City Council/Cemetery District - Sep 09, 2026

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Executive Summary

The City Council/Cemetery District held a joint meeting on September 9, 2026, focusing primarily on the proposed Cemetery District budget, tree maintenance concerns within the cemetery, and discussions of a memorialization policy. The meeting had a proactive tone with substantial discussion and debate surrounding the budget, particularly regarding allocation of funds for tree maintenance and improvements to the cemetery’s infrastructure. Citizens expressed frustrations regarding the condition of the cemetery grounds and memorialization options.

Topics Discussed

  • Cemetery District Budget:
    • Council engaged in a detailed review of the proposed $1.2 million Cemetery District budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Parks and Recreation Director, Susan Miller, presented the budget, highlighting a 3% increase in operational costs, primarily driven by rising landscaping and maintenance expenses.
    • Councilmember Rodriguez questioned the allocation of $150,000 for landscaping, citing a perception that the cemetery’s grounds are poorly maintained. He suggested reallocating funds to tree maintenance.
    • Councilmember Chen voiced support for prioritizing tree maintenance, noting a recent arborist report indicating a growing number of hazardous trees within the cemetery due to age and disease. The report estimated remediation of these trees could cost approximately $75,000.
    • Several residents expressed dissatisfaction with the current landscaping and overall appearance of the Cemetery during public comment (see Public Comment).
  • Tree Maintenance:
    • The arborist report, presented by Arborist David Lee, detailed the condition of trees within the cemetery, identifying approximately 15 trees deemed “hazardous” and needing immediate attention.
    • The cost of removing hazardous trees was estimated at $750 per tree, totaling $11,250.
    • Council discussed potential funding sources for tree removal beyond the Cemetery District budget.
  • Memorialization Policy:
    • The Council reviewed a draft memorialization policy aimed at regulating the types of memorials permitted in the cemetery, including size, material, and placement.
    • City Attorney, Mark Johnson, explained that the proposed policy was intended to standardize practices, address concerns about excessive or inappropriate memorials, and ensure equitable treatment for all families.
    • Councilmember Garcia expressed concern that the policy was too restrictive, particularly regarding the size of memorial markers. She suggested allowing families more flexibility in memorialization options.
    • Public Comment revealed significant interest in memorialization options.

Procedural Actions

  • None noted.

Motions, Decisions & Votes

  • Motion to Approve Cemetery District Budget: Councilmember Chen moved to approve the proposed $1.2 million Cemetery District budget. Councilmember Rodriguez seconded. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1. Roll call vote: Ayes – Mayor Thompson, Councilmembers Chen, Garcia, and Wilson. Nays – Councilmember Rodriguez.
  • Motion to Allocate $15,000 for Tree Remediation: Councilmember Wilson moved to allocate $15,000 from the contingency fund to supplement tree remediation efforts. Councilmember Garcia seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Motion to Send Memorialization Policy to Planning Commission: Councilmember Rodriguez moved to send the draft memorialization policy to the Planning Commission for further review and recommendations. Councilmember Chen seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comment

  • Several residents expressed concerns regarding the appearance and maintenance of the cemetery. James Peterson stated that the cemetery has become “neglected” and encouraged investment into its upkeep.
  • Margaret Olsen expressed interest in expanding options for memorialization, and a desire for more personalized spaces.
  • Robert Davis spoke about the importance of preserving the aesthetic beauty of the cemetery and limiting the size of memorials.

Actions, Referrals & Follow-ups

  • Staff was directed to investigate potential grants or alternative funding sources for additional tree maintenance.
  • The draft memorialization policy will be reviewed and recommended by the Planning Commission, with a revised draft presented to the City Council at the October 7, 2026 meeting.
  • Susan Miller, Parks and Recreation Director, was asked to prepare a report outlining a comprehensive tree maintenance plan for the cemetery.