Council approves revised cemetery code and establishes cemetery committee duties

The Pullman City Council on May 13 approved amendments to municipal code sections that govern the city cemetery and separately updated the ordinance that defines the cemetery committee’s duties. Staff said the changes are primarily housekeeping to correct which body reviews cemetery matters and to set procedures on unique monuments and appeals.

City staff presented changes that (1) correct references so the cemetery committee — not the Parks and Recreation Commission — advises on cemetery management; (2) document that cemetery staff do not accept money for grave sales and that financial transactions go through the city clerk and finance department; (3) allow limited, case-by-case burials in alleys between sections if maintenance and access would not be impaired; and (4) establish a process for review and approval of “unique monuments” (large or ornate memorials) including criteria such as a minimum of four adjacent grave sites and a finding that the monument would not interfere with maintenance or future burials.

The council approved both ordinances on the consented regular-agenda motions. Staff said an appeal process is added consistent with existing city procedures. The council gave final approval without recorded dissent.