by Joe Potter

ZHills City Council members took no official action on Oct. 12 regarding a proposed ordinance to amend the rules of city-owned Oakside Cemetery.

The proposal would update definitions and revise installation and monument requirements to align with both permanent and temporary marker standards.

A new section would be added to set requirements for temporary grave markers, including temporary identification markers installed by funeral homes and temporary memorial markers installed by families. The ordinance would also address placement, appearance, maintenance, safety, duration, notice, removal, and storage.

Additionally, changes to an enforcement/ penalty section would be made to provide for enforcement.

Council did not vote on the ordinance after its first reading. Members asked staff to bring it back in November with revisions.

Discussions included limiting temporary markers to one year, updating cemetery signage, allowing families to install their own temporary markers, requiring temporary markers to be removed before a permanent marker is installed, and considering a uniform temporary marker option.

In a separate action, the council voted 4-1 to pass a resolution repealing a prior resolution that removed a credit/debit card convenience fee for utility payments.

The convenience fee would be reinstated on Dec. 7 at 3.65% of the total charge or $2.50 per transaction, whichever is greater. City staff said the fee is needed due to increasing charges from credit card companies.

Payments made by cash at City Hall, automatic bank payments, or by mailing or dropping off checks or money orders would not be subject to the convenience fee.