COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF
February 8, 2010
The Common Council for the City of
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
Mrs. Maus made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 11th Council meeting and seconded by Mr. Craft.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Cemetery Committee met and has made the following recommendations for each issue listed.
1. How many cremations are going to be allowed to be buried on a single grave space? It was suggested by the local funeral director that the amount be two.
The committee decided that two cremated remains or one infant per single grave space.
2. Should the City insist that urn vaults be required to be used for an urn/cremation burial? Cemetery personnel noted that this would assist when probing is needed to locate cremated remains. The local funeral director noted that this requirement would place an additional financial burden on the family and he objected to it being mandatory.
The committee decided either urn vaults should be used or a sixteen inch square concrete stepping stone placed above the urn for protection.
3. The only animals/pets that can be placed on grave spaces, are the ones who have been put inside the casket of the owner. No other animals may be buried in the cemetery.
The committee decided that the only animals that can be buried must be in the casket with the owner.
4. Regulations on pouring of foundations for memorial markers. If a family member wants to pour their own foundation, do we allow other contractors to come into the cemetery and pour these foundations? The local funeral director was not in favor of this due to the regulation requirements for the various sizes and depths required and not all contractors will follow the rules. Another thought to consider may be to allow a family member to assist a designated person from the cemetery in this process.
The committee decided that only the Cemetery employee can pour the foundations so there is consistency and depth rules are applied.
5. Considering a “Green Burial Site”. This is new idea that has evolved in cemeteries. Would the cemetery accept an area to be designated as a “green burial site” for future burials in our cemetery? This is designated for those who do not want “traditional” burials. It would have to be approved by the environmentally Green Burial Society. It would not be our rules, but the rules from the Society for this section only. Grave openings would be by hand, with no memorial markers, only stones or wood, that is eco-friendly. The Gravesites would not be maintained, but allowed to grow with natural or wild flowers.
The committee decided that the City of
6. Add to the existing rules that no decorative rocks/stones be placed on the ground on the gravesites. Our current rules: states that “nothing” is to be on the ground.
The committee decided that our rules should be modified to include specific reference to rocks and stones including the “nothing” is to be on the ground.
The committee also wants the City to provide a pamphlet that reiterates all of the rules and is made available to all who purchase a space and to the area funeral homes.
DEPARTMENT HEADS
Mr. Jean reported that the Air stripper was up and running with only one spot necessary for testing and he expected the water to be tested for its effectiveness shortly.
Mr. Snoeberger reported that Mr. Tim Quinn resigned from the Merit Board and that the police department has chosen Mr. Dave Galloway as a replacement.
He also reported the capture of a juvenile and an adult which had broken into 20 reported vehicles. Most of the property has been recovered and Officer Grimmett and Howard helped in the investigation. He also reiterated that he would encourage citizens to lock their door and report any suspicious behavior.
In addition, he explained the lack of verbiage in our City codes regarding temporary structures (specifically temporary tent structures) and how he should deal with them. Mr. O’Farrell reported that the new Tanker has been delivered and will be busy coordinating training for each driver.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. O’Farrell asked the Council what the status was on the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan that Mr. Whitaker had presented at the last Council meeting. Mr. Wilson made a motion to accept and Mr. Craft seconded. A resolution has been prepared and will be signed at the next Council meeting.
Mr. Grant presented a letter written to describe the meeting regarding Davis Township Fire Protection Contract. The Council agreed to accept the recommendations presented.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Robert Shepherd officially presented the oath of service to Mr. David Galloway for the Police Merit Commission and Mr. Galloway was in attendance to accept.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Mr. O’Connor announced that either Flagstar or the
Department of Housing Urban Development has agreed to demolish 104 E
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mr. Askren made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Maus all ayes.
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Robert G. Shepherd, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Sharon Negele, Clerk/Treasurer