City to take over Oak Hill Cemetery
JANESVILLE — If the transition goes as planned, the City of Janesville will become the new owner and operator of Oak Hill Cemetery no later than March 30.
The city council Monday night agreed to accept the transfer of cemetery property and trust funds from the cemetery association to the city.
Voting in favor of the resolution were council members George Brunner, Tom McDonald, Kathy Voskuil, Russ Steeber, Yuri Rashkin and council president Amy Loasching. Council vice president Bill Truman abstained.
The next step "is going to be how do we implement the change and try to show some continuity in the change,'' City Manager Eric Levitt said.
The challenge, he said, "will be looking at different options on how to include employees there and how they could be included in the transition,'' Levitt said.
"My hope is that families would not see any change in the level of care that has been good, that this transition is as seamless as possible,'' Levitt said.
The cemetery association has struggled financially and with upkeep for years. In the past couple years, people have complained about the condition of the cemetery, particularly around Memorial Day.
In addition, the increase in the number of cremations cut into the association's revenue while wages and benefits for seasonal workers was up. The number of outdoor cemetery workers was halved from eight to four between 2000 and 2007.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Janesville City Council on Monday night also:
-- Voiced support for a periodic "free sale" at a house on Pontiac Drive. The next "free sale" event is scheduled for spring. Meanwhile, the city will review what peer cities use for garage sale ordinances.
Council member Kathy Voskuil said she hopes the city pursues a review of garage sale ordinances. She also suggested the "free sale" organizers meet with city staff.
Neighbors had complained to the city about increased traffic and litter, and the city sent event organizer Jared Holcomb a letter asking him to obtain a permit.
-- Got a clearer picture of poverty in the community after a report by city staff and a representative from Community Action at the request of council member Kathy Voskuil and Amy Loasching, council president.
Councilman Tom McDonald wanted to know if there are unmet needs in the city. City Neighborhood Services Director Jennifer Petruzzello said there is a segment of homeless people who need help.
The council wants to continue the poverty discussion with the community, nonprofits and the private sector, Loasching said.
"We’re going to have to be creative and partner with others in the community. This is a very important issue and it will continue to be," Loasching said.
Dec 23, 2008 at 3:12 p.m.
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I think Sarah07 just set a new world record for the longest run-on sentence in history.
Dec 23, 2008 at 2:26 p.m.
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I vote for bailout
Dec 23, 2008 at 12:45 p.m.
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you know that place would look alot better if then did have more people to work up there but as you see the city doesnt want to give anymore money then than have to help out any thing and i have family that is up there and if the city takes over it going to look more like hell come on then have hard time keeping are street cleaning next then while say we are cutting back on keep are cemetery keep up just like cutting back on plowing this year come up what this city coming too.
Dec 23, 2008 at 11:27 a.m.
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"City Neighborhood Services Director Jennifer Petruzzello said there is a segment of homeless people who need help."
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Huh? Don't all homeless need help? I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to help out at the ECHO toy distribution over the weekend. There aren't many feelings greater than the feeling of helping somebody provide a better Christmas for their kids. I urge all of us to give, at minimum, some of our time each year to help those who are less fortunate. The little bit of time is well worth it to see the smile of appreciation on somebody's face.
Dec 23, 2008 at 10:42 a.m.
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Taking over the cemetery seems extreme. Can't we just give them a bailout??
Dec 23, 2008 at 10:34 a.m.
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Actually, a lot of cemeteries are struggling, and it has little to do with the economy. The economic model depends on regular plot purchases and interments, and if that stalls for any reason (cremation, out of space, etc.) then the association must rely on its savings, donations, or volunteers.
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It's great that the city is looking at the poverty situation and seeking information from Community Action (although I would argue there are numerous other agencies who could give similar first-hand reports). I just saw a news item suggesting that the economy is leading a lot of households to forgo child care, and as child care enables a family to make use of two incomes, that might be a broad need that Janesville has. The city's role might be to coordinate resources for a facility with a below-median-income requirement.
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