City approves $6,000 transfer for Barnes Chapel repairs, seeks long-term cemetery plan

The City Council voted to transfer $6,000 from the general fund contingency for repairs to Barnes Chapel and discussed pursuing a longer-term restoration and sustainability plan with local cemetery commissions. Mayor Jeff Cajano said the money had originally been “kinda ARPA designated and funded” and that further work likely remains.

Councilors and staff said the transfer was intended to cover immediate, limited repairs while the city and the West Cemetery Commission and the local cemetery commission develop a sustained maintenance strategy. Sebastian Paniota, the council liaison to the cemetery commission, said he was helping to coordinate the follow-up work and that the two commissions have had recent meetings to gather data and determine next steps.

Councilors noted the West Cemetery has an existing commitment of about $80,000 that “might encompass some of this” and that leadership changes at the West Cemetery Commission have delayed a firm plan. Mayor Cajano said the commissions are collecting expense data and that the city is waiting for their recommendation on how to allocate funds.

The motion to transfer the $6,000 was made and seconded during the meeting and carried on a voice vote. Councilors discussed possible funding sources and revenue ideas as part of the long-term plan, including state historic preservation grants and increased rental use of the chapel. When asked how booking and rentals would be handled, the mayor directed inquiries to the West Cemetery Commission.

The council emphasized that the $6,000 is a short-term contingency payment and that it expects the cemetery commissions to present a coordinated plan for sustained care and funding before further city resources are committed.