Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment Cemetery topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Relatives press city on Maple Grove Cemetery repairs; attorney says insurance negotiations ongoing
Summary
Relatives urged faster repairs to family headstones damaged by a crash at Maple Grove Cemetery; City Attorney Darren Sammons said he is pressing attorneys and insurers and that a $100,000 settlement exists but estimates put total replacement costs at roughly $140,000, with the city prepared to cover any shortfall.
During public comment, Terry Perkins, who said she was born and raised locally, asked the commission for an update on repairs to tombstones at Maple Grove Cemetery that were damaged by a vehicle. Perkins said many of her family—s stones were "obliterated" and urged the city to prioritize restoration.
City Attorney Darren Sammons told Perkins and the commission he has worked with the commonwealth attorney and the attorneys for the person responsible; progress has been slowed by insurer negotiations. "We are waiting to get some word from their... insurers," Sammons said, and described the discussions as frustrating but active.
Officials noted a court settlement of $100,000 stemming from the case and reported an estimate that full restoration could cost about $140,000; commissioners said the board has made funding available to cover any shortfall to ensure the stones are repaired "as close as possible to original." Staff said sections of the cemetery had been photographed and mapped to assist restoration work and that the city would contact families for input once work is scheduled.
Perkins thanked the commission for the attention and encouraged officials to proceed promptly; commissioners responded that they would continue to press insurers and attorneys and to keep families updated. The commission also said staff will publicize progress and outreach through the city's website and social channels.
