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Janesville council approves new park mower purchase and asks staff to explore non‑traditional burial options
Summary
After reviewing two bids, the council unanimously approved buying a larger Toro park mower funded from park reserves; staff also introduced possible non‑traditional cemetery options, including columbarium niches and paver memorials, and will return with details.
The Janesville City Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of a new park mower and heard initial staff research on non‑traditional burial options at the municipal cemetery.
Public‑works staff member Joe presented two bids to replace an aging zero‑turn mower and recommended the Toro model for its parts availability and heavier duty build, even though it was approximately $958 higher than the Jacobson bid. Joe said the funding will come from park reserve funds that had been scheduled for 2026. "My recommendation would be the Toro mainly for that reason," Joe said during the presentation. The council moved, seconded and approved the purchase by voice vote (recorded as 4–0).
Joe also raised early proposals for non‑traditional burials at the cemetery, including a columbarium (niche unit) option and a paver memorial area that would place small memorial pavers on a landscaped circle. He described inviting information from the funeral home and suggested using an existing concrete pad after removing an old shed as a potential installation site. Council asked Joe to return with more detailed cost estimates and layout options before any formal decision.
The council discussed disposal or sale options for the retired mower; staff suggested attempting to sell it on municipal auction platforms. The meeting record shows the mower procurement and cemetery ideas were intended to be budget‑neutral, with the mower replacement already planned in park reserves and cemetery options to be evaluated for revenue or expense impacts.
The council also accepted a donation from the golf association described in discussion as "a little over $2,000" to support grounds improvements; the transcript included an unreadable partial figure and the Administrator recorded acceptance by unanimous vote.
