Public works warns of failing cemetery irrigation; council to seek bids for repairs

Town public‑works staff described extensive problems with cemetery irrigation systems during the Sigurd town work meeting, saying repeated pipe and valve failures have kept crews tied up for weeks and are jeopardizing readying sites for Memorial Day.

“I’ve been 3 weeks now replacing pipes in the Vermillion Cemetery,” the staff member said, describing repeated blowouts and valves that do not drain properly. He told the council that in one cemetery box there were 12 sections but he could only locate four functioning valves; wires had been repeatedly spliced and sections were not identifiable.

Staff recommended soliciting bids for comprehensive repairs that would re‑do wiring, install dependable drainable valves, and produce a map of valve locations to retain in the town office. “Somebody needs to come in, redo it, do it right, put decent valves in there so it drains and then make a map so that it can be kept here at the office,” the staff member said.

Council members and volunteers discussed using community service workers and volunteers for some tasks, and flagged the need to coordinate vendors to trench and rewire systems. Staff also asked the council to consider awarding a lawn‑crew contract or separate wiring contract; a motion to issue requests for bids was suggested for follow up. No formal procurement decision was made at the meeting; staff said they would prepare bid documents and return with estimates and a recommended schedule.

Ending: Staff asked the council to authorize issuing bids for sprinkler‑system rewiring and valve replacement and to consider short‑term contractor help so the cemeteries and parks will be ready for Memorial Day. Councilors agreed to pursue bids and to schedule follow‑up in the coming meeting.