Staff member: one section of Sumter cemetery could open next summer

S3 reported the cemetery committee has been clearing about 10 acres at Blue Mountain Cemetery (referred to in the meeting as Sumter Cemetery) and is preparing measurements for a plot plan that would allow one section of the cemetery to open next summer. The committee's near-term priorities are roads and creating a master plan; S3 said the goal is to have at least one section operating next summer.

Discussion focused on removing piles of stumps left from clearing work and possible controlled burning. S3 said the committee would measure plots and coordinate next steps, and added, "The goal from the committee meeting, it has been that we wanna have, 1 section of the cemetery operating next summer." Councilors and volunteers debated methods to make stumps burn safely — including removing dirt, using heavy equipment and coordinating with the fire department — but agreed to delay any large burns until weather and safety conditions improve.

The council did not take a formal action to authorize burning during the meeting; members emphasized coordinating with the fire department and following safety requirements before any controlled burn. The update included plans to finish plot mapping and progress toward a master plan and road work needed to support cemetery sales and operations.