TYRONE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A township board meeting turned heated Tuesday evening as residents voiced concerns over restrictions on graveyard decorations placed at their loved ones headstones.
Officials continue to stand by a 30-year-old ordinance that says no trees, loose stones, flowers, or any other decorations may be placed around headstones.
It's a story that began a few weeks ago with a flag pole placed at the Idlewild Cemetery, placed there 14 years ago. Officials recently required its removal.
Township Supervisor Dennis Keminski has tried to enforce the ordinance established in 1984 so the landscapers can more easily mow the grass.
But people aren't taking kindly to the convenience and money-saving approach the township has in mind at the expense of their loved ones.
"All I am doing is enforcing the ordinance and cleaning up the cemetery," said Keminski.
Community members voiced frustrations. One woman at the meeting said she saw landscapers negligently mow over people's belongings and disagrees with the township on the enforcement.
Officials said rules need to be followed because it saves money and time.
No resolution was found at Tuesday's meeting.
