HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-20-13 Community RelationsCOMMUNITY RELATIONS NOVEMBER 20, 2013 5:15 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis, Valerie Schey, Tim Scott, Dr. David Varner
Other Council Present: Henry Davis, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Derek Dieter, Gavin
Ferlic
Citizen Members Present: James Burns, Alfred Gillespie
Others Present: See sign -in sheet
Agenda: City Cemetery Restoration Project
Community Relations Chair Oliver Davis opened the meeting with roundtable introductions allowing
everyone to state not only their name; but also their particular area of interest.
Proceeding to the agenda, Carol Nichols reported that Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
volunteers has made 35 wreaths to date contributing $63.00 to the holiday decorating effort. Attendees
contributed an additional $52.00 Carol noted at the end of the meeting. Working with Steve Nemeth
from the Park Department she said the wreaths would be placed on veteran's graves on Monday and
Tuesday November 25th and 26" from 1:00 to 4:00. Volunteers are welcome.
This led to a discussion about how many veterans' graves were identified and marked. She said DAR
volunteers would be working with Deb Kuehn and others to refine the data base.
Toni Cook made a short presentation relating the efforts of two other cemeteries to improve security.
The first example was the Hebrew Orthodox Cemetery in Mishawaka. They tried motion detectors; but
found there were frequent false alarms. Solar powered were ineffective for the purpose. Signage both
no trespassing and noting the presence of security camera, though "dummy' camera were mounted. All
in all vandalism has decreased.
Another approach was to send neighborly "Crime Watch" letters to everyone in a three block radius.
Tim Scott, Vice- Chair, noted there are two neighborhood organizations ringing the cemetery that he
would alert to the restoration efforts.
The other cemetery Toni Cook cited was the New Carlisle Cemetery which had dusk to dawn lights
installed in 1999.
Toni also referenced a book entitled Graveyard Preservation Primer. The comprehensive book is
available for purchase online from Assn. of Gravestone Studies.
The next agenda item was an update from Deb Kuehn on her GIS mapping efforts. She has created a
database of those buried in the cemetery and has been able to link them with a map allow locational
association with the database. The Historic Preservation Commission through Elicia Feasel will help
coordinate and refine the site.
Tim Scott suggesting the assistance of IUSB and Notre Dame folks to utilize ground penetrating radar to
help identify who is where and what may be open.
Carol Nichols reported she received a bid of $900.00 to restore the Colfax movement. Chris Huff moved
to support the expeditious restoration.
Chris Dressel from CID provided a map (attached) indicating the status of properties surrounding the
cemetery. All agreed the City should make every effort to acquire those homes up for tax sale, demolish
appropriately and help devise and implement an overall Cemetery Restoration Master Plan.
On a final note Elicia Feasel said the Roller Derby Girls were wanting to help the project. She also said
the Park Foundation was able to accept monetary contributions on line.
M.