Springdale Cemetery Observer Report

​At the May meeting two representatives participated by phone, one was absent and 5 were in-person for the meeting.
Manager’s Report included 49 burials to date in 2022 which is higher than previous years.

• The Charlotte Ann Cripe Estate included an unrestricted $88,506 bequest to Springdale. This will be used for the “restricted” (endowment) fund and for needed security upgrades and landscaping upgrades.
• Discussion of a tax deductibility of contributions memo from Clifton Gunderson satisfied previous questions about whether contributions to Springdale are tax deductible.
• There is a marked increase in visitors to the office.
• In response to an April inquiry and request regarding allowing memorial plaques for loved ones scattered or entombed in the Prairie Gardens Scattering area, there was discussion about the long standing posted “Ground Rules,” original design, and ongoing maintenance. There will be an agenda item at the June meeting capturing the sentiment and rules regarding this request.
• There was continued discussion about when the new Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) is active since representatives from the City, County and Park District to the Springdale Board will change with the new IGA. And, can new Springdale Board officers be elected in June not knowing who will be on the Springdale Board?
• Five large dead trees had to be cut down for $4500. The professional tree persons also ground 20 stumps. Springdale staff then remove the tree and chip it. Springdale received/planted an additional 18 trees from the city contract with Hoerr and plan to ask the community to buy trees to plant.
• There was a Bid Meeting regarding the creek-bed project which will start in the summer or fall but the White Bridge replacement will not be part of that project.
• A major act of vandalism occurred 4/24 weekend. There was significant damage and after unsuccessfully trying to fix the damage, Heritage Restoration, Inc was called to repair the damage.
• General Manager Matuszak suggested strategies to eliminate the vandalism which could also address some loud and unruly behavior observed after services. Gates (one with no entry after hours and an exit gate which only opens from the inside) and improved deterrence and surveillance techniques were discussed. There are four access points plus neighborhood access trails to the cemetery. It is a large property with limited lighting and access to electricity and wifi.
• Matuszak praised City Manager Urich and Public Works Manager Maroon for their fast response to his request to fill potholes with “hot patch” before the Memorial Day race and events.

Memorial weekend activities start at 8am Saturday May 28 with a race/walk called Race for Preservation. 10am is the Memorial Day Ceremony.
Cheryl Budzinski, Observer