Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cemetery Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kearney parks dept. takes charge of Fairview Cemetery; new part‑time sexton and draft rules proposed
Summary
The Park and Tree Board said the parks department is now responsible for Fairview Cemetery and introduced part-time sexton Marcos Barbosa (about 20 hours/week). Staff shared a draft set of cemetery rules condensed from neighboring cities and plan to adopt them by resolution and post them online.
The City of Kearney Park and Tree Board on Aug. 20 announced that the parks department has assumed responsibility for Fairview Cemetery and introduced Marcos Barbosa as a part‑time cemetery sexton.
"We have a part time cemetery, Sexton, as about 2 months ago. His name is Marcos Barbosa. He works about 20 hours a week," the chair said, adding that the parks department will assist with grounds maintenance while the cemetery retains its own budget in the city ledger.
Staff described a collaborative review in which representatives from Excelsior Springs Public Works, Richmond and Liberty shared examples of cemetery rules and signage. The board said staff condensed repeated provisions into a draft set of rules placed in the agenda packet and recommended adopting the rules by resolution rather than ordinance to simplify future amendments.
Board members asked about ownership, lot availability and how to treat existing plantings and memorials. Staff said Fairview is city‑owned, that there are still lots available (percentage not specified), and that existing plantings will generally be grandfathered unless they interfere with maintenance or become overgrown. Crews will trim trees and remove items that impede mowing or upkeep.
The chair said the draft rules will be presented to the Board of Aldermen as a discussion item and, if adopted by resolution, will be posted on the city website. Staff emphasized a near-term focus on cleaning and improving cemetery appearance ahead of holidays.
Next steps: staff will continue refining the draft rules, present them to the Board of Aldermen for review, and post final rules and signage on the city website after adoption.
