Springdale Cemetery Observer Report

Authority meeting was convened by Vice-Chair Bob Manning at 4:00 p.m.

• Savanna Update: An update was presented by Mike Rucker regarding two Funds that his family has funded to provide Maintenance and Marketing for the Project.  It was noted that the funds for the Maintenance Fund are designated for purposes such as annual plants, mulch and other such uses to maintain the appearance of the area.  The funds, ($10,000 with an addition of $2,000 per year), are held by the Community Foundation with a goal of creating a self-sustaining return in perpetuity.  The Marketing Fund is also managed by the Community Foundation and is used for purposes identified by Springdale Cemetery Administration. The Marketing Fund has a Caterpillar Match option.  All funds are paid out through the Community Foundation.
• Jon Hodel, a representative of Cloudpoint, gave an update of their work with the Cemetery staff and improvements to the system.  Mr. Hodel stated that the project was coming to a conclusion and would transition to a maintenance phase. ​

​He stated that the team approach between Cemetery staff and Cloudpoints representatives has been extremely beneficial and caused the development of an efficient map based system that will aid staff in providing detailed and relevant information to families.  The project has also created a map of the Cemetery that will continue to be maintained for future generations.  It has taken 16 months, but as Mark Matusak stated, “in cemetery time that is nothing”.   The Cemetery was chartered in 1855 and received its first interment in 1857.  Mark Matusak stated that almost 80,000 individuals are buried at the cemetery.
Mark Matusak presented the Manager’s Report

• Scattering Garden – The Garden continues to draw a lot of activity.  There continues to be a number of inquiries from out of town families.  The activity for this is attributed to the Web-site information.
• The grounds are looking good.  November 1 will mark the end of full staff expectations and the staff will operate at “bare bones” capacity for the Winter.
• One of the part-time office Bookkeeping staff members gave notice.  This creates a staff opening for a Part-time position which will be filled as quickly as possible.  
• Norwood Section – The Board reviewed the designs for the Mausoleum and surrounding area and Mark Matusak gave an update of the progress regarding this development. 
• A generous person from the community approached Mr. Matusak with a desire to do something special, such as a Monument, for the Baby Land section of the Cemetery.  There will be continued discussion to decide the feasibility of this project.
• The Illinois Valley Striders (IVS) – Donated $500 to the Foundation and on October 6 had a cleanup day at the Cemetery.

 Treasurer Jim Stuttle presented August check register and financials for review and discussion. Items were approved by the Board. There was also a review of the 2020 Budget.  The Board Approved the Budget to be made available for a 30 day Public review and comments with plans for a Final Approval in December.

• North Central Extension/Savanna Easement – Mr. Mike Miller, President of Peoria Wilds, was in attendance.  No action was taken.  The review and discussion was Tabled for November’s Board Meeting at which time Linda Daley, the Board Chair, will be in attendance.
• Upcoming Events:
  • Oct 31 – IVS 5K Run
  • Nov 11 – Veterans Day
  • Nov –Dec – Holiday Wreath Orders taken and placed