Council tables cemetery code updates after lengthy discussion over temporary markers and maintenance
Loading...
Summary
A proposed revision of Grantsville's cemetery regulations was tabled for further review after public comment and discussion about temporary markers, decoration rules and staff safety and maintenance burdens.
The Grantsville City Council on May 7 moved to table consideration of amendments to the city's cemetery regulations after extended public comment and a detailed staff presentation about maintenance, safety and current code language.
City staff and cemetery officials described how existing code treats temporary and decorative items, pointed to safety hazards for public-works crews and said current rules allow decorations only until they become "faded, worn, weathered or otherwise unsightly." Christie (city cemetery official/sexton) told the council such determinations place staff in the difficult position of deciding what is "unsightly" and that unregulated items can create hazards for mowers and staff: "We find everything from lots of toys to money to ammunition," she said, describing items staff encounter when clearing the grounds.
A resident and family member urged the council to allow temporary photo-style markers so grieving families have a visible marker between interment and the later installation of a permanent headstone. "It's meant just to be a temporary marker," the resident said, describing examples she had provided to the city. Other speakers raised concerns about shepherd hooks, ceramic figurines, glass objects and other items that break or become projectiles when mowers strike them.
Key points raised by staff and councilors included: - The code currently allows decorations to remain between Nov. 1 and March 15 and directs removal of items judged "unsightly." Staff said the rule is inconsistently enforced and creates regular complaint calls. - Metal stakes, shepherd hooks and other embedded items break over time, present safety hazards to crew members and become litter when dislodged. - The ordinance currently states the city may buy a headstone after 90 days if not installed; staff and councilors said the 90-day provision and language are problematic and should be changed.
Council members recommended walking the cemetery with staff to see the maintenance issues firsthand. After discussion, a motion to table the ordinance (Ordinance 2025-18 amending Chapter 6, cemetery regulations) passed; staff will return with revisions and a recommended enforcement approach.
Ending: Council directed staff to schedule a cemetery walk-through for council members and to return with clearer, more specific ordinance language and an implementation plan rather than adopting the draft ordinance as written.