Public Services Department PAUL SMITH PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR Memorandum Date: July 24, 2018 To: Honorable Mayor and Board of Commissioners Through: Mark LeCouris, City Manager From: Paul Smith, Public Services Director Subject: Cycadia Cemetery Expansion, Progress Update Summary The design of the expansion of Cycadia cemetery is making good progress, with more detailed concept plans ready for review with the Board of Commissioners. The project is designed as two phases of construction. Phase I includes the infrastructure (roadways, buildings, and parking) and in ground plots. Phase II is the construction of a mausoleum. Depending on input received and following the results of bidding, it is estimated that Phase I of the project could be entering construction by early 2019 with the expansion completed by the following year. Phase II is proposed to follow perhaps 3 to 5 years later, as need and budget allow. Background For historical Cycadia Cemetery to remain a current part of our community, it is important to maintain a variety of memorial products/services into the future. Availability of products and services allows the cemetery to continue growing the Perpetual Care Fund, designated to offset ongoing costs. Approximately 15 years ago, the cemetery sold its last new inground plot. No additional inground plot areas can be constructed within the existing land area. The cemetery is currently meeting this need through lawn crypts that continue to be available. The areas of greatest need continue to be inground burials and mausoleum spaces and any expansion should include these types of spaces. The City purchased a 2.55 acre site from Mr. Haftel in 2017 for expansion of the cemetery. The parcel is located adjacent to the cemetery, on the northeast corner of Jasmine Avenue and Tarpon Avenue. The City has performed extensive due diligence, research with industry professionals, and review of other area cemeteries to develop a practical design that best meets the needs of our community. We look forward to input and finalizing of the plans as we approach construction.
Cycadia Cemetery East Expansion Progress Update July 24, 2018 Board of Commissioners Meeting Prepared by: Public Services Department & Cardno 1
Presentation Overview 1. Background 2. Expansion Site 3. Work Completed to Date 4. Master Site Plan 5. Renderings 6. Proposed Path Forward 2
Background Our goal is to maintain a variety of memorials and services for our community into the future. Continued availability of memorials and services allows the cemetery to continue to develop a Perpetual Care Fund designated to offset ongoing costs. An established Perpetual Care Fund translates to reliable high level grounds and facilities, which better allows us to remain relevant in the community Approximately 15 years ago, the cemetery sold its last new inground plot and no large areas are available for more onsite Our most popular options are in-ground burials and mausoleum spaces. Any expansion should include these types of memorials 3
Expansion Site The City purchased the Haftel parcel, 2.55 acres, located directly across Jasmine Ave. from the cemetery, fronting Tarpon Avenue. Sports Complex Parking Surrounded by City land and right-of-way, increasing the effective size from 2.55 acres to 3.6 acres. Sports complex Expansion Area immediately to the north, provides potential for overflow traffic/parking during unusually large 4 funeral events N
Work Completed to Date: Wetland Delineation, Completed January 2018 Geotechnical Investigation, Completed January 2018 The existing shallow subsurface soils are suitable for supporting the project Survey, Completed February 2018 Full boundary, site improvements, tree inventory, wetlands and topographic survey Pre-Design Site Visits, Completed February 2018 Arborist Evaluation, Completed March 2018 Meeting with Funeral Service Professionals, Completed May 2018 Preliminary Design with Site Plan and Renderings, Completed July 2018 5
Pre-Design Site Visits: Site visits were completed on February 9, 2018 by the City and Cardno design team Purpose was to develop a common understanding of cemetery needs and industry standards prior to starting design Attendees: Thomas Burke, PE (Design Project Manager, Cardno) Jeremy Price (Design Engineer, Cardno) David Webb, AIA (Architect, Fleischman Garcia) Roberts Vault Co., Inc. (Industry Expert, Burial Services) Irene Jacobs and Carol Renardo, City Clerk s Office Paul Smith and David Witkowski, Public Services Department Mr. Craig Roberts (far left) of Roberts Vault graciously provided his time and expertise regarding burial considerations. Field visits were made to Cycadia Cemetery and Curlew Hills Memory Gardens Grateful acknowledgement to Mr. Keenan Knopke of Curlew Hills Memory Gardens for his insight
Tree Evaluation A professional arborist was utilized in the preliminary design to assess and determine which trees could be preserved A number of factors are considered in preserving trees: health of tree, shape of tree, condition of canopy and trunk(s), and existing and proposed ground level around the trunk A numerical rating system from 0 to 5 (best) is utilized to rate tree viability Trees rated from 2 to 3 exhibit serious structural defects and are not recommended for preservation Trees rated 3 to 4 can be preserved with some mitigation Trees rated 4 and above have good structure and systemic health 7
Summary of Arborist s Findings The majority of trees on the property are live oak and laurel oak trees that are five (5) inches or less in diameter Of the few oak trees that are nineteen (19) inches or greater, few have sufficient health or structure that would be conducive to preservation, or survival of a construction event 18 Trees were inventoried at below 3 16 Trees were inventoried at 3 to 3.5 1 Tree was inventoried at 4 Small diameter trees Poor Structure on Larger Oaks 8
Tree Models Plan w/ All Trees Plan w/ All Trees 4.0 and Above Plan w/ All Trees 3.0 and Above
Input from Funeral Service Professionals A Committal Shelter will be more beneficial than restrooms on site. A Committal Shelter is a covered area that provides a location for burial services away from the actual gravesite. From VA Guidelines, the Committal Shelter should: Include 900 covered square feet (SF) minimum for immediate family (10-20 persons) Include 1,200-1,800 covered and uncovered SF maximum for standing room overflow (50 persons) Contain an enclosed storage closet for chairs and bier storage. Current site plan traffic circulation, parking lot and layout works well with the site conditions and proposed cemetery. 10
Master Site Plan 804 in-ground plots 43 parking spaces A Committal Shelter Mausoleum (Phase II) 11
Master Site Plan Continued Access from N. Jasmine Ave. and internal circulation to accommodate long funeral processions Gated access from Sports Complex parking and restrooms Pedestrian circulation from parking through main in-ground plot area 12
Master Site Plan Continued Existing wetland and associated features will be preserved Natural land slope will be preserved Tree preservation and plots available will be balanced Wrought iron style perimiter fence with columns will be included as budget allows 13
Mausoleum Renderings 14
Mausoleum Renderings Cont. 15
Path Forward and Estimated Timeline Activity Timeline 1) 100% Construction Documents September 2018 2) Initiate Permitting, Phase I September 2018 3) Specifications October 2018 4) Finalize Design and Complete Permitting, Phase I December 2018 5) Initiate Bidding, Phase I January 2019 6) Award Bid, Phase I March 2019 7) Start Site Construction, Phase I April 2019 8) In-Ground Plots Available for Sale January 2020 16
Cycadia Cemetery East Expansion July 24, 2018 Board of Commissioners Meeting Prepared by: Public Services Department & Cardno 17