06-24-13 Community Relations - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

COMMUNITY RELATIONS JUNE 24, 2013 5:20 P.M. Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis, Valerie Schey, Tim Scott, Dr. David Varner Citizen Members Present: James Burns Other Council Members Present: Henry Davis, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Karen White, Gavin Ferlic, Derek Dieter Others Present: Mike Downs, Mark Neal, Carolyn Nichols DAR - Schuyler Colfax Chapter, Alicia Feasel, Jonathan Giles, Phil St. Clair Agenda: Bill No. 13 -40 Five year plan to restore City Cemetery Vice President Oliver Davis, Chairperson of the Community Relations Committee sponsored the one item on the agenda, bill 13 -40 which recommended the establishment of a five (5) year action plan for the revitalization and restoration of the Historic City Cemetery. Chairperson Davis with full committee in attendance explained the interest in the condition of the cemetery was piqued by the Schuyler Colfax commemoration last March. Since then interest in repair and restoration of the Cemetery has grown considerably. Considerable volunteer hours have been spent digitizing cemetery records to preserve the historical record which predates by thirty -two (32) years the City Charter. In addition to Council comments five citizens spoke of the interest and need to restore the cemetery. Carolyn Nichols researching the cemetery's history discovered a city council resolution passed in 1941 which established a fund for perpetual care of the cemetery wondering if it still exists. Mike Downs, a retired history teacher emphasized the historical educational resource the cemetery could be. John Charles Bryant a descendant of one of South Bend's earliest families spoke to the value in preserving our history. Alicia Feasel with the Historic Preservation Commission described the records digitation process for both city -owned cemeteries Bowman off Miami Street and the city cemetery off LaPorte Avenue. Jonathan Giles a landscape architect volunteered proposals ha has done showing the gem the cemetery could and should be. Phil St. Clair expressed a need for and a desire to seek additional resources both public and private to improve the cemetery. Finally after several supportive Council comments Tim Scott motioned support for the bill. Valerie Schey seconded the sentiment and all affirmed. Oliver Davis adjourned at 5:33 P.M.