Resident raises contamination and burial concerns at Barnes Cemetery; city staff to follow up

A Hampton resident told the City Council her continuing concerns about Barnes Cemetery, citing possible contamination and unmarked burials and urging further city attention.

Teresa Roundy, a resident and business owner, told the council she has provided written materials including a September 28, 2005 meeting minute and a paid title search and cited ground-penetrating radar anomalies that she said indicate burials adjacent to the cemetery. “It's been 19 years, and, so I just wanna make sure that, you know, I've given you actual notice and constructive … as to the potential hazards out there as far as the arsenic, copper, and mercury,” Roundy said.

Roundy said she provided documents to the interim city attorney and described archival material and a deposition suggesting historical cemetery business practices and plot ownership complexities. Staff acknowledged Barnes Cemetery has been the subject of prior council discussion and said staff would follow up as needed; the meeting record does not specify immediate corrective actions or a remediation plan.

Key details: Roundy referenced ground-penetrating radar results and a 2005 meeting minute; she said she paid $55.50 for a title search copy. City staff said the council has discussed Barnes Cemetery at length in the past and indicated staff will look into outstanding questions.

Next steps: Staff committed to follow up with appropriate offices; no formal study, remediation plan or schedule was presented during the meeting.