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Residents press city to protect Barnes Cemetery; city says consultant report pending
Summary
Public commenters presented historical and legal materials about Barnes Cemetery and urged the city to apply cemetery law and require archeological review before disturbance; the city manager said a consultant report is due Jan. 26 and pledged follow‑up with the neighborhood on spending of set‑aside funds.
Two residents raised concerns about cemetery protection and neighborhood commitments during the city's public comment period on Jan. 13. Theresa Roundy provided historical and archaeological materials related to Barnes Cemetery, explained distinctions under cemetery law (distinguishing a "former cemetery" from an "inactive cemetery"), and urged the city to require archaeological review before any disturbance.
Joan Weaver also spoke about longstanding neighborhood grievances and asked the council to follow through on prior promises. In response the City Manager said the city has not forgotten commitments: staff set aside $1,500,000 for the neighborhood and the city put up $250,000 for an updated infrastructure assessment (separate from the $1.5M). He said the consultant's report is expected Jan. 26 and that the city will meet with the neighborhood to discuss how to use the funds once the report is received.
Roundy said cemeteries are governed by cemetery law rather than ordinary real estate rules and provided copies of an embalming surgeon's book and a historic archaeological investigation. The city attorney offered to review documents left by a commenter and the manager reiterated staff will follow up with the materials provided.
