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Council moves to rewrite cemetery policy to allow nonpermanent plot items; engineers propose bridge options for cemetery access
Summary
Council discussed changing cemetery rules to permit certain decorations mounted to concrete bases, clarified liability language for maintenance, and reviewed engineering estimates for a replacement bridge at cemetery access; staff was directed to draft revised policy language for council approval next month.
The Fountain Green City Council opened lengthy discussion about the citys cemetery rules, maintenance impacts and infrastructure improvements, directing staff to prepare revised policy language and to pursue bridge funding options.
Council members and public works staff reviewed the cemetery policy language that currently prohibits “iron ornaments, brackets, flagpoles, or other obstructions,” and agreed the rule should be revised to reflect existing on-site practices while protecting maintenance operations and neighboring plots.
Public works staff urged a practical limit on any apron or base around headstones so mowers and weed trimmers can operate safely. Staff proposed allowing a concrete base anchored flush with the ground and specifying a maximum width for the base so it remains within the owners plot. Council asked staff to draft specific wording, including a requirement that additions be drilled into the concrete footing so they are semi-permanent and do not tip over; staff also recommended an allowance for singles, doubles and triples provided the installation stays inside the plot boundaries.
Council discussed liability and repair language for inadvertent damage during maintenance. The draft policy already includes a clause that the city is not responsible for damages that may occur, and members asked staff to preserve a diligence standard — staff must exercise reasonable care and notify plot owners when possible — rather than an absolute waiver of responsibility.
Separate from the policy wording, council reviewed engineering proposals for a replacement bridge at cemetery access. Sunrise Engineering provided a broad proposal that included geotechnical work, stream modeling and a metal-span bridge option with an estimated total cost higher than a simple culvert-based crossing. The Sunrise estimate included a manufactured metal bridge priced near $65,000 with installation costs that could bring total project costs higher; another local firm proposed a culvert-style crossing at a similar installed cost. Council instructed staff to pursue state funding where available and to share the engineering documents with the council for further discussion.
Staff said they would consult with a contractor and finalize proposed policy language, including maximum apron sizes and an installation standard that protects maintenance operations. The council asked staff to return next month with a redraft for approval.
Separately, the council confirmed a new cemetery hire: staff reported they had hired Zach Barnsworth to start mowing and help with cemetery operations, with initial tasks including mowing, saw-cutting and irrigation familiarization.
