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Public comment erupts over Block 174 burial ground; council defends court process
Summary
Multiple residents urged the council to stop legal actions related to a private burial ground known as Block 174; council leaders said the city sued earlier to clarify ownership and the case is ongoing in circuit court.
Several residents used the citizens’ participation portion of the Jan. 27 meeting to urge the council to end litigation and leave a privately claimed burial ground known as Block 174 undisturbed. Speakers said the site contains family graves and objected to city actions they described as attempts to remove or alter remains and memorials.
Dayton Langston and other speakers told the council the city has “spent over $100,000” and should withdraw legal action. Dwayne Holstel (transcript: Holstel/Holsclaw) and Giselle Fest gave additional statements asserting family ownership and saying archaeological and ground-penetrating radar studies had been performed; they asked the council to accept the studies and halt further city action.
Mayor Greg Pewds and other council members responded that the city initiated court proceedings to determine ownership and that the city’s legal effort is intended to have the court apply Missouri law. The mayor and other council remarks said the circuit court recently denied certain ownership claims and that additional filings by intervenors have required the city to respond, which has increased legal costs.
Council members repeatedly urged the public to allow the judicial process to resolve ownership and noted the city’s responsibility to seek a legal determination. The exchange at the podium was sometimes contentious; council leadership curtailed a commenter once her allotted speaking time expired and directed standard public-comment time limits.
No formal council action was taken on Block 174 at the meeting; speakers were largely asking the council or mayor to withdraw the city’s suit or to accept study findings. Council members said those are matters for the circuit court to decide.
