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File #: 2025-0782    Version: 0 Name: Old German Methodist Cemetery Eagle Scout Project
Type: MOTION Status: IN BOARD OF TRUSTEES
File created: 9/29/2025 In control: Board of Trustees
On agenda: 10/6/2025 Final action:
Title: Old German Methodist Cemetery Eagle Scout Project
Attachments: 1. Old German Methodist Cemetery Images, 2. Old German Methodist Cemetery Plans

Title

Old German Methodist Cemetery Eagle Scout Project

 

History

The Old German Methodist Cemetery at 15420 Harlem Avenue is zoned E-1 Estate Residential. Current Geographic Information System (GIS) records indicate the property is owned by the Village. It is believed that any ownership documentation exists in paper form, as the last burial in this cemetery was Louisa Burkhardt, the wife of the second mayor of Orland Park, in 1917. No PDF files exist for this property in digital Cook County property records. As of the writing of this report, a title search is being conducted to confirm ownership.

 

Since 2020, a Public Works contract has included mowing services for this property, which is adjacent to a Village water tower and wellhouse.

 

The renovations are being facilitated by Jimmy Sullivan, Orland Park Troop 318 Life Scout, for his Eagle Scout project. Activities to-date include headstone restorations and plant overgrowth removal. Planned activities include fence repairs, a gate installation, and signage installation.

 

The fence repairs, include the replacement of an estimated 9 rusted posts and 2 broken top rails, plus painting the east, west, and south fence sections (the north side is wooded). If funds allow, sections of fence mesh may be replaced. These activities have been determined to be maintenance; therefore, a fence permit is not required for these items.

 

The planned gate installation will be along the west property boundary. The gate will swing in towards the cemetery; therefore, an access easement with the neighboring property owner will not be required. The fence permit will be necessary to double-check the proposed plans and specifications prior to the purchase of gate materials and construction, and to facilitate the scheduling of an inspection for proper installation.

 

The planned sign installation of 2 “Old German Methodist Cemetery” signs and 2 “Illinois Cemetery Protection Act” signs are exempt from permit requirements, as current property records indicate this property is owned, used, leased, or controlled by the Village (Section 6-307.B).  If property ownership is deemed to be a non-Village entity, the signs will need to be dual-post signs (Sections 6-307.E.1.b.3., Section 6-307.F.1.b.9., and Sign District #1 - Residential Zoning Districts).

 

This Eagle Scout project will improve the safety and security of the property by securing the enclosed area (fence repairs and a new gate) and providing identification signage.

 

Mr. Sullivan will be presenting his Eagle Scout project during the Monday, October 6, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting, and will be available for questions.

 

Recommended Action/Motion

I move to approve Jimmy Sullivan’s Old German Cemetery Eagle Scout project as proposed and to waive any permit fees.