Fence, gates and wreaths: volunteers fund fence project; staff report gate automation nearly complete

Board members praised volunteers and donors for funding fence and gate improvements at Fairview and Magnolia cemeteries. A board member said a private donor contributed a large individual gift that helped fund the work, and Victor thanked the advisory board for fundraising efforts, saying the city handled construction and inspection while citizens covered the cost of materials.

Victor reported that mechanical and plumbing inspections are complete and that IT has run fiber optics and installed sensors; the gate system is awaiting final IT configuration for card-swipe access. "Our goal is to have the other gates closed during that time and have the main gate open from dawn till dusk," Victor said. He told the board the Magnolia gate will remain open at all times and the project is about 99.9% complete pending IT work.

Staff also updated the board on the Wreaths Across America program: Sherry identified many more veterans in the cemetery database, expanding wreath placements from roughly 400 to about 2,200 for mid-December. The board commended scouts and American Legion Post 62 volunteers for placement work and discussed donation logistics for people who want to sponsor wreaths.

Board members queried whether cemetery revenue offsets operating costs; staff said the cemetery does not currently cover its full operating costs and that requested FY2026 funding increases were not approved in the recent budget cycle. Staff added that recent paving at Pearline was paid with city capital funds and completed by public works because county scheduling could not accommodate the work.