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Committee authorizes bids for Riverside Cemetery office and chapel renovations
Summary
The Building's Utility and Utilities Committee authorized staff to advertise for bids and enter into a contract to renovate Riverside Cemetery's office area and chapel, using $295,000 from the cemetery endowment fund.
The Building's Utility and Utilities Committee on Feb. 19 authorized staff to advertise for bids and enter into a contract to renovate Riverside Cemetery's office area and chapel, using $295,000 from the cemetery's endowment (capital) fund. Councilman Bob Phillips, sitting in for Chair Samuel Pierce, said the members present voted unanimously to proceed as staff recommended; Councilwoman Lynn Snee was recorded as present.
Staff member Tittery told the committee the work would remake the office into a reception area, convert other space into storage, add parking spaces and landscaping, and redo the building's front entrance. "We are asking for authorization to advertise for bids, enter into a contract," Tittery said. The staff presentation also recommended upgrades to the chapel, including lighting, ceiling and flooring work and refinishing pew seating so the chapel can be used more frequently.
Tittery said the project would be funded from the cemetery endowment fund and that the 2025 budget shows $295,000 in that fund. "No, these are a portion of the revenues that are brought in from the cemetery," Tittery said when asked whether the $295,000 were donations. He added that the city has been earmarking a portion of cemetery operating revenues to the endowment for about 18 years for capital items, vehicles, equipment and renovations.
Staff told the committee the fee schedule was updated last year to include a nominal charge for chapel use but that the city will not begin collecting that fee until renovations are complete. Because the projected cost is "well over the $75,000," staff said the committee was being asked only for authorization to bid; the item was not presented as emergency legislation.
After Tittery's presentation, Phillips asked whether there were any questions from council members or the public; none were raised. Phillips then said the committee would proceed as recommended and the committee present voted unanimously to authorize advertising for bids and entry into contract as described.
The committee adjourned after the vote. No contract award or construction schedule was provided during the meeting.
