Coordinator reports chimney removal, cemetery cleanups and reinterment activity

At the meeting's coordinator report, staff described a recent safety removal of a deteriorated chimney on Elm Street, ongoing cemetery preservation events and the reinterment of human remains uncovered during construction in South Ossining Park.

The coordinator said the Elm Street chimney was heavily deteriorated and "coming out of the roof was, like, if you ate an apple, like, the center of the core, it was that far eaten away." For safety reasons staff authorized removal; the chimney was not visible from the street and the structure was not a distinctive, high‑style example.

Staff highlighted a partnership with Friends of Kalamazoo Historic Cemeteries to run gravestone‑cleaning events; Gary Swain from that group leads training on appropriate cleaning methods and safety. The coordinator emphasized best practices such as starting cleaning at the bottom of a marker to avoid streaking and noted volunteer events are open to the public, though some attendees may prefer not to bring children when chemical cleaners are used.

The coordinator also described the June 30 reinterment of remains found during a city project: the ceremony included members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Boy Scouts and featured clergy performing rites in period vernacular. Staff said the city coordinated with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), an archaeologist from the Gun Lake Tribe, an MDOT archaeologist, the Federal Highway Administration and the medical examiner's office to handle the discovery and reinterment respectfully.

Staff reported 60 cases opened so far this year with 12 referred to the commission, and noted other ongoing cases including work at 503 South Westnedge and a mindful door replacement at 628 South Rose. The coordinator said they would share event listings for cemetery cleanups and encouraged commissioners to participate.