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Family group asks supervisors to transfer Lake Hill cemetery to nonprofit after petition; board declines to discuss on nonagenda item
Summary
Speakers told the board a family-founded nonprofit has gathered more than 3,000 signatures seeking transfer of a Lake Hill cemetery from receivership to the Dela Osa Family Cemetery Foundation; the board said it could not discuss the matter because it was not on the agenda.
Members of a family whose cemetery in Lake Hill, Arizona, is in receivership urged the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 7 to support transferring the property to a newly formed nonprofit, saying the group had gathered more than 3,000 signatures in support.
Adele Fost, speaking during the public-comment portion of the meeting, said the Dela Osa Family Cemetery Foundation is legally established and that petitioners “join us in requesting support of an effort to allow this treasured land to remain within the family.” She asked the board to discuss a transfer with the receivership and said the family is prepared to provide additional information and documentation.
Fost said the group has collected more than 3,000 signatures on an online and written petition and described the foundation as “complete and legally established with all requirements by law.” The board chair responded that because the matter was not on the agenda the board could not discuss it at the meeting. The chair also said staff has been in communication with the family; Fost said she has had “somewhat” of a staff response and asked for more open communication.
Another public speaker, identified as Kathy, urged the board not to use public funds to return the property to the family and said a family member “got that $530,000,” adding that if the family wants the property it should buy it back. The board did not take action on the request; members said the item is not an agenda item and therefore cannot be discussed or decided at that time.
Why it matters The family says the property is a piece of local history and seeks county support for a transfer from receivership to keep the land in family stewardship. The board did not act; the request was presented during public comment and the chair said the board cannot deliberate on nonagenda items.
What the family said Adele Fost: “We have over 3,000 signatures gathered thus far. It shows the concern about this piece of special history.”
What the board said Chairman Morello: “Because it’s not an agenda item, we can’t really discuss it with you.”
Next steps Fost said the family remains available to provide documents and would welcome more open communication with county staff. No county action was taken at the meeting.
