Dickinson approves transformative code changes enhancing cemeteries and mausoleums

Jun. 21—DICKINSON — Dickinson's sacred sites, its cemeteries and mausoleums, are poised for a significant transformation as city officials have given their seal of approval to a comprehensive set of code changes. These revisions, which were discussed at a recent city commission meeting on June 20, aim to enhance the management, accessibility, and aesthetics of these solemn locations.

Under the newly enacted measures, the city commission has implemented a range of initiatives designed to improve the overall experience within local cemeteries and mausoleums, with a particular focus on aesthetics and accessibility.

Prior to the meeting, key stakeholders, including Nic Stevenson of Stevenson Funeral Homes; Jim Ladbury of Ladbury Funeral Service; Commissioners Robert Baer and Jason Fridrich; City Attorney Christina Wenko; Public Works Director Gary Zuroff; Solid Waste Recycling Manager Aaron Praus and Jeff Ficek, the City of Dickinson's grave digger, convened to thoroughly discuss the proposed code changes.

" I'm just happy we got this through tonight. Me and Dr. Baer spent three hours with the committee the other day on this... I learned more about cemeteries and crypts than I ever knew," Fridrich said.

Among the implemented modifications is a new requirement for all monuments to be marked by City personnel to ensure proper property alignment, adding a touch of precision to the landscape.

Additionally, the revised code places greater emphasis on the importance of foundations as integral components of monument structures. Foundations must now meet a minimum depth requirement of 4" and can only be placed with the City's authorization, guaranteeing compliance with established guidelines.

To maintain the organized layout of gravesites, the city commission has prohibited the placement of monuments between designated areas allocated for headstones and footstones. This measure ensures a consistent arrangement, further preserving the organization of the cemetery.

The city commission also approved a decision to prohibit privately owned benches within cemeteries and mausoleums, effective from August 1, 2023. This change will ensure unobstructed passage and contribute to a sense of unity and order throughout the sites.

Moreover, the revised code now mandates that floral displays at cemeteries be secured to a monument foundation. In mausoleums, floral arrangements are to be attached only to covers, with an allowance for a 3"x5" picture and military emblem. Additional items and live plantings are not permissible.

Recognizing the importance of long-term preservation, the updated code now mandates that all burials within cemeteries employ vaults, liners, or non-biodegradable materials as outer burial containers, enhancing the structural integrity of gravesites.

Furthermore, the revised regulations address funeral arrangements and temporary markers. Funeral services will now be scheduled by Funeral Directors in coordination with the City, streamlining the process for families. Temporary markers will be placed on graves on the day of interment, providing identification until permanent markers are installed.

The code changes also provide guidelines for cremations and burial arrangements. To maintain the sanctity of each plot, the revised regulations limit the number of cremations to a maximum of two per single grave plot. Additionally, the updated code permits the placement of one urn with a casket and allows for double depth casket burial exclusively for children or infants, acknowledging the unique circumstances surrounding these burials.

In terms of conduct and regulations, the city commission has established specific guidelines to ensure the solemnity and respect within these hallowed grounds. Vehicular traffic and bicycle riding are strictly prohibited off paved surfaces, safeguarding both visitors and gravesites. Pet owners are welcome to bring their leashed companions, provided they responsibly dispose of any waste.

Furthermore, unauthorized trucks exceeding 10,000 pounds are restricted from entering unless special permission is granted by the City, ensuring the preservation of the peaceful ambiance. Water facilities have been provided, with a reminder to users to not leave them unattended and to stow them properly after use.

The meeting also discussed and approved pricing for the new cemetery and mausoleum. Dickinson South Cemetery currently has 684 plots, with pricing set at $900 for residents and $1,000 for non-residents. Graves are sold by section, starting from the west and working east.

"Using that $900 city resident scale would bring in revenue of $615,600. The actual project cost to put an asphalt surface to that cemetery is $406,378. This does not include any land value, lighting, signage, irrigation, or fencing for that property, including maintenance as it starts filling up," said Praus.

Pricing for mausoleum spaces, including crypts, niches, and columbariums, varies, although the projected revenue at the recommended pricing is expected to reach $2,028,200 according to Praus.

The approval of code changes to cemeteries and mausoleums will bring about updates that include improved accessibility and aesthetics for these sacred sites.