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Public works outlines cemetery rules and spring maintenance plan ahead of Memorial Day
Summary
Public Works presented the 2025 cemetery report, reviewed municipal code Chapter 10 rules for gravesite decorations and mausoleum etiquette, and described a spring maintenance and staffing plan for five cemetery sites.
Public Works provided a 2025 cemetery report at the April 15 meeting, outlining rules from Chapter 10 of the city municipal code and the city’s maintenance plan for five cemetery locations as Memorial Day approaches.
Key points of the report included restrictions that gravesites may not be defined by fences, hedges or embankments; plantings of flowers, trees, vines or shrubs are restricted; and floral arrangements not affixed to approved vases or containers will be removed after the Memorial Day window. The city allows one porcelain picture per crypt or niche cover (not to exceed 3x5 inches) and one military emblem per single crypt or niche. Privately owned benches on the mausoleum grounds are prohibited.
Staff outlined the spring maintenance sequence: begin at Far North Cemetery (St. Patrick's/St. Wenceslas), proceed south across the interstate to Dickinson Cemetery, then to St. Joseph Cemetery in the southwest, followed by South Cemetery. City staff said the crew will include three to four seasonal workers plus a full-time member; work will include removal of non-fixed displays (staff will not return removed items), mowing, trimming in tight areas, and cleaning monument clippings with backpack blowers. The city will publish reminders through its website, Channel 19, CivicPlus and Dickinson Works one week before Memorial Day and one week after.
Why it matters: staff emphasized the rules and the removal schedule are intended to maintain safety and access and to present a tidy appearance for visitors; staff said items removed after the Memorial Day window cannot be returned.
Ending: Public Works invited residents with questions to call Public Works and referenced Chapter 10 on the city website.
