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Rock Springs adopts amended cemetery rules after 6–3 vote
Summary
The Rock Springs City Council on Sept. 17 approved Ordinance 2024-12 updating rules enforced in city cemeteries. The measure passed 6–3 after council debate and public comment about dogs on cemetery grounds and enforcement concerns.
Rock Springs, Wyo. — The City Council voted Sept. 17 to adopt Ordinance 2024-12, amending Section 4-407 of the city code to update rules and regulations enforced in city cemeteries.
The ordinance was moved by Councilor Brent Bettolo and seconded by Councilor Jeannie Demas. The motion carried with six in favor and three opposed: Councilors Rob Zotti and Larry Hickerson and Mayor Max Mickelson voted no.
The measure followed an extended public-comment period in which residents expressed divergent views about animals and conduct in cemeteries. Dawn Dale urged the council to allow dogs on leash in cemetery grounds, and Laura Dale supported allowing leashed animals. By contrast, Kathy Phelps said dogs should not be allowed in cemeteries or should wear protective diapers, and other commenters raised concerns about leash length and enforcement.
Lark Croft framed signatures and related memorial practices as protected symbolic speech, urging the council to consider community traditions when drafting rules. Police Chief Bill Erspamer and Councilor David Thompson told the council that existing city laws, including dog-at-large statutes, provide enforcement options for problem behavior.
Council debate reflected both constituent feedback and enforcement worries. Councilor Hickerson said he feared the ordinance would lack teeth for noncompliant owners; supporters said the revisions respond to community preferences while relying on existing enforcement tools.
Ordinance 2024-11, a separate item repealing Section 4-416 (“Minors in the Cemetery”), was also approved earlier in the meeting on a unanimous vote.
The ordinance takes effect according to the code's standard adoption schedule unless the council specifies otherwise. The council did not announce additional implementation steps during the meeting.
