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Clarkston discusses tree removal, cemetery scheduling and Pony Express planning
Summary
Councilors discussed removing two damaged pine trees near the new town hall, new limits on Saturday cemetery burials after scheduling conflicts, and event planning for Pony Express Days and other community events.
Council members discussed several operations items on March 4, including removing two pine trees near the new town hall, cemetery scheduling problems caused by multiple simultaneous burials, and planning for upcoming community events.
Mayor Heidalgo told the council two large pine trees near the town hall are structurally compromised and may damage the building if they fail. He recommended removing both trees and replanting with a species selected by town landscaping staff. The council discussed cost estimates and tree species; the mayor gave a staff estimate of roughly $1,000 per tree for removal.
Public works staff member Brad Butters (referenced during the discussion) will return with a recommended list of replacement species and a planting plan. Council members asked for additional detail on removal method and any impacts to underground roots before authorizing work.
Cemetery operations drew prolonged discussion after staff reported an unusually high number of burials so far in the year. Cemetery staff said 12 burials have occurred year‑to‑date and that out‑of‑town monument companies and mortuaries have created scheduling conflicts by requesting multiple Saturday interments. Town staff said they have set a policy limiting Saturday burials to no later than 3 p.m. and to one burial at a time to reduce overlaps and safety concerns; staff implemented that scheduling guidance and informed local mortuaries.
Events and parks: Council and staff reviewed upcoming youth and community events. The youth council is attending a leadership conference at Utah State University next week and will host incoming youth council members at the March 18 meeting. The council continued planning for the town’s Easter egg hunt and Pony Express Days; Pony Express Days organizers and staff discussed arranging entertainment, vendors and prize funding for races and contests. Council members asked staff to pursue business donations for an extra saddle prize and to consider the town budget if donations do not materialize.
Ending: Council requested cost estimates and species recommendations for tree replacement, asked staff to continue enforcement and communications for cemetery scheduling, and encouraged outreach to local businesses for event sponsorships.
