Community members were ignited over a recent enforcement of a 2004 cemetery ordinance at the regular Auxvasse Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday.
A recent Auxvasse newsletter was sent out to community members contained a reminder about the ordinance and the items that are not permitted in the city's cemetery. Cemetery regulations ban particular items - such as toys, bric-a-brac and chairs, structures such as trellises or grave or plot enclosures are also not allowed. Glassware is not a permissible material for vases, however permanent vases made of other material are allowed on the monument itself, and plants are not permitted to be planted in or plucked from the cemetery grounds - artificial and real flowers that are placed on the graves are required to be removed periodically for mowing purposes, according to Ordinance 572-2004 section 10 D-G.
During public comment several community members expressed indignation as a result of the board's negligence to enforce the ordinance in the past, as well as not being informed an ordinance even existed when purchasing plot space.
"You need to get the news out there," community member John Williams said after several complaints during public comment. "People need to know."
Board member Stephanie Leverett reminded community members that a big reason the ordinance is in place is to keep the cemetery grounds cleared and maintained. Mowing the grounds costs the city $2,000 a month, City Supervisor Mike Bertschinger said. However, funding for mowers comes out of the city's general funds, which are replenished through donations, Leverett said.
While some trinkets have been blown away from the grass clippings and energy produced by the mowers, certain items, like shepherd hooks have damaged some of the equipment the caretakers use to keep the grounds looking their best, Leverett said.
After hearing public comment, Leverett agreed to hold a conference with interested community members to come to an agreement about the ordinance and possible changes.
"We're going to have to make an agreement," Leverett said. "This ordinance isn't carved into stone."
The board also discussed the possibility of allowing community members to own chickens during their regular meeting. Board members agree that certain restrictions must be enforced if ownership is allowed including coop placement, filing complaints and the selling of eggs.
"We have to make this difficult for those who are not in compliance with the ordinance," Board member Tom Henage said.