The City of California Board of Aldermen will discuss cemetery lots at the regular December meeting. The discussion will continue the topic brought up during the regular meeting Nov. 2.
The initial question involved how many burial urns containing cremated ashes of loved ones could be placed at a single burial lot in the city-owned cemeteries. The discussion grew to include other questions, including grave markers.
The discussion at the council meeting resulted in information regarding the number of city cemeteries, the cost and size of the lots and the problems with mowing around some of the stones.
Heading east on Business 50, it appears that there is one large cemetery. However, there are several cemeteries, two of which are owned by the City of California. The first one is the Masonic Cemetery. Next is the old City Cemetery, also known as Crown Hill. It is nearly full and also includes California's Potter's Field. Continuing east, the next cemetery is the United Church of Christ Cemetery. An empty space follows, then is found the New City Cemetery.
The cost of a lot in one of the city cemeteries is $150. Often a pair of lots are sold together. Most of the lots are five feet wide and 11 feet long, although there is some variation. Burial vaults are required.
The items to be further discussed and decided on at a later date are: the number of embalmed bodies which can be buried in one lot; how many burial urns can be put in one lot; and any possible changes in the guidelines for the marker stones.
The general discussion indicated one body and two urns per burial lot. The stone markers are another matter, with some decision to be made regarding whether a memorial bench would be allowed on a cemetery lot.
Information has been solicited from other cities regarding these matters. City Attorney Ann Perry and City Clerk Brian Scrivner are reviewing the information received from the other cities. A general summary will be prepared for the council, which will then consider guidance to be given for burials.
Other items to be discussed involve the frequency of missing decorations and at least one tombstone, that appears to have been removed.
The matter will be discussed at the regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 7, in the City Hall Council Chamber.