Cemetery staff seeks lower-cost committal shelter; backhoe replacement remains unresolved

Cemetery staff and council spent a focused portion of the work session on cemetery needs, including a discussion of a backhoe in deteriorating condition and a proposed committal shelter.

Roger, the cemetery director, described a backhoe that has required frequent repairs and has been on the department’s replacement list for several years. He said the machine has recurring hydraulic leaks and a failing rear seal and that contracting out grave digging would be more expensive than replacing or repairing the city’s equipment. “It is getting weak. It's to the point that if this goes down on us, I can't call Justin at Street Department and borrow backhoe to dig a grave because his backhoes are wider,” Roger said.

On the committal shelter, staff said an enclosed shelter with heating, air conditioning and restroom facilities was estimated at roughly $100,000; staff noted earlier estimates for a simpler open, three-sided shelter were in the $65,000–$70,000 range. The cemetery director and council discussed use, security, and whether the shelter should be permanent or movable. Roger said the structure should allow funeral homes and families to conduct services out of the elements, and stressed the need for electricity (for fans or limited climate control) and a configuration that could close for events but remain secure after hours.

Council directed staff to revisit the committal-shelter estimate and return with a lower-cost three-sided option and a new cost figure. Staff agreed to bring a revised estimate at the next budget review. Insulation for the cemetery office was already included in the draft; a full-size replacement backhoe and new cemetery truck were not included in the current draft.

No formal budget vote was taken on the committal shelter or the backhoe during the session; council asked staff for updated numbers and recommended seeking bids before adding a large amount to the capital budget.