Commission discusses cemetery maintenance, volunteer care and inspections at Guthrie and Sage Chapel

Members of the O'Fallon Historic Preservation Commission reported on multiple cemetery maintenance items during the May 6 meeting. Commissioner Hunt said volunteers and the VFW completed a work day at Sage Chapel and that two nearby residents offered to tend graves; commissioners discussed whether volunteer maintenance on city property requires coordination with Parks or code enforcement.

Amy (staff) told commissioners Tanya had followed up with the code enforcement supervisor about the Guthrie Burying Ground. She said the subdivision HOA provided information about a new management company and that the management company has until May 30 for a follow-up inspection; the company indicated it planned to bid cleanup work rather than perform it directly.

Commissioners also said an inspection at Sage Cemetery identified fence sections that need repair and that volunteers working with the city would address those areas. A local business donated food and drinks at the work day and offered to donate a metal sign for an old cemetery; commissioners said they would share the donor contact.

Commissioners asked staff to clarify whether volunteers need explicit city approval and to coordinate timing so city crews are aware of volunteer activity near unmarked graves and monuments. No formal action or vote on volunteer policy took place at the meeting.