Panel proposed for cemeteries
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AUSTINTOWN -- The idea of forming a citizens' committee was proposed by township trustees as a way to compromise and work with residents to address their concerns over cemetery rules and guidelines.
Trustees met with more than 25 residents this week to explain guidelines on what can be placed around markers, while also hearing from them about what they would like to do, keep or change.
The township maintains three cemeteries: Four Mile Run Cemetery at the intersection of North Four Mile Run and Crum roads; Brunstetter Cemetery at the intersection of Wilcox Road and Callaway Circle; and Smith's Corners Cemetery at the intersection of South Canfield-Niles and Kirk roads.
Trustee Chairwoman Monica Deavers said trustees are willing to compromise for amendments or changes on some of the cemetery rules.
Guidelines include things such as artificial and fresh flowers permitted in metal vases sitting on a marker from March 15 to Oct. 1, U.S. flags are permitted next to the headstone and Christmas decorations are permitted Dec. 1 to Jan. 15, while decorations for other holidays are allowed one week before and one week after the holiday.
Not permitted are any solar lights and any unsightly items, which will be removed.
"The rules are in place to keep the cemeteries looking nice. When we planned these rules, it was never intended to hurt anyone. I have no problems with wreaths, flags and flowers at graves," Deavers said.
Township cemetery regulations state residents can plant flowers at the grave as long as they properly care for them throughout the season.
Trustee Robert Santos said he wants the rules to be as detailed as possible so anyone can understand what is allowed and not allowed. He said a form would be provided for people to sign and agree to the follow the rules, which include no large statues, trees or bushes by markers so as to not impede road department workers in maintaining the cemetery.
Santos said the rules have been in place for years, but had not been fully enforced. Trustees recently voted to have these rules enforced, and residents in violation of cemetery rules will receive warnings to remove the decorations by a certain date.
RESIDENTS' CONCERNS
Several residents said they don't like the way the road department has been taking care of the cemeteries and that grave decorations were removed by the department.
Deb Cheers said on her husband's grave were tire marks from someone running over the grave and flowers.
"Would you want tire marks on top of your family's markers? A weed whacker does not leave tire marks," Cheers said.
Michele Coggins, who has relatives buried at Brunstetter Cemetery, said the headstone has been nicked by a mower or some device.
"I have been appalled at the appearance of the cemetery. It looks disgraceful. The whole cemetery does not look well maintained, which is very disappointing. I maintain my parents' plot," Coggins said.
Rich Fink said he was concerned about who is held accountable for damage to markers at the cemetery. He said he prefers planting flowers by the markers and not having them in vases. Fink also said people should be allowed to use one or two solar lights.
David Leonhart, who has family buried at Four Mile Run Cemetery, said he works hard to take care of the plots and markers.
"When we purchased the plots we thought the cemetery rules would stay the same. Don't change the rules. We should be able to do what we want for our family's graves. I understand no big trees or bushes, but people are angry the rules are being changed," he said.
He also said a mower hit one of his family's markers
Lorraine Reynolds Federovitch said since the road department has been working at the cemetery there have been all kinds of problems and damage.
She said military medals and flags were removed last month from her father's grave by the road department. Federovitch said the medals have since been returned. Federovitch said decorations on other people's graves have also been thrown away.
"Someone needs to be held accountable," she said.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com