HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-23-13 Community RelationsCOMMUNITY 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.
Chris Dressel agreed with Chris Huff that a plan representing a vision of what the cemetery could be
needed to be developed. This planning document would add a level of confidence to the project helping
to attract support and funding from outside interests.
Deb Kuehn from the City GIS Department said she has nearly completed an internet accessible map
identifying individual plots within the cemetery along with data base correlation of burials. This
"intelligent map" could be used as a searchable map.
Chris Huff, Chris Dressel and Dru Cash all underlined the importance of having a comprehensive plan to
manage, restore, and maintain the cemetery. Along with such a plan a targeted well- thought out fund
raising effort needed to be devised and launched.
Other items discussed were the placing of decorative wreath at the cemetery gates for the holidays
along with evergreen swags for monuments. All volunteer efforts to solicit wreaths and make swags
should go through Steve Nemeth.
Steve Nemeth noted repair and restoration efforts of worn and vandalized tombstones was ready to
begin.
Toni Cook, committee volunteer said she would be happy to relate the experience of restoration
undertaken at the Hebrew Orthodox Cemetery. Oliver Davis said she would be on the November
agenda.
for the cemetery to be designated a National Landmark was in process.
meeting at 6:20 P.M.
South Bend Common Council's Community Relations Committee
O'Brien Recreation Center, 321 Walter Street, South Bend, Indiana
Wednesday, October 23, 2013, 5 p.m. Attendance Sheet - Please Print
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