Town of St. Paul considers taking over Union Cemetery

ST. PAUL - While a decision has yet to be made, Town of St. Paul administration has recommended the municipality consider taking over Union Cemetery, which is located on the west side of town. 

The cemetery has been operated and maintained by an association that is now wanting to step away from duties and ownership. 

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In January of 2022, the group involved with the cemetery spoke with Town council. At one point, representation from each of the many denominations of churches in the community were involved in caring for the cemetery. 

But, "little by little everybody started dropping off," explained John Yewchin, during the delegation with Town of St. Paul council on Jan. 24, 2022.

During the Aug. 8 council meeting, CAO Steven Jeffery recommended the Town look at entering a memorandum of understanding with the County of St. Paul.

"If Town council is comfortable with this transfer of ownership and responsibility, then Town administration is requesting for the County to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a joint partnership for the Union Cemetery located at the west end of town. In this scenario, the County would take care of the management and administrative duties as the County is already managing 10 cemeteries and has the cemetery program from Serenic," explained Jeffery.

"Alternatively, the Town would be responsible for taking title to the cemetery and for the ground maintenance," added Jeffery.

Maintenance would include things such as mowing grass and snow removal.

"I believe it's manageable," said Jeffery, although, there will be some costs involved in maintenance and the land transfer and other processes. 

While a motion was made by Coun. Ron Boisvert to proceed with administrations recommendation, that motion was ultimately tabled following a few questions that councillors asked. 

Coun. Nathan Taylor questioned if the association has any funds to its name, and if those would be transferred to the Town. He noted that if there were funds, they could be used to purchase equipment, such as a robotic lawnmower, to maintain the cemetery. 

Taylor also said he felt a future discussion about the sustainable use of land and how it related to cemeteries would be worthwhile, at some point.

Coun. Norm Noel wondered if the Town could contract the County of St. Paul when it comes to maintenance, since they are more familiar with the processes involved. He also asked about liability around potential vandalism of headstones. 

Boisvert said he would like to know what the estimated costs of maintenance were projected to be, on an annual basis.

Mayor Maureen Miller noted that she didn't feel council had all the information they required to make a decision, and a motion to table the decision was made.

Jeffery did state that he was thankful the Town has a neighbouring municipality that was willing to have a conversation about the topic.