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Council discusses cemetery repairs, mowing contracts and irrigation fixes ahead of Memorial Day
Summary
Council members reviewed bids for mowing and irrigation repair, discussed sand and surface fixes at two cemeteries, and planned Memorial Day flag and kiosk work; quotes and contractor prices were recorded.
Sigurd council members and volunteers discussed parks and cemetery upkeep, irrigation problems, and event preparations at the May 21 meeting.
Council member Vicky Houston and others reported progress on kiosk repairs, a new roof for a kiosk, solar lights for veteran flags and a planned Memorial Day installation. The town also has vendors lined up to help with mowing and cemetery maintenance; a local contractor (Maxwell Mowing) quoted $300 per cut for the cemetery and park.
Nut graf: With Memorial Day approaching and concerns about uneven ground and sinking turf in parts of both town cemeteries, the council sought short-term fixes and options for regular maintenance, including hiring a contractor to handle heavier work while volunteers do follow-up and detail work.
Key maintenance points discussed included:
- Cemetery turf and surface issues: Council members described areas with sinking, holes and poorly settled fill that make walking and mowing difficult. They discussed filling low spots with sand (rather than topsoil) so grass can grow through and the surface will be more stable for visitors.
- Irrigation problems: The spring-fed sprinkler systems have patches that are not running. Council members reported a vendor service estimate of a $75 service call plus $68 per hour for irrigation diagnosis and repair; water staff said only 3 of roughly 8 valves were controllable and a wiring map is needed.
- Mowing and contracts: Maxwell Mowing provided a $300-per-cut quote; council members discussed contracting twice-monthly cuts or weekly service if needed. The town also considered having a contractor focus on the park while local volunteers maintain the cemeteries.
- Events and kiosks: Kiosks in Vermillion and Sigurd are repaired except for inserting printed materials; solar lights for veterans' flags were obtained and a date for installation was being planned.
Ending: Council asked staff to contact contractors (Maxwell and others), coordinate cemetery sand and small repairs before Memorial Day, and to bring firm quotes for recurring mowing and irrigation repair to the next meeting so the council could authorize work.
