Council authorizes Hansen-family crypt restoration subject to attorney review and bonding

The Spring City Council on March 5 authorized Paul Strong to proceed with limited excavation and documentation of a 136-year-old Hansen family crypt in the municipal cemetery, provided the council and city attorney approve an updated agreement that may include compensation to the city, an indemnity clause and a performance bond.

Paul Strong described the crypt as an underground mausoleum originally reached by a 12-to-14-foot stone staircase and said the family has raised most restoration funds. He emphasized the project's goal is documentation, photography and making the structure safe without conducting new burials or exhuming remains unless structural repair requires it. Strong said a licensed excavation company from American Fork will perform the work and that family members have provided approval.

Council members raised liability concerns because the crypt is within the city cemetery and state exhumation rules may apply if soil is disturbed. Mike Black noted that prior informal work at the site had occurred without city staff present, which had led to resident concern. Council Member Chris Anderson moved to authorize Paul Strong to proceed conditional on review and amendments to the previously agreed contract to address liability, a possible performance bond and other requirements; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.

The agreement will be reviewed by the city attorney and returned to council for final execution, and the city emphasized that any excavation would follow state regulations and required permits.

Vote tally: unanimous in favor.