NOWATA, OKLAHOMA
The Nowata Cemetery Board will be hosting a special meeting on September 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the Nowata Fire Station to address questions and concerns regarding the proposed cemetery cleanup.
We want to clarify what is being requested. The current proposal is to remove decorative and miscellaneous items that do not comply with the cemetery ordinances already in place. These requirements are not new, and signage posted at all entrances to the cemetery states that items violating the ordinances must be removed by June 1.
Many of the items currently being addressed can obstruct the work of cemetery maintenance and mowing crews. The goal is to ensure crews can safely and effectively maintain the cemetery while following the ordinances that have already been established.
Want to Speak at the Meeting?
If you would like to request an opportunity to speak at the Cemetery Board meeting, you may come to Nowata City Hall and complete a request-to-speak form. All request forms must be completed by the end of business on Monday.
Please note: Submitting a request to speak does not guarantee that you will be given an opportunity to speak during the meeting. However, every submitted request will be directly reviewed and considered by the Cemetery Board.
The Board will determine the amount of time available for public comments based on the number of requests received. To allow the greatest number of people an opportunity to be heard, individual speaking times are expected to be limited to approximately 3–5 minutes per person.
We also ask that speakers focus on sharing new information, individual concerns, questions, or perspectives so that the Board has the opportunity to hear from as many members of the community as possible. Repeating the same comments or concerns multiple times may limit the opportunity for additional voices to be heard.
Written Comments
All emails submitted to cemeteryboard@nowataok.gov will be reviewed and considered by the Cemetery Board. Responses will be provided after the September 30 meeting.
We understand that cemetery spaces are deeply meaningful to families, and we encourage anyone with questions or concerns to participate through the available process.
Our goal is to provide an opportunity for community members to be heard while allowing the Board to carefully consider the information and concerns presented.
Parking
Everybody needs to park on the west and south sides of the building.
Please do NOT park on the east or north sides of the building.
The City of Nowata sincerely appreciates the community's understanding, cooperation, and continued care for our cemetery and the loved ones who rest there.
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City of Nowata Ordinances Relating to Cemetery
SECTION 11-115 — NO CURBS, TREES, BUSHES OR STRUCTURES PERMITTED
The placing of curbs, trees, bushes, structures, benches, or statues around cemetery lots—other than the original markers or its replacement around or upon cemetery lots—is prohibited, except by the City Cemetery Caretaker. Foot markers will be allowed so long as they are flush with the ground. All flat markers are required to have a minimum of a four-inch (4") concrete apron around said marker.
SECTION 11-116 — DEEDS TO HAVE PROVISION THAT NO CURBS, TREES, BUSHES OR STRUCTURES ARE PERMITTED
All cemetery deeds shall have written or printed therein a provision that no curbs, trees, bushes, structures, benches or statues are permitted to be constructed or placed around cemetery lots.
SECTION 11-117 — CARETAKER TO REMOVE CURBS, TREES, BUSHES, STRUCTURES, BENCHES OR STATUES CONSTRUCTED OR PLACED AROUND CEMETERY LOTS
The Caretaker of the City Cemetery is hereby authorized and directed to remove any curbs, trees, bushes, structures, benches or statues placed around any lots in the City Cemetery in violation of this Chapter.
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