Buildings and Utilities Committee recommends council authorize up to $310,000 for Riverside Cemetery renovation

The Buildings and Utilities Committee on Monday recommended that council authorize the director of public service and safety to advertise for bids and enter into a contract to renovate the former residence/office area at Riverside Cemetery for a total cost not to exceed $310,000.

During the item, Mr. Shitterington told the committee, “So $310,000 was what was, has been included in the 2026 budget.” He described the project as the second phase of cemetery renovations and said the building would be converted to include a reception area and intake space, a counseling room, storage and a dedicated office for the foreman. He added, “We are not asking for emergency legislation.”

The committee chair asked members and attendees for questions; none were raised. After staff recommended proceeding, the chair said, “I agree. We will move forward with this” and adjourned the meeting. The committee’s action at this meeting was a recommendation to forward the request to council; no formal recorded vote was taken at the committee meeting.

Background and next steps: according to committee staff, the $310,000 figure was included in the municipality’s 2026 budget. Because the procurement exceeds the local bid limit, staff intends to advertise for bids and return to council with a contract award for approval according to the normal procurement process. The committee indicated no request for emergency legislation and did not record a formal vote during this session.

The project description provided at the meeting did not include a construction timeline, contractor names, or a detailed funding breakdown beyond the 2026 budget reference. Those details were not specified at the meeting and would be expected to appear in subsequent council materials if the council approves the authorization to advertise and award a contract.