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Volunteers step forward to clear and restore Sumpter Cemetery; council outlines budgeting role
Summary
A new volunteer chair and local contractors volunteered to help clear tree stumps and reset cemetery plots at Sumpter Cemetery; council discussed budgeting support and pursuing grants, with a volunteer estimating about 572 stumps to address.
Council members and volunteers said a new chairperson has stepped forward to lead restoration of the Sumpter Cemetery and described a volunteer-driven plan to clear stumps, burn debris, and lay out plots. Council asked for a city contact and information about likely costs so staff can determine any budget support required.
A resident-volunteer described securing local expertise — "He's been at it for 35 years, and so he, you know, he knows what he's doing" — and said a contractor would bring an excavator to remove stumps and loosen soil before burning or further cleanup. Volunteers reported there are roughly 572 stumps to address and that the first step is to get the grounds cleaned so grant applications for restoration work will be viable.
Council members discussed available cemetery funds (about $5,000 in the cemetery account), prior in-kind council donations (a $400 fuel contribution earlier) and the prospect of seeking grant funding next year. Staff and volunteers agreed to stay in contact so the city can identify required expenses and possible budget allocations for cleanup and future restoration work.
The council did not take a formal funding vote but asked volunteers to provide expense estimates and a plan so the city can consider a budget allocation or grant applications.
