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2006-11(h)
MEMORANDUM
TO: Bryon Mazade, City Manager; and City Commission
FROM: Robert H. Kuhn, Director of Public Works
DATE: September 22, 2005
RE: Grave Buy-Back Policy
The current “Grave Buy-Back” policy allows for a grave site owner to sell back to the City
the deed to his grave site at a cost equal to one half (1/2) of the current sales price. To my
knowledge, this was a policy of the Cemetery Committee and wasn’t brought forth to the
City Commission.
Most people selling grave sites back to the City are not the original owners but are distant
relatives of the original owner. Some of these sites were purchased many years ago at a
cost much less than the current price. In addition, there is a considerable amount of
paperwork and effort to buy back these grave sites.
It is my recommendation to change this policy to minimize the current drain on cemetery
revenues.
1. The City would no longer “buy-back” unutilized grave sites.
The City will establish a list of grave sites available that current owners
wish to sell.
3. Current owners will give the City a temporary power of attorney to sell any
available plots on the owner’s behalf at a price they have established.
4. The City will charge a commission of 20% of private sales.
5; The privately-held sites will be marketed through a bulletin board at the
Cemetery Office and on the City’s website.
a
New owners would pay a deed transfer fee of $50.00.
fe Current owners can sell their grave sites on their own, but the new owners
will have to pay the deed transfer fee.
Adopted February 14, 2006.
Gail A. Kundinger, M
City Clerk
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the resolution and authorize the Mayor
and Clerk to sign sald resolution.
G. Signal Maintenance for Public Crossing over CSX’s Tracks.
ENGINEERING
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Authorize staff fo issue a payment of $8,430 due to
Michigan Shore Railroad since they took over CSX’S rails for the nine public
crossings over active CSX tracks. The attorney's office reviewed this annual
maintenance fee last year and found them fo be accurate in their demand for
compensation as called for in Public Act 354, adopted in 1994.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $8,430 from both the major and local street funds.
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: This additional expense will be reported on the
upcoming quarterly budget update.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize payment to Michigan Shore Railroad for
$8,430.
H. Cemetery Division - Grave Buy-Back Policy. PUBLIC WORKS
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The current policy of buying back unused grave plots at
one-half the going rate is not cost effective. Staff proposes to modify the
current policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Reduce the current expense of buying back unused
graves,
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Recommend approval.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The Leisure Services Board acting as the
Cemetery Committee recommends approval.
I, FIRSTREADING: Vehicles for Hire. CITY CLERK
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: To amend Chapter 102 of the Muskegon Code of
Ordinances concerning Vehicles for Hire.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval
Motion by Commissioner Carter, second by Commissioner Davis to approve the
Consent Agenda as presented with the exception of item B.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Spataro, Warmington, Wierengo, Carter, Davis, and Gawron
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES (\tem | [Vehicles for Hire] requires second reading.)
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