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Volunteers and staff report major cleanup, marker delays and pest damage at Clay Street Cemetery
Summary
Commissioners praised volunteers who leveled roughly 90 headstones and removed tons of debris, described vendor delays for monument orders, confirmed water service activation, and warned of a severe vole infestation undermining graves.
Members of the Clay Street Cemetery Commission detailed recent volunteer cleanup work, ongoing monument delays, infrastructure updates and a growing pest problem at the cemetery.
Janet Richardson described a volunteer effort by personnel from Eielson who arrived around 9 a.m. and, with support from commissioners and helpers, lifted and leveled roughly 90 headstones and placed gravel and dirt beneath them to stabilize markers. "They did an amazing job," Richardson said, and the clerk provided before-and-after photographs showing visible improvement.
Commission members also reported community assistance from the Fairbanks Moose Lodge and other volunteers; the clerk read a social-media comment noting volunteers had hauled "3 tons of bags of leaves and garbage" to the landfill. Members discussed how to acknowledge volunteers while recognizing that many who helped did not identify themselves.
On monuments, the commission reported two granite marker orders in production but with inconsistent vendor messaging and a 6–8 week lead time; members said the vendor’s order-numbering and production updates were unclear. The commission balance was reported as $10,301.68. One commissioner said the orders total "I think it's $30.31" (the transcript reference to order totals is unclear), and members said they will follow up with the vendor to try to accelerate shipping and explore stocking already-cut granite locally.
Infrastructure updates included a report that Golden Heart Utilities had turned on the cemetery water after required plumbing and construction of a small utility house; water has been on for about two weeks and staff expect easier service next year.
Commissioners also described a severe vole infestation that has created numerous holes and sinkholes beneath some graves. "They're making hundreds of holes" and volunteers encountered collapses when lifting stones, Richardson said; members documented attempts to repel voles (castor oil granules, peppermint, traps) but reported the rodents remain prolific. The commission discussed potential next steps for pest control and the risk to marker stability.
A member requested that public works resurface internal walk and bike paths because weeds have overgrown the existing surfaces; Jeremiah Carter said he will consult with Alex at public works about resurfacing or raising the paths and noted prior work at the 7th Avenue gate had held up well.
The commission noted a Wilcox family message: descendants of Frank Anderson cannot travel to Fairbanks this summer because the family's new marker has not yet been installed. Members said they will continue vendor follow-up and prioritize installations as shipments arrive.
The commission set its next meeting for August 5 and adjourned.
