06-24-13 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 24, 2013 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 nd visible and sustaining improvements may begin by the 2 Annual Schuyler Colfax Day in March 2013; and 3.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] 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 13