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Council adopts changes to cemetery rules on plantings and floral removal
Summary
The Cleveland Town Council approved amendments to cemetery rules clarifying removal timelines for floral displays and tightening landscaping restrictions to protect grave availability and maintenance access.
The Cleveland Town Council approved revisions to the town's cemetery policy on March 13, adding a 14-day protection for fresh grave flowers and tightening restrictions on private landscaping within cemetery plots.
Town staff presented language the council had asked to add after prior discussion. The revised wording keeps a 7-day minimum before staff may remove floral pieces or displays "deemed necessary to the appearance of the cemetery," and adds a requirement that fresh grave flowers may not be removed before 14 days and that staff will notify the family member responsible for the grave before removal.
The council also approved striking or narrowing a section of the policy that previously made it unlawful for private persons to plant shrubs or trees, erect fences or place certain fixtures "without first obtaining approval from the city council and cemetery groundskeeper." Staff explained the change is intended to prevent permanent plantings (particularly trees) that can impair future grave sales, complicate grave digging and interfere with mowing.
Town staff noted the cemetery policy dates to February 2005 and that persistent private plantings and benches have created sites that are difficult to maintain and may effectively remove available plots. Council members and staff said the change is aimed at balancing family memorial practices with long-term cemetery maintenance and capacity.
The council moved and approved the policy amendments by voice vote; no individual dissenting vote was recorded during the meeting.
