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Council tables cemetery regulation changes after concerns about Memorial Day burial ban
Summary
Council debated amendments to Title 8, Chapter 11 to tighten formatting, change winter decoration dates and to bar burials in Rosedale and Fielding Memorial cemeteries over the Memorial Day holiday period; several council members urged more staff review and the proposal was tabled for further discussion.
The Idaho Falls City Council on Nov. 13 discussed proposed amendments to municipal cemetery regulations in Title 8, Chapter 11 that would revise several formatting issues, adjust winter decoration removal dates and add a temporary restriction on burials during the Memorial Day visitation period.
Parks and Recreation Director Holmes outlined the changes, including moving the window for removing winter decorations from April 1 to March 1 and restricting artificial decorations at Fielding Memorial from March 1 to Oct. 30. Holmes also identified a proposed addition that would prohibit burials in Rosedale and Fielding Memorial cemeteries from 8 a.m. on the Friday before Memorial Day until 12 p.m. the day after Memorial Day to ensure access for large numbers of visitors.
Council members raised procedural and substantive concerns, saying a strict ordinance prohibition could remove needed flexibility for grieving families and potentially add mortuary costs for extended holding. One council member said, "the prohibition gives us no flexibility," arguing the city should consider whether a policy or department regulation — rather than an ordinance — would better reflect intent while retaining discretion. Another council member suggested staff consult sextons and present comparative practices from other jurisdictions.
Director Holmes said the recommendation reflected operational experience and the need to protect access and respect for visitors during the holiday weekend. "This is definitely not a rush by any means," Holmes told the council, noting the department had studied the matter since June and proposed a shorter window than an earlier draft that would have extended the moratorium for a full week.
After discussion, a council member moved to table the ordinance and ask staff to return with further analysis and possible policy alternatives; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call.
What happens next: Parks staff will consult cemetery sextons and return with revised language or a policy recommendation for council consideration; the council did not adopt the Memorial Day burial prohibition as an ordinance on Nov. 13.
