] Resolution Establishing a 5 -Year Action Plan for Historic City Cemetery Page 5 8. Proposing that proper regulatory signage be posted. [See: Page 72, Table Prioritization of Recommendations # 1.19 - # 1.20 of Preservation Assessment of City Cemetery, South Bend, Indiana] 9. Proposing that discussions be held as soon as possible between the Police and Park Departments. for the purpose of developing multi- faceted policies and procedures to deter vandalism. [See: Page 72, Table Prioritization of Recommendations # 1.18 of Preservation Assessment of City Cemetery, South Bend, Indiana] 10. Proposing that a website be developed, as well as a Facebook page, perhaps similar to the Facebook page started by the "Friends of the Historic Miami City Cemetery" in Miami, Florida, which engages volunteers for "Beautification Days ", Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop tours and activities, Cemetery Calendar fund- raising, webinars on Landscape 'Maintenance in Cemeteries, news articles, the erection of Historical Markers depicting the history of that cemetery, along with postings of many historical photographs. Such social media could be aimed at raising awareness to seek out volunteers, donations, create new partnerships with businesses and organizations so that they all have the opportunity to get involved on the City Cemetery Restoration Project; and 11. Proposing that all of the recommendations set forth in the copyrighted publication entitled Preservation Assessment of City Cemetery, South Bend, Indiana, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, be reviewed and prioritized with regard to the feasibility of their implementation pursuant to a realistic timetable; 12. Proposing that any and all potential groups and associations be contacted such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation who publish a Field Guide to Local Preservationists, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk; so that a multi- faceted and community -based approaches are developed which capture the renewed energy and excitement which was on display this year at the 1st Annual "Schuyler Colfax Day in South Bend, Indiana ". Section III . The undersigned members of the Common Council believe that our City's history and our first and oldest cemetery, City Cemetery, should be creatively and proudly preserved into perpetuity �1 Section IV . This Resolution shall be in full f a ffe om nd after its adoption by the 5Cnd row 1 by the Mayor. avis, V' es. & 6' District Henry, Davis, Jr., 2" Distract Derek D. Dieter, President & At Large Resolution Establishing a 5-Year Action Plan for Historic City Cemetery Page 6 Dr. David A. Varner, 5" District W17M John Voorde, City Clerk PRESENTED 6 1.40y" �ppizovm' G vi rli , At Largg,)Ile er Karen L. White, Corn. of Whole Chair Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney Pete Buttigiog,May> outh Bend Filed jr ffice JUN 7 9 2013 1 --4 OMYCLERK,'S' OUT" BENI), IN TO THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND: Your Committee of the Whole, to whom was referred: BILL NO. 13 -43 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROVING A FIVE YEAR INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA FOR EMS SERVICES DURING CALENDAR YEARS 2013 -2017 Respectfully report that they have examined the matter and that in their opinion, this bill is being recommended to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. This bill was heard by the Health & Public Safety Committee. Karen L. White Chairperson, Committee of the Whole �,pU TN B� City of South Bend \PEACE�j ,y Common Council „ 1865 R 441 County -City Building • 227 W. Jefferson Blvd South Bend, Indiana 46601 -1830 Derek D. Dieter June 18, 2013 President Members of the Common Council Oliver J. Davis 4th Floor County -City Building Vice - President South Bend, Indiana 46601 (574) 235 -9321 Fax (574) 235 -9173 http://www.southbendin.gov Karen L. White Re: Resolution Recommending the Establishment of a 5 -Year Action Plan for the Chairperson, CommitteRevitalization and Preservation of the Historic City Cemetery of the Whole 'rim Scott Dear Council Members: First District I am very excited to introduce for your review and adoption the attached Resolution. Henry Davis, Jr. Second District On January 14, 2013, the South Bend Common Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 4226 -13 which created an annual day of celebration entitled the "Schuyler Colfax Valerie Schey Day in South Bend, Indiana" Third District Fred Ferlic The 1St "Schuyler Colfax Day" was held on Saturday, March 23, 2013, with many Fourth District residents, organizations from not only South Bend but other communities participating. For those of us in attendance, it also became readily apparent that the City has been David Varner neglecting the care and maintenance of City Cemetery. Fifth District I have had the opportunity to meet with many individuals since March, and in particular Oliver J. Davis members of the Colfax Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution who are Sixth District very interested in collaborating together to restore this historic site to the condition and prominence which it deserves. Additionally, an excellent "blueprint" has already been Derek Dieter At Large e prepared, thanks to the foresight of the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend when they commissioned the Chicora Foundation, Inc. to prepare the Preservation Gavin Ferlic Assessment of City Cemetery, South Bend, Indiana publication, which I urge you to At Large review on line. This Resolution calls for the establishment of a 5 -year Action Plan which hopes to capture the energy of many to creatively and positively make the restoration of Karen L. White City Cemetery a priority. At Large I recommen at this Resolution be sent to the Community Relations Committee for rem rq/_� co * endation, and be unanimously adopted on June 24th. Thank you. vis, Chairperson Relations Committee District Council Member