Council hears updates on cemetery upkeep; staff boosts daily work and asks for volunteer coordination
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Summary
Staff told council that crews have increased cemetery maintenance, including daily hours and trimming, and that a plan for rodent control, stump removal and replanting will be presented at the next work session; council members asked for manpower and equipment estimates and recommended coordinating volunteer efforts to avoid headstone damage.
City staff told the council on July 1 that Rawlins Cemetery condition has improved after increased maintenance, and staff committed to a fuller plan at the next work session.
City Manager Sarvey said crews have been dedicating one person four hours per day to cemetery work and that mowing and trimming have improved overall appearance, though some areas still need additional trimming and stump work. He said the city will present a work plan at the next meeting covering rodent control, tree stumps, leaning headstones and soil/seed replacement.
Council members and residents discussed volunteer help. One council member reported having spent two and a half hours mowing a single section near headstones and cautioned that mowing and trimming around thousands of headstones is labor intensive. Staff asked volunteers to coordinate with the city so crews know where family‑placed items should be preserved; the city’s policy is to leave solid, structured memorials in place but to remove faded plastic or fabric decorations that are not maintained.
Council asked staff to provide, at the next meeting, an estimate of manpower and equipment needed to maintain the cemetery on a weekly or biweekly schedule and to clarify insurance/liability for volunteer work. Sarvey said volunteers working on family plots are appreciated, and that staff will provide guidance so work does not unintentionally damage monuments.