Board reviews chapel repairs, mausoleum upkeep, new spigots and summer staffing

Superintendent Scott Cromer briefed the Oakland Cemetery Board on a series of operational improvements and maintenance tasks completed or planned for the cemetery.

Cromer said crews completed chapel work including new carpet, a painted ceiling and finish carpentry. The original front doors were stripped and refurbished locally at "Noki's," but Cromer noted a roughly one-inch gap at the top remains and staff will work with "Milky" to tighten the fit. Cromer also reported a new storage barn was installed, the area was paved, and the sewer department ran storm drains to improve drainage; corner radii were increased to ease access for larger moving trucks.

On utilities, Cromer described a fractured water system made up of mixed materials. "We had a company come in, water department, ran from a water valve at the back entrance by Columbus Ave, ran 1 spigot to the corner, and then we had a contractor bore directional bore line all the way down that road," he said, adding that four spigots were placed along the back road, and one near the chapel. He described plans to add additional spigots over time as budgets allow.

Grounds work over winter included five hazardous tree removals by forestry staff; stumps will be ground out within a month and crews will tamp and reseed settling graves ahead of spring rains. Cromer said the cemetery expects to hire seasonal college and high school workers for summer operations and for parade support.

Board members asked about mausoleum conditions and were told several personal mausoleums received quotes for pressure washing, tuckpointing and resealing; staff will address the most deteriorated structures as budget permits.

The board accepted the updates and will inspect the chapel and grounds at future on-site opportunities. The next board meeting was set for June 25 at the chapel.