City Council/Cemetery District - Aug 12, 2026

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Executive Summary

The City Council and Cemetery District held a joint meeting on August 12, 2026, primarily focused on ongoing maintenance challenges at Willow Creek Cemetery and evaluating options for future cemetery expansion to address projected population growth. Discussions involved assessing the feasibility of utilizing existing city-owned land and contracting with outside landscaping services to alleviate budget constraints. The tone was largely collaborative, with Council members expressing a desire to find sustainable solutions that respected both community expectations regarding the cemetery’s upkeep and the City’s limited resources.

Topics Discussed

  • Willow Creek Cemetery Maintenance: Significant discussion centered on deteriorating grounds conditions at Willow Creek Cemetery, including overgrown grass, weed infestations, and overall lack of consistent maintenance. Councilmember Ramirez initiated a review of current landscaping contracts and expressed concerns about the quality of work performed by “GreenScapes,” noting multiple complaints received from residents. The Cemetery District Director, Eleanor Vance, presented a report detailing a $150,000 budget shortfall for cemetery upkeep due to rising operational costs. Data indicated that GreenScapes’ performance metrics had declined by 18% over the past six months. Several community members voiced dissatisfaction with the current state of the cemetery, emphasizing its historical significance and the need for respectful care.
  • Cemetery Expansion Planning: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to planning for future cemetery capacity needs driven by population growth projections. City Planner David Lee presented a demographic study indicating that Willow Creek Cemetery is projected to reach full capacity within 15 years based on current burial rates. The potential use of Parcel B, a 20-acre city-owned lot adjacent to Willow Creek Cemetery, was explored as a possible expansion site. Environmental impact assessments and land title research were deemed necessary before any decisions could be made regarding Parcel B’s usage for cemetery purposes. Councilmember Chen advocated for exploring alternative burial options such as cremation or memorial gardens prior to expanding the physical footprint of the cemetery.
  • Contractor Options & Alternatives: The Council debated possible alternatives to GreenScapes landscaping services, including direct city staffing and contracting with smaller local firms. A brief presentation was given by representatives from “Bloom Landscapes,” who provided a proposal for comparable services at a cost estimated to be 12% higher than their competitor GreenScapes but boasting superior quality ratings based on client testimonials. Councilmember Ito expressed reservations about the increased costs of Bloom Landscapes and recommended obtaining bids from three separate landscaping companies prior to making a final decision.

Procedural Actions

  • The minutes from the July 8, 2026 joint meeting were approved unanimously.
  • The consent calendar, including payment approvals totaling $37,542, was approved without discussion.
  • A presentation honoring long-time Cemetery District volunteer, George Miller, for 35 years of service was given by Eleanor Vance.

Motions, Decisions & Votes

  • Motion to Review Landscaping Contracts: Councilmember Ramirez moved to direct staff to immediately initiate a review and rebid process for all cemetery landscaping contracts, including GreenScapes, with an emphasis on performance metrics and cost-effectiveness. Councilmember Chen seconded the motion. The vote was: Ayes – Ramirez, Chen, Ito, Silva; Nays – None; Absent – Garcia.
  • Motion to Explore Parcel B Feasibility: Councilmember Silva moved to authorize City Planning staff to conduct preliminary assessments of Parcel B’s suitability for cemetery expansion, including environmental impact studies and title searches. Councilmember Ito seconded the motion. The vote was: Ayes – Ramirez, Chen, Ito, Silva; Nays – None; Absent – Garcia.
  • Motion to Obtain Bloom Landscapes Bid & Seek Alternatives: Councilmember Ito moved to table any decision regarding landscape contractor selection until bids are received from three different landscaping companies including Bloom Landscapes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote of all present council members.

Public Comment

  • Martha Peterson, a resident living adjacent to Willow Creek Cemetery, expressed concerns about the overgrown vegetation and its impact on property values.
  • Robert Jones, representing a local historical society, emphasized the importance of preserving the cemetery’s historical integrity during any maintenance or expansion efforts.
  • Several other residents echoed concerns regarding the declining quality of landscaping services at Willow Creek.

Actions, Referrals & Follow-ups

  • City staff directed to initiate an immediate review and rebid process for all cemetery landscaping contracts.
  • City Planning staff instructed to conduct preliminary assessments of Parcel B’s suitability for expansion, with a report due in 60 days.
  • Bloom Landscapes was asked to submit formal bid information alongside at least two other prospective vendors. A follow-up discussion on landscaping contracts and potential contractors is planned for the September 9th City Council meeting.