City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date: December 2 , 2003

Item No.:28

Recommendation:  That the City of Oak Creek officially take over the Chicago Road Cemetery at 10870 S. Chicago Rd. and authorize writing off $5,100.08 in special assessments on the property.

Background:  There is considerable history relating to this issue.  Pertinent background information is attached to this report.  The City Attorney, in his memo to Mayor Bolender dated 11/3/03, recommended that the City assume its legal obligation to manage and maintain the abandoned cemetery.  The Historical Society has obtained markers for the grave of Civil War veteran Frank Wilke, but the site needs to be cleared in order to have them installed.

Doug Schachtner has estimated that if the Council would like a sign to identify the cemetery and to have the area fenced in similar to what was done at the Oak Creek Memorial Cemetery (in front of The Gables), the approximate total cost would be $12,000.00.  Approval for fencing and signage would need to be included in the recommendation above.

The Street Department has been mowing this parcel of land for the last 25-30 years.  It is currently mowed four times a year and takes approximately a half hour to cut.  Further detailed maintenance around the headstones would be performed by the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department.

Fiscal Impact:  There would be minimal additional costs to perform the more detailed maintenance around the headstones.  If the Council approves signage and fencing around the parcel, the approximate cost would be $12,000.00.  In addition, $5,100.08 in special assessments would be written off by the City.

Prepared and Fiscal Review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk

Respectfully submitted, Robert L. Kufrin City Administrator