Cemetery board approves May invoices, reviews attendance rules and vacancy process

The Benton Harbor Cemetery Board voted to approve three invoices for May totaling $13,870.30 to C Management. Chair Frasier moved the payment, Member Brown seconded, and the motion carried with recorded yes votes from Brown, Jackson and Frasier.

Members also addressed board attendance after Member Jackson raised concerns about two members who have missed multiple meetings. Clerk Tiffany cited cemetery bylaw 10.1, which states a member absent from three consecutive regularly scheduled meetings without notification to the city clerk or chair may be recommended for replacement to the city commission. The clerk said she would produce attendance records and that, if vacancies arise, the board and legislative office will advertise openings on the city website and accept applications.

Clerk Tiffany described the application process: "We would advertise that there's a vacancy on the board. You can apply directly on the website or stop in to get an application," she said, and confirmed applicants must be residents of Benton Harbor. Board members asked staff to notify absent members and to follow the bylaw process if no notification is received.

No formal removals were made at the meeting; the board asked staff to prepare attendance documentation and to follow the bylaw steps before recommending any replacements to the city commission.