Resident seeks permission to uncover and restore historic crypt at Spring City cemetery

Paul (identified in the meeting as the project lead and a descendant) told the council he is seeking to excavate and inspect a buried family crypt in the Spring City cemetery to document its condition and restore exterior stonework and ironwork.

Paul said the entrance staircase had been buried years ago “to prevent vandalism” and that the burial chamber floor is roughly 12–14 feet below current grade. He told the council the goal is to expose the chamber just enough to photograph and document the ceiling, verify structural safety and, if appropriate, stabilize and restore external stonework and the iron gate. He said some family members support a limited inspection and documentation and that he and volunteers would do much of the initial work; a contractor would install a decorative retaining wall and reinstall capstones.

Council members and staff raised concerns about liability, required permits, disinterment rules and oversight. Councilors instructed the mayor and city administrator to investigate whether a disinterment or other permit would be required, whether engineers or funeral service professionals need to be present for excavation, and what insurance or contract terms the city would require before allowing volunteer or contractor work in the cemetery. The mayor said the city will check the permitting and compliance path and follow up with the applicant.

Paul described the project as documentation and stabilization rather than exhumation for reburial; he said he planned to photograph and then reseal or re-cover the crypt. Council members asked that the applicant coordinate with the city recorder and with staff (Mike) so the necessary agreements and liability waivers are in place before any excavation occurs.