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Residents urge clearer cemetery rules after items discarded; council to revise codes after public input
Summary
Residents told the Afton council that items were discarded at the town cemetery this spring and raised maintenance concerns. The council apologized, clarified that the town will maintain and level graves but not move headstones, and tabled code revisions until a new administrator is hired and public comment is received.
Several residents raised concerns about Afton Cemetery during the Oct. 11 council meeting, prompting the council to pledge a review of cemetery codes and procedures.
Gae Perkes asked why items left at the cemetery this spring were thrown away instead of being offered for pickup; Charles Sutter also expressed concerns about upkeep and the removal of items. The council apologized for the handling of discarded items. Officials discussed responsibilities: the town will maintain grounds and level graves but, as presented in the discussion, will not assume responsibility to move or repair headstones. Council members debated what decorative items should be allowed next to markers.
Town Attorney Dale Cottam advised the council to consider revising the existing cemetery codes and to adopt any changed policy only after public comment and the hiring of a new town administrator. The matter was tabled pending those steps.
The minutes record no ordinance amendment or vote at the Oct. 11 meeting; council direction was to solicit public comment and to continue the matter once additional administrative capacity is in place.
