Historic Preservation Commission reviews 2024 CLG report, flags Cedar Hill Cemetery for future work

Members of the Waverly Historic Preservation Commission presented the city council with the 2024 Certified Local Government (CLG) annual report and described plans for 2025.

Bard Mackey, speaking for the commission, said the commission presented two Waverly Preservation Awards in 2024 and added Harlington Cemetery to the Waverly Historical Register. Mackey listed outreach efforts, a May program with speakers and a cemetery tour, and said the commission meets 11 times per year.

Commission members said they plan a downtown recognition event in May to partner with Wartburg College, the Waverly Chamber of Commerce and the City of Waverly. They noted plans to finish signage for the Wartburg Historical District and to send two members to the Preserve Iowa Summit in June.

During questions, the council and commission discussed Cedar Hill Cemetery. Commission member Mary (last name not recorded in transcript) said the city bought the two small parcels in 1860–61 and that deed language reserved the land for cemetery use; she estimated there may be 10–12 burials remaining and said some graves were moved previously to Harlington Cemetery. The council indicated interest in preserving and better signing the site; the commission said the item is on its agenda for 2026 work.

Why it matters: The commission’s work preserves local landmarks, informs downtown recognition planning and identified a small, deed‑restricted cemetery (Cedar Hill) that the city owns and may need interpretive signage or preservation attention.

Next steps: The commission will continue planning the May event, finish district signage and pursue Cedar Hill Cemetery documentation and preservation in coming years.