Council debates cemetery rules after site visit; members propose 'friends' group and clarify cleanup policy

New Franklin councilors spent an extended portion of their April 1 meeting reviewing observations from a recent cemetery site visit and discussing how the city should enforce existing cemetery rules.

Council members who attended the walk‑through said they saw a range of grave‑site care, from well‑manicured mulched footprints to mowed plots where loose items can impede maintenance. Participants described small tokens on headstones (coins, stones, small mementos) and discussed allowing stationary solar lights or attachments that do not damage markers while discouraging items that interfere with mowing or become wind hazards.

To reduce conflict between staff and families, councilors proposed establishing an informal 'friends of the cemetery' volunteer group — not a formal chartered committee — to perform periodic reviews and provide guidance prior to staff removal of items. The group would include council members and community volunteers who would walk the cemetery every few months to coordinate maintenance and notify families before cleanups.

The discussion revealed differing views on enforcement. Some councilors favored maintaining strict adherence to the current written rules and directing residents to pursue formal rule changes if they want policy adjusted. Others preferred a more pragmatic approach that allows reasonable items to remain when family members are actively maintaining plots, and keeps especially meaningful items on headstones intact unless they present a maintenance hazard.

Council directed staff to publicize existing rules and the schedule of seasonal cleanups, and to work with volunteers and the service department on clear communication. Several public speakers at the meeting urged careful handling of personal items, noting long‑term caretakers who visit graves daily.

What’s next: Staff will continue outreach and post the current cemetery rules in the newsletter and on the city website; councilors suggested returning to the topic if formal rule changes are proposed.