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Council to review 2007 cemetery ordinance after resident requests on urns and plot rules
Summary
Council members discussed updating the city’s 2007 cemetery ordinance to clarify ownership, superintendent responsibilities, allowable burial/urn configurations, and payment‑plan options after a resident inquiry about purchasing and reserving plots.
Bryce Canyon City Council discussed the city’s existing cemetery ordinance, adopted in 02/2007, after receiving a resident request about how cremations and casket burials can be accommodated in the city cemetery and about payment‑plan options for plots.
Council members identified several questions that require legal and policy clarification: who legally owns particular cemetery sections (city vs. district vs. private ownership), whether the ordinance’s superintendent role is currently filled and to whom that superintendent would report, and whether the ordinance allows multiple interments in a single plot or the placement of an urn with a casket in the same plot. A staff member noted the ordinance dates to 2007 and that current local practice may not have fully implemented some provisions.
Council direction and next steps
- Staff were instructed to research how comparable municipalities handle ownership and plot configuration (examples were suggested by councilors), and to consult with Tim (a local volunteer/participant in cemetery efforts who volunteered to help) and legal counsel if needed.
- Council asked staff to review the ordinance language for payment plans: meeting discussion referenced a six‑month payment option in a recent inquiry and councilors expressed concern about setting a precedent that would complicate administration or create a collections issue.
- Council requested staff report back with recommended ordinance updates and, if necessary, draft language or suggested legal support to finalize any changes.
What the meeting record does not show
The council did not vote to adopt an ordinance change at this meeting. No final policy changes were adopted; council only directed staff to research, consult, and return with recommended updates.
Provenance
This discussion was recorded during the portion of the meeting where cemetery pricing, urn options, and ordinance language were reviewed; the transcript references the 02/2007 ordinance and several practical questions about plot use and payment terms.
