HomeMy Public PortalAbout2016-01-21 minutesMinutes
Cemetery Resource Board Meeting
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Members Present:
Nancy Thompson, Chair
Michael Shellman, Co -Chair
Tim Theroff
Pat Rowe Kerr
Members Absent:
Sherri Cook
Council Liaison:
Mark Schreiber
Guest:
Michelle Brooks, News Tribune
Staff:
Janice McMillan, Director of Planning and Protective Services
David Grellner, Environmental Health Manager
Don Beck, Property Inspector
Bob Cynova, Property Inspector
Nancy Thompson called the meeting to order. A quorum was present.
The Cemetery Resources Board met on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the Small
Conference Room, lower level of the John G. Christy Municipal Building, 320 E. McCarty Street,
Jefferson City, Missouri.
Approval of the Minutes:
A motion was made for the approval of the minutes from the November 19, 2015 meeting by Pat
Rowe Kerr, Michael Shellman seconded. Minutes were approved.
Old Business:
Nancy Thompson discussed the Department of Natural Resources Grant. The Department of
Natural Resources suggested two options for grant opportunities. The first option was to have a
survey conducted of the cemetery and the second option was to have preservationists conduct
training at the cemetery. Discussion occurred between members if these options would benefit
the goals of the Cemetery Resources Board. During this discussion Pat Rowe Kerr asked about
creating an assistance league for the Jefferson City Cemeteries as a possible funding source,
then do a capital campaign to fund restoration of the cemetery. Tim Theroff asked about
contacting next of kin and asking for donations as a source of funding. Discussion occurred
about the viability of finding the next of kin and sending out the letters.
Minutes of the City of Jefferson Cemetery Resources Board
January 21, 2016
pg. 2
Nancy Thompson updated the Board about the Carrie Crittenden Monument. The Friends of
the Governor's Mansion is funding the monument. They would like to see an event set up for
this dedication. Nancy discussed setting up a table with a list of unknown burials in the
cemetery and possibly using this event as an educational/funding event for those in unmarked
graves to place their name on the "Gone But Not Forgotten Monument" or purchasing a small
grave stone. A community event for this dedication was discussed to be in May 2016. The
ROTC at Lincoln University could help this spring clean up the cemetery.
Councilman Mark Schreiber mentioned that the Historic Preservation Commission may be a
partner to team up with for this event. A historic tour involving historical characters could be a
part of this event. Jayme Abbott, Neighborhood Service Coordinator, would be the contact to
help arrange this with the Historic Preservation Commission. Pat Rowe Kerr mentioned getting
schools involved before they leave for the summer. Pat stated she will research a list of schools
from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Pat also mentioned May 14,
2016 may be a tentative date for the event. Janice McMillan mentioned this would be a good
month since May is Historic Preservation Month.
New Business:
Don Beck asked for Nancy Thompson's assistance in researching the burials of Hedge Grove
Cemetery moving to Longview Cemetery. Don stated there is a block of grave stones that are
not marked in the Longview Cemetery record book and wants to know if these stones are from
Hedge Grove Cemetery.
Discussion occurred about which grave stones should be repaired next in Woodland/Old City
Cemetery. Nancy produced a list of priority stones that she would like to see done. An on-site
walk thru was discussed to mark which stones should be repaired.
Nancy requested from staff more gravel to help repair some of the grave stones sites, even the
possibility of some of the large tablet stones to help raise them. She mentioned that Rebecca
Gordon, Friends of the Governor's Mansion, may have some volunteer help for this project.
David Grellner mentioned to the Board that a letter was sent to one of the individuals recently
that has family buried in Longview Cemetery that has landscaping stone around the grave plot.
The individual was not happy about the decision to remove these items. The Board discussed
that decoration items that inhibit maintenance of a cemetery need to be removed.
Adjournment:
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Y_ -
David Grellner