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Troy residents press council over spring cemetery cleanup that removed keepsakes
Summary
Residents told Troy City Council that a March–April cemetery cleanup removed long‑held grave decorations. City officials said the cleanup follows long‑standing rules and pledged follow‑up; no formal policy change was enacted at the April 21 meeting.
Troy City Council on April 21 heard extended public comment and staff explanation after residents said decorative items, flags and small memorials were removed during the city’s spring cemetery cleanup.
The concern drew multiple speakers and detailed responses from city staff. “The cemetery cleanup, which occurred between March 15 and April 14 as it does every year,” was defended by the Director of Public Service and Safety, Mister Titterington, who said the city follows published rules and conducts concentrated cleanups in spring and fall to protect memorials and reduce vandalism. “Section 7 of those rules state that we have the same dates every year,” Titterington said.
Why it mattered: dozens of residents described mourning keepsakes they said had been in place for years, including heavy concrete urns and small statues. Chad Morgan, a resident who posted about the removals on social media, said a small statue placed on his family plot when he was a child disappeared during the cleanup. “It was there since I was 7,” Morgan said. Laura Seidt, another resident, said solar lights and other small items that had been on graves for years were taken. Several commenters said they were not aware the city would enforce the rules so strictly and asked whether the city gave advance notice that enforcement would be tightened.
What staff said: Titterington and Charlotte Collie, assistant safety service director who oversees the cemetery with the cemetery foreman (identified in the meeting as the foreman, Seth), said the rules are longstanding and that the city advertises cleanup dates in newspapers, on its website and on social media, and posts signage at cemetery entrances. Collie said some American flags and damaged flags removed for disposal had been collected and would be discarded or retired according to etiquette; she said staff had left removed flags in a trailer late on a Friday and later properly contained them. “We did pull everything out and made sure that it was placed in proper containment,” Collie said.
Ownership, foundations and permanent items: Staff explained that permanent changes—such as poured foundations for decorations—require authorization from the custodian of record for a lot and city approval; the city will not permit private contractors to pour foundations without city authorization. Titterington said the custodian on record for a grave is responsible for maintenance and that, while the cleanup months are the city’s concentrated sweep periods, the cemetery rules apply year‑round. “If it’s on a foundation…those are allowable and those should not be touched,” he said.
Resident requests and staff follow‑up: Residents asked for clearer advance notice and for a way to recover items the city removed. Titterington and Collie told speakers to give contact information to Charlotte Collie or the foreman so staff can follow up; Collie said staff will investigate photographed violations reported on social media. Several residents said they had contacted the Ohio cemetery oversight office for guidance; staff said the city will cooperate with any state inquiries.
Nut graf/context: The dispute highlights a recurring tension for municipalities that manage large cemeteries—balancing property maintenance and safety with family expectations about memorials. Troy staff said the city maintains about 20,400 gravesites and uses two concentrated cleanup periods—March 15–April 14 and October 1–31—to remove noncompliant items and reduce vandalism.
What did not change: Council took no formal vote to amend cemetery rules at the meeting. Council members expressed sympathy for families and urged staff to improve communications about the rules and removal processes. Council and staff repeatedly encouraged residents to contact the superintendent before placing items and to request permanent foundations where appropriate.
Ending: City staff said they will follow up with residents who provided contact information, and reiterated that cemetery rules remain in effect year‑round although concentrated cleanups occur in spring and fall.
