16 ATTACHMENTS - Laserfiche WebLink

high. For these reasons and based on a purely objective, financial analysis, the City should not acquire the cemetery. Notwithstanding the above, there are also compelling reasons to acquire the Cemetery. As an example, without some action, the site will continue to deteriorate wvhich is of concern to individuals with relatives and friends buried at the site and to the general co-nmunity from a historical perspective. Because Livermore Odd Fellows do not have the resources or the will to invest in the Cemetery and because the City is one of the few entities that can acquire the site without assuming the burden of state regulations, alternate ownership arrangements are limited. In addition, Pleasanton's early history is represented at the Cemetery and many of the City's founding families such as Busch and Neal are buried there. The City of Pleasanton prides itself on honoring City history and this unique site is deserving of preservation. Also, the location of the cemetery is fairly prominent and its need for additional care obvious. The overgrown appearance of the site along the street is not consistent with the rest of the City and is not appropriate for one of the "gateways" into the City. Finally, even the potential liabilities associated with current record keeping can be mitigated by proceeding slowly and annual maintenance costs if maintained at a "Pioneer" standard are not particularly high once the infrastructure is upgraded. Taking into consideration all of the above, staff recommends City acquisition of the Cemetery. Staff also recommend pursuing Ownership Alternative #2 based on it assumptions that even with City capital and operating financial support, it will be difficult to identify a willing buyer. Further, if the City intends to fund these improvements, contract with CFCS, and suspend future plot sales, there is little advantage in leasing the site to a private firm. A summary of conditions for ownership are as follows: 1. Immediately stop all plot sales until the records are more thoroughly examined and more information is available about potential liabilities; at some point in the future (1-2 years) the issue can be revisited with the benefit of greater understanding of the site. 2. Maintenance be set at the "Pioneer" standard (Maintenance Option 1) at an estimated cost of $25,000 per year. 3. Renovation of the site be done in concert with the CIP process in 2007 except for needed safety improvements as shown on the list of maintenance activities; [he $45,700 held in the "Cemetery Material Care Fund" (and transferred with the property) be used to offset these costs. q. The cemetery be treated like a City park facility and with review by the Parks & Recreation Commission. Further, direct the this commission to review existing fees and recommend new tees to the City Council. SR 06:203 Paee 14