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OAKWOOD CEMETERY

SALINE, MICHIGAN

PREFACE

The Saline City Council has adopted the following rules and regulations which in its opinion will afford the maximum protection to the lot owners and will best insure the orderly growth and development of the Cemetery as designed.

The Saline City Council reserves the right to adopt such other regulations or to amend and alter such regulations from time to time without notice to any interested party.  The reference to these regulations in the Certificate of Right of Burial and Certificate of Niche Rights shall have the same force and effect as if such regulations in effect from time to time were set forth in full therein.

Any regulation which conflicts with any law or higher Governmental regulation now or hereafter in effect, for the regulations of cemeteries shall be ineffective, but the invalidity of such regulations shall in no way impair the remaining regulations.

-SALINE CITY COUNCIL

 

 

DEDICATION:     The Cemetery grounds are dedicated to the proper burial and repose of the human dead and to that purpose only.

 

The purpose of these Rules and Regulations is to provide the public with: (1) a modern cemetery; (2) burial space at a reasonable cost; and (3) perpetual care and maintenance of the entire property.

 

The City will take reasonable precautions to protect the property rights of Purchaser within the Cemetery from loss or damage; but the City distinctly disclaims all responsibility for loss or damage from causes beyond its control, and especially, from damage caused by the elements, an act of God, common enemy thieves, vandals, strikers, malicious mischief makers, explosions, unavoidable accidents, invasions, insurrections, riots, or order of any military or civil authority, whether the damage be direct or collateral, other than as herein provided.

  

I-POLICY AND EMPOWERMENT

 

The word City as used in these rules shall be construed as meaning the City of Saline, or its agents, empowered by the Saline City Council with the supervision or care of the Cemetery.

The Saline City Council reserves the right to make changes or alterations in the rules and regulations as may from time to time seem expedient.                                                       

The Saline City Council reserves the right to make exceptions, suspensions, or modifications of any of these Rules and Regulations without notice, when in the judgment of the Council such action appears necessary; and such exceptions, suspensions or modifications shall in no way be construed as affecting the general application of such Rules and Regulations.

The City is hereby empowered to enforce all Rules and Regulations as herein prescribed; it shall have charge of the grounds and buildings including the conduct of funerals, traffic, employees, lot owners, purchasers and visitors and at all times shall have supervision and control of all persons while in the Cemetery.

 

II- CONDUCT IN THE CEMETERY

 

The Cemetery, although under City jurisdiction, will not be considered as public land in the sense that it is common property and subject to the whims of the public, but is to be considered holy ground dedicated to the peace and repose of the departed and subject to the consideration and respect of all who visit or own lots or burial rights in the Cemetery.

With such purpose in mind, the Sexton(s) or a City Official may establish temporary rules whenever in their judgment the best interest and safety of the Cemetery demands it and may cause to be ejected or arrested any person or persons whom they may deem undesirable or dangerous to the peace and repose of the Cemetery.  Such temporary rules shall expire after 30 days unless approved by the Saline City Council.

 

GENERAL RULES:

 

Any person or persons who gain entrance or are found in the Cemetery without proper reason may be considered and prosecuted as a trespasser or trespassers.

Dogs, cats, or other animals are not allowed in the Cemetery and may be removed in such manner as may be deemed necessary.  This rule shall not apply to animals trained and used as service animals.

The abuse of monuments, markers, graves or Cemetery appurtenances whether intentional or otherwise, and the unauthorized removal of flowers, urns or any of the Cemetery equipment will be considered vandalism and/or destruction of property or larceny and will be so treated.  Persons entering the cemetery will be held fully responsible for any damage to the Cemetery properties.

The driver of an automobile or other conveyance will be held responsible for any damage they may do whether intentional or unintentional.

The speed limit shall not exceed 10 miles per hour.

Workers employed by the City, or those employed by outside contractors while working in the Cemetery, if in the immediate neighborhood of a funeral, must stop work during the interment services.  No traffic of any kind shall pass the funeral while the services are being held.

The soliciting of contracts or orders for monuments, markers, memorials, or any other work, will not be permitted in the Cemetery.

No advertisements, trade marks, or numbers of any description, except those necessary for the locations of burials, are permitted in the Cemetery.  No advertising of any nature or solicitation of business will be permitted within the Cemetery. Commercial vehicles, except those engaged in Cemetery business, shall not be permitted inside the gates. 

Recreational activities are forbidden in the Cemetery.

Profane or boisterous language will not be allowed and loiterers will not be tolerated in the Cemetery.

Temporary chairs are permitted for those attending memorial services at Oakwood Cemetery.  Benches that are not monuments are not allowed. Benches may be integral to a Family Monument in accordance with the regulations in

VI – MEMORIALS.

III-OWNERSHIP

 

DEFINITION OF LOT OWNERS:

The term lot or grave owner is intended and shall be construed to mean the owner of "Burial Rights," the owner of burial privilege or the collateral right of use of any burial grave space, or crypt purchased from the City for a consideration evidenced by a "Certificate of Right of Burial” or by proved and recognized descent or devise from the original owner where same is placed on record with the City Clerk.

 

PURCHASE AND DESIGNATION OF GRAVE SPACES AND CRYPTS:

Grave spaces and crypts may be purchased outright for cash or by making a deposit of $200 with the balance to be invoiced by the City.  Failure to pay the balance in full by 30 days after the invoice date will nullify the sale.  The grave space(s) or crypt(s) will be placed back for sale to the public and the deposit paid to the city shall be forfeited.  No interment shall be made or marker placed on a grave space or crypt until the purchase price has been fully paid and a Certificate of Right of Burial has been issued by the City Clerk. The City reserves the right to prohibit the use of any grave space that is not paid for.

 

At the time of purchase, it shall be indicated on the city records the name of the person(s) who is/are intended to be interred in the grave space or crypt.  The owner of a grave space or crypt may change the burial designation at any time by requesting a change of designation in writing to the City Clerk.

 

RESALE AND TRANSFERS OF GRAVE SPACES AND CRYPTS:

Burial rights for grave spaces and crypts may be transferred only upon written approval of the City Clerk or his/her agent, and all transfers are subject to payment of transfer fees as established by resolution of the City Council.  An application for Transfer of Certificate of Right of Burial in Oakwood Cemetery must state the reason for transfer and be signed by an owner and/or person(s) having legal claim to the burial space(s).  The applicant must also indicate on the application that no monetary or other consideration has been exchanged as payment for the transfer.  In no instance will a transfer be permitted where the purpose is speculative.

As of February 1, 2016 grave space/crypt owners may not resell burial rights to parties other than the City of Saline for monetary or other consideration.  The City of Saline will repurchase grave spaces from owners at the original price paid for the grave.  If the City repurchases a grave space, the transfer fee will be waived.  The City of Saline reserves the right to then resell said grave space(s).      

 

VARIANCE:

All variances from the regulations and specifications herein contained must be approved by the Cemetery Board of Appeals.  Variances shall be granted only where exceptional or unusual circumstances exist and the granting of the variance will be consistent with the surrounding area and the general intent and purposes of these Rules and Regulations.  The application fee for a variance request is listed in the Saline Feebook.

 

DIVIDED OWNERSHIP:

The City strongly advises against any partnership arrangements on a grave space or crypt and refuses any responsibility or liability for disagreement arising from or as a result of such divided ownership.

In case of partnership or divided ownership, the order of either or any of the recorded owners will be accepted for burial on the grave space or in the crypt unless: (1) the original owner or owners have designated and had recorded at City Hall those whom they wish to be buried or not to be buried in the grave space or crypt; or (2) unless written objection is made to the City Clerk prior to such burial.  The possession of a Certificate of Right of Burial is not of itself sufficient evidence on which to record the transfer of ownership of a grave space or crypt and transfer the legal right to ownership.

 

Divided ownership of a double-crypt(s) shall be regulated as follows:

  • Ownership applies only to the total burial space within the double-depth crypt, the crypt, and the concrete foundation in general, and not to a specific space within the double crypt, since the order (chronology) of burial determines use of the lower and upper spaces.

•     Transfer of ownership is not allowed after the first interment.  Transfer of ownership can not occur unless approved and recorded by the city.

 

MAUSOLEUM AND VAULTS:   

Individual above ground mausoleums and vaults are not permitted in Oakwood Cemetery. 

 

IV-GRAVE SPACES, CRYPTS AND PLOTS

 

   GRAVE SPACES:

   A standard full size grave space shall be four (4) feet wide and 10 feet long.

 

   SINGLE AND DOUBLE CRYPT GRAVE SPACES:

A single or double crypt grave space shall be 3'-6" wide and 10 feet long.  Crypts are allowed only in certain areas of Sections 52, 53, 54, and 70 of Oakwood Cemetery per City records.

The maximum combination of burials in a single crypt shall be one full-size burial, or up to four cremations.

In a double crypt, the maximum combination of burials shall be two full-size burials, or one full-size burial and up to four cremations; or if no full-size burials, up to a maximum of six cremations.

 

PLOT:

‘Plot’ is defined as any grouping or combination of grave spaces (i.e., "family plot").  The minimum sizes for the following burials shall be as follows:

  • Regular adult burial - 4' x 8'
  • Regular infant burial - 24" x 42"
  • For each cremation - 2' x 2'

 

Any combination of burials of members of the same family shall be permitted on a full size grave space; the maximum being one (1) full burial with three (3) cremations, or no more than four (4) cremations.  Infant burial grave spaces (within that designated area) may be occupied by one infant burial.

The boundary lines of all grave spaces are established before graves are sold and will not be changed without written consent of the grave space owner.

The grade of each grave space is established and cannot be modified or changed by any construction or improvement work whatsoever.

The City reserves the right to perform all work for the care and upkeep of all graves.  Unsightly objects, erected or placed upon graves, out of harmony with the general landscape will not be permitted and whenever objects of such nature are placed on graves, the City reserves the right to request or effect their removal.

The City shall be in no way liable or held responsible for any order given by telephone, or for any mistake occurring from the lack of precise and proper instructions as to the particular space, size and location where interment is desired.

 

V- COLUMBARIA & NICHES

GENERAL:

The City will maintain columbaria and niche records that will include: address of those who have reserved (purchased) a niche, niche locations, availability, and copies of Certificates of Niche Rights, and Rules.

A columbaria niche is for the interment of human remains only. 

Niche openings can be performed only by City employees or a City-contracted individual. 

The City will be responsible for repairs of the columbarium.

The City will not be held responsible for the loss or destruction of interred cremains, vandalism, acts of nature, or other damaging effects.

 

NICHE PURCHASES AND TRANSFERS:

Upon payment in full, a Certificate of Niche Rights and a copy of the Cemetery Rules and Regulations will be given to the person or persons who purchase the rights to the niche.  The holder of the Certificate has the right to have interred the remains of the person named on the certificate, but acquires no property rights in the columbarium, niches, or cemetery grounds.  Purchase of niches can only be made through the City Clerk’s office.  Niche Rights  cannot be transferred or sold without first notifying the City Clerk’s office.  A new Certificate of Niche Rights in the name of the new owner or owners will be issued upon completion of the transfer documents.

 

INTERMENT:

All interment arrangements must be made by the owner or owner’s family, either through a funeral home or by contacting the City Clerk’s Office.  If arrangements are handled through a funeral home, a Certificate of Cremation must be filled out by the funeral home and accompany the cremains.  Any funeral home costs are the responsibility of the family.  Prior to the time of the opening, the opening and closing fees shall be paid at the rates established by the City.

 

ENGRAVING OF NICHE FACEPLATE:

The costs of engraving and attaching an emblem is the responsibility of the owner’s family, arranged either through a funeral home or by contacting the City Clerk’s office.  Engraving of the marble faceplate and the attachment of any approved emblem to niche faceplates may be performed only by companies authorized by the City of Saline.  The engraving font, pattern, color, and size have been established by the City of Saline and are not subject to change by appeal or variance.  Borders and artwork engraving are not allowed on the niche faceplates.  Only city employees are allowed to remove, transport, and replace niche faceplates for engraving or attaching emblems after the owner or family has paid the associated fee as listed in the City Feebook.  If the engraving is incorrect due to an error by the owner, owner’s family or it’s representative, and the faceplate requires replacement, then the owner or family shall pay the cost of a new faceplate and the new engraving thereon.  Only one emblem, not exceeding 3” x 3” in area, may be fastened to a faceplate for a single niche space.  

 

FLOWERS AND WREATHS:

No flowers, arrangements, plants, wreaths, toys, or other mementos and decorations will be allowed to be placed on or near the columbaria at any time, except at the time of the interment.  For the Memorial Day weekend, a wreath may be placed, for no longer than two weeks, at the columbarium by a local veterans group, after having obtained permission from the City of Saline.

One flower arrangement, potted plant, or wreath will be allowed in the mausoleum, near the niche, on the day of the interment, and will be removed five days later, or as the schedule permits, by City of Saline employees.  No planting of flowers, bushes, trees, etc. are allowed around the mausoleum.

 

REMOVAL OF THE INTERRED CREMAINS:

In the event that the Columbarium requires repairs or rehabilitation, the owner agrees to permit temporary removal of any cremains until those repairs are completed, and then city employees will then replace the cremains.

If cremains must be removed by the family or an authorized person, a written request must be made to the City Clerk’s office.  The request must state the reason for removal, who is making the request, their relationship to the deceased, the day and time requested for removal, and who will be in possession of the cremains at the time of the removal.  An opening and closing fee shall be paid, at the current rate, prior to the opening of the niche, and for replacement if cremains are to be replaced into the niche.

The cost of a vacated niche will not be refunded to the owner or the owner’s family.  The rights to the niche can be sold to another party by completing a transfer certificate and paying the appropriate fee at the City Clerk’s office, and a new Certificate of Niche Rights can be issued to the new owner.  If the vacated niche’s faceplate has already been engraved, the cost of replacement is not the responsibility of the City of Saline.    

 

MAUSOLEM NICHES – NORTH ALCOVE AREA:

Access to visit niches within the mausoleum can be arranged by contacting the City Clerk’s office at the Saline Municipal Building during normal business hours. On weekends a key is available at the Saline Municipal Building – Police Department.   The mausoleum will be open on Memorial Day for visitation by the general public.

 

MAUSOLEM NICHE SIZES AND CONTAINERS

The North Alcove Area in the Mausoleum has three sizes of niches available:  single, double and triple.  Containers used for interment in the Niches shall be made of a non-biodegradable, unbreakable container made of concrete, plastic or metal.  No paper, cardboard, plastic bags, glass or wood.

Engraving of the niche faceplates in the North Alcove Area will be regulated by specific standards as listed in Attachment B of these Rules and Regulations.

   

VI-MEMORIALS

MARKERS:  Flush, slant, or bevel, smaller sized stones/bronzes used to indicate a particular grave

                       SLANT                                                                         FLUSH                                                                             BEVEL

                   MARKERS                                                                          MARKERS                                                                     MARKERS

 

MONUMENTS & BENCH MONUMENTS: Perpendicular stone markers or benches, depicting family names, individuals’ names, additional data and dates.

                      

                              BENCH MONUMENT                                                  STANDARD MONUMENT

 

 

 

 

FAMILY MONUMENTS: Larger monuments, bearing a single family name only.

 

 

                   

 

 THE FAMILY PLOT:

A family plot consists of two or more adult-size grave spaces.  On a family plot, one family monument will be allowed in addition to one individual (flush or bevel) marker.  If the family monument is used, the individual grave markers (flush or bevel) must be located as far as possible from the monument.  On any plot where a family monument is to be erected and the headstone-type individual monuments or markers have already been set, they shall be changed, if necessary, to conform to flush or bevel markers, and placed at the end of the graves farthest from the location of the family monument.  The cost of changing the marker foundations will be the responsibility of the owner or his representative. If a family monument is NOT used, one above-ground monument or marker will be allowed on each grave space subject to the size limitations listed below and placed consistently with other stones in the area.  If a second marker is desired on each grave space, it must be a flush marker (ground level) (max. 24”x12”) and placed at the end of the grave farthest from the above-ground monument or marker.

Where more than one family member is buried on one grave space, one above-ground monument or marker will be allowed in addition to individual flush (ground level) (max. 24”x12”) markers for each family member, subject to ground cover percentages given below.

The family monument may include an integral marble or granite bench if the bench is designed to be: 50% or less of the width of the monument, 50% or less than the height of the monument, and does not exceed the depth (thickness) of the monument, and in accordance with other provisions for monuments. The design shall meet the review and approval of city staff, and the monument may require a special foundation.  No additional benches may be used on individual spaces of family plots, if the family monument has an integral bench.

 

SINGLE GRAVE SPACES:

One above-ground marker or monument will be allowed, not to exceed 34 inches in length (measured left to right) and placed consistently with other stones in the area.  If a second marker is desired, it must be a flush marker (ground level) and placed at the end of the grave farthest from the above-ground monument or marker.

Where more than one family member is buried on a single grave space, one above-ground monument or marker will be allowed in addition to individual flush (ground level) markers for each family member, subject to ground cover percentages given below.

 

INFANT/CREMAIN GRAVE SPACES: (other than Division 68)

In the section designated for infant/cremation burials, only flush or bevel markers will be allowed and shall not exceed 16 inches in width.  All markers shall be placed consistently with the others in that area.

 

SINGLE AND DOUBLE LAWN CRYPT GRAVE SPACES:

One above-ground monument will be allowed per crypt grave space, meeting the following requirements:

  • All monuments shall be rectangular-shaped with a separate base.
  • Bases shall be not more than 12" wide and 36" long.
  • The monument shall be not more than 8" wide and 32" long.
  • The combined height of the base and the monument shall be not more than 28".
  • Veteran plaques may be placed on the west face of the monument, and are not allowed as a separate flush marker on the space.
  • Flush markers are not allowed on the grassy area of a crypt space.
  • All monuments shall be approved by the City prior to finalizing the contract with any monument dealer to assure proper size and materials.

 

SIZE AND LOCATION LIMITATIONS (full-size grave spaces)

Size limitations on above-ground markers or monuments shall be as follows:

  • On family plots, where a family monument is contemplated OR one monument or marker for the family plot is contemplated, the length of the base (measured from left to right) shall not exceed 80 percent of the family plot width.
  • On a Single grave space, the length of the base (measured from left to right) shall not exceed 70 percent of the grave space width.
  • Lot coverage, excluding flush markers, shall not exceed 8 percent of the total grave space area.
  • Lot coverage, including flush markers, shall not exceed 14 percent of the total lot area.
  • Total height, including the base, shall not exceed four (4) feet.
  • All monuments and markers shall be centered width-wise on the grave space or plot as much as possible.
  • All monuments shall be approved by the City prior to finalizing the contract with any monument dealer to assure proper size and materials.

 

 

VII-MONUMENT/MARKER WORK

 

Monuments will not be allowed on grave spaces not fully paid for.

The Sexton or City Superintendent shall be consulted as to monument design and the proposed location and due consideration given to surrounding memorials in the choice of a monument.                           

Grave owners are advised not to sign a contract with any monument dealer until the City has checked the material, size and design, and accepted the application as provided on the dealer's form for that purpose.

The City will not be responsible for the loss to a grave owner caused by rejection of any monument or stone work where regular application for setting has been neglected or overlooked before the order was placed.

The City reserves the right to restrict the placing of monuments on certain grave spaces but such restriction will appear in the Certificate of Right of Burial and will be sold subject to such restriction.

Monuments and stone work not consistent with the general character of the cemetery are prohibited.  Appendages such as books, photos or glass work are prohibited unless they are cast in bronze and used as a plate in the die of a monument or marker.  The City reserves the right to restrict all lettering and/or symbols on monuments or markers.

All materials used in construction of monuments, markers and permanent markers must be recognized durable granite or standard bronze.  Marble may be permitted of certain durable grades and finishes, but the City will assume no responsibility for damages in case of the stone being unintentionally chipped or marked in the regular course of lot care.  All other grades of marble, sandstone, artificial stone, fieldstone, terra cotta, wood, iron or glass in any form will not be permitted where exposed to the elements.

The City reserves the right to stop any work in progress or contracted when the materials, workmanship or design is not satisfactory or which would seem undesirable or not of durable construction and may cause the work to be removed, rebuilt or remodeled where and when it would seem advisable, even after permit has been granted.

Where a monument consists of a base and die, the base should be left in the rough or rock face as being less liable to damage or marking. 

The City reserves the right to prohibit foundation work at specified times in order to facilitate upkeep and maintenance work.  The right is reserved to refuse to permit stone work to be done at any time until the ground is thoroughly settled and in good condition.

No stonework shall be done when the temperature is such that damage from frost cannot be prevented; the City reserves the right to refuse to permit monuments to be erected between December 1st and the following March 1st.  No stone work shall be brought into the Cemetery on Saturday, Sunday or Holiday, or without written approval of the Cemetery Sexton(s).  No monuments shall be placed in the cemetery awaiting installation of a foundation.

Contractors and workers engaged in stone work will be held responsible for any damage done.  Materials for any work will not be received unless accompanied by workers to erect the same.  No heavy equipment is allowed to operate over the crypt lot areas.

Persons in charge of heavy loads entering the Cemetery grounds will be held responsible for the protection of the roads and grassy places and for full damage so caused.

Rolling stones across sections shall only be done with the consent of and under the supervision of the Sexton(s) or his/her assistant.  The turf must always be protected by planks.  Dirt and debris caused by the erecting of any stonework must be entirely removed before the hour of quitting work each day.

The top of the foundation shall be at ground surface level as much as possible, considering the fact that the foundation must be installed so that the monument is level and the cemetery is of a rolling topography.

 

FOUNDATIONS: (See details on Attachment A.)

Foundations are required for all permanent monuments or markers in Oakwood Cemetery and shall be installed by City employees. All foundations shall be constructed in accordance with the Saline Standard Specifications, Chapter 14, Standard Specifications for Oakwood Cemetery.  Foundations shall be constructed by the City of Saline, unless otherwise authorized by the City Sexton(s).  Normally, slab foundations will be constructed for bevel and slant markers, and for small monuments.  Reinforced concretepole-type foundations shall be required whenever the length plus the height of the monument, including the base, exceeds seventy (70) inches, or where determined by the City Sexton(s).  Special foundations may be required where warranted, to be designed or approved by the City, and installed at costs as determined by the City and paid by the family or its representative.

A foundation may be removed when necessary to make a burial without advance notice to the monument owner or the owner’s family.  When removal of a foundation is necessary, the cost of installing a replacement foundation will be funded with moneys from the Perpetual Care Fund.

It is not the City’s responsibility to repair or replace a foundation that has failed due to sinking/shifting.  The owner or family shall pay all costs for repair or replacement of the foundation.

 

VIII-FUNERALS AND INTERMENTS

 

All funerals and interments within the Cemetery grounds are under the direction of the Sexton(s), or his/her designee.  

The cemetery shall be open for interments between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., except for the following Holidays: January 1st, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving Day, December 24th, Christmas Day and December 31st. 

Notice of funeral, with the exact location of the grave, must be given to the City Clerk at least 24 hours in advance of the burial.  A burial permit from the health office is required before interment can be made.  The Sexton is instructed to make no burial until such permit has been delivered to the City Clerk, or Sexton, or their designee.

The City will not assume responsibility for errors in opening graves when orders are given by telephone.  Orders by funeral directors for the opening of graves will be construed as orders from the grave space owner.

As soon as flowers or emblems used at funerals become unsightly, they will be removed by the City, and no responsibility for their return to owners will be assumed.

                         The possession of firearms within the Cemetery grounds is forbidden, except that military or other recognized organizations may carry arms for the purpose of firing a salute over the grave at burial of a member, or for memorial services, subject to prior approval of the City or its law enforcement agency.

Strangers are not allowed to approach the grave at a funeral.  When deemed necessary by the Sexton or on request of a grave owner or his/her representative, a funeral zone may be established and properly marked, and no one except persons attending the funeral will be permitted to trespass within its boundaries.  All graves will be opened and closed by cemetery employees. 

The City of Saline shall have the right to correct any errors that may have been made while making interments, disinterments, or removals, or in the description, transfer, or conveyance of any interment property, either by canceling the conveyance and substituting and conveying in lieu thereof other interment property of equal value and similar location or by refunding the amount of money paid on account by the purchaser.  In the event the error involves the interment of the remains of any person, the City of Saline shall have the right to remove and transfer the remains to other property of equal value and similar location in Oakwood Cemetery.

 

INTERMENT RULES – SINGLE AND DOUBLE CRYPTS:

 

The maximum combination of burials in a single crypt shall be one full-size burial, or up to four cremations.

In a double crypt, the initial interment for a full-sized burial shall be placed in the lower chamber of the vault.  Cremation containers shall be placed in the upper section of the upper vault, with a limit of four (4) if there is a full-sized burial in the lower chamber.  If only cremations and no full-sized burials are placed in the double crypt, the maximum allowed is six (6) cremations.

 

BURIAL RECEPTACLES:

Burial vaults shall be required for all grave interments, and shall be constructed of reinforced concrete, steel, or another approved product which meets performance requirements established by recognized associations within the vault industry, and found acceptable by the City.   All concrete vaults, including single and double lawn crypts, shall meet the Performance Standards established by the National Concrete Burial Vault Association (NCBVA).

Sectional grave liners shall not serve as a substitute for a vault.  Burial boxes more than (4) four feet in length will be classed as adult size.

 

INURNMENT CONTAINERS/GROUND BURIAL:

Inurnments may be made only in approved containers.  Cremated remains must be in a non-biodegradable, unbreakable container made of concrete, plastic or metal.  Cremation burial vaults are not required.  Urns composed of paper, cardboard, plastic bags, glass, ceramic, wood, or any other materials deemed unacceptable by the City of Saline, will not be accepted for inurnment. A Certificate of Cremation must accompany the cremains.

 

                                                      

IX-REMOVALS OR DISINTERMENTS

 

REMOVALS OR DISINTERMENTS:

The City holds that a burial space once used becomes a sacred ground and as guardians of the dead the City must refuse to open a grave or disinter a body except when approved by a duly authorized public official, according to law.

         See Section V. for REMOVAL OF THE INTERRED CREMAINS in columbaria & niches. For fees related to disinterments, please check the City of Saline Feebook.

 

 

X-PERPETUAL CARE

 

                       PERPETUAL CARE:

The purchase price of every grave space, crypt or niche in Oakwood Cemetery includes Perpetual Care.  Such care is made a part and condition of each sale, and a perpetual care fund has been set up for the general care and maintenance of roads and general properties.

A portion of the sale price of every grave space, crypt, or niche will be deposited in the Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund of the City of Saline where it will be administered without cost to the owners and with the maximum of safety.

Perpetual Care, as included in the sale price, shall consist of the mowing of all graves at reasonable intervals and such other items of maintenance as shall be deemed necessary by the City.

Perpetual Care does not include anything but the essential features of  a grave space, crypt, or niche maintenance, as it would be, manifestly unfair and unwise to raise the price of Perpetual Care to include all of the individual items of service and care required by some owners.  For the reason stated above, Perpetual Care will not include the repair, maintenance or replacement of any foundation, monument, marker, crypt, or niche front or other lot adornment nor will it include the watering of plants, urns, beds or cut flowers except as such work is done in the normal care incidental to regular maintenance.

Perpetual Care as outlined above will provide all the essential requirements of a well kept cemetery in which all lots will be under perpetual care, or care forever, without further expense to the lot owner.

 

 

XI-MAINTENANCE

 

GENERAL:

The general care of the Cemetery, for which the City assumes responsibility, includes the cutting of the grass at reasonable intervals, the raking and cleaning of the grounds, and the pruning of shrubs and trees placed by the City.

The general care assumed by the City shall in no case include the maintenance, repair, or replacement of any foundation, marker, monument, or memorial placed or erected upon lots by an owner or purchaser, nor the doing of any special or unusual work in the Cemetery, including work caused by the impoverishment of the soil, nor the reconstruction of any marble or granite work on any section, grave space, or niche, or any portion or portions thereof in the Cemetery, caused by the elements or hazards beyond the City's control.

 

SCHEDULED CLEAN-UPS:

Clean-ups will be done at Oakwood by the City two (2) times a year, approximate dates March 15, and October 15.  All foreign materials, except flowers, pots, saddles, and other decorations which are being maintained in good condition and are placed on the monument or marker in such a manner so as to not interfere with the care of the grounds around the monument or marker, shall be removed at those times.  The City will give proper notice in a newspaper of general circulation for no less than two (2) weeks prior to the date selected.

 

TREES AND SHRUBS:

The City reserves the right to effect any and all planting of trees and shrubs in the Cemetery.  The planting of trees and shrubs by individuals is strictly prohibited.  The City may remove and dispose without notice, trees or shrubs planted in violation of this rule.  

 

XII-DECORATIONS AND PLANTINGS

 

GENERAL:

No monument, vault, tomb, effigy, decoration, nor any structure whatever, nor any inscription thereof, which shall be determined by the Cemetery Sexton(s) to be improper, shall be placed in or upon any lot.  The City reserves the right to remove and dispose, without notice, any item deemed to be improper.

The following guidelines for grave decorations have been established to accommodate all families with loved ones interred at Oakwood Cemetery with consideration given to the close proximity of grave spaces with respect to privacy, maintenance, and overall serene atmosphere of the Cemetery. 

 

DECORATIONS ON BURIAL GRAVE SPACES (Other than flowers or prohibited items):

  • No decoration shall have a height greater than forty-eight (48) inches.
  • No decorations shall occupy an area greater than eighteen (18) inches by eighteen (18) inches.
  • Decorations shall be of a serene color and design so as to blend with the natural quiet setting of the cemetery.
  • No decoration shall be in a state of disrepair, faded, tattered, worn, or discolored to such an extent to be unsightly.
  • No decoration shall be allowed which is intended to generate sound.
  • All decorations shall be in good taste with respect to the tranquility of the interment of the dead.  Decorations are subject to removal and disposal, without notice, at the discretion of the City.  The City shall not be held responsible for any decorations damaged, removed, or discarded in order to make a burial or perform maintenance in the area.

                      

FLOWERS AND PLANTS:

•    Flowering bushes, vines, shrubs, or trees of any nature are not allowed.

•    In-ground planting of flowers are allowed adjacent to the stone, however, shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches from the face, side or back of the marker, nor exceed eighteen (18) inches in height.  Any grave space adjacent to a roadway or walkway shall be allowed to plant flowers adjacent to their stone within the walkway or green space between said stone and roadway.  The City reserves the right to effect the removal of any of the plantings in the walkway or green space if found to be objectionable or being poorly maintained.  In-ground planted areas shall be free of sod and weeds and should be contained within an approved commercial in-ground barrier.  Curbing, stone barriers and landscaping stones are not allowed.

•    Potted plants are allowed, however, they must be in a pot which will not crack or break.  Clay, plastic, or similar type pots are not recommended.  Broken or damaged pots will be removed and disposed of without notice by the City.

•   Arrangements of real or artificial flowers which become wilted, faded or unsightly will be removed.

•   On lots which do not have a stone (marker), potted plants or in-ground plantings will be allowed in an area to one end of the grave space and shall not exceed an area of twenty-four (24) inches long by eighteen (18) inches wide, and eighteen (18) inches in height.  Plantings shall be at the end of the grave in line with existing stones in the area. 

•   The City accepts no responsibility for flowers or pots damaged during routine maintenance.  All in-ground or potted flowers and plants shall be in good taste with respect to the tranquility of the interment of the dead.  Any plantings, pots, or in-ground barriers which are poorly maintained and become unsightly, are a maintenance problem, or are the subject of complaint (being placed on another’s grave space, whether intentional or not) are subject to removal and disposal, without notice, at the discretion of the City.

 

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

Items which are prohibited in the Cemetery include, but are not limited to, the following:

•    Hedges, wooden trellises, iron fencing or fences of any material.

       •    Corner markers, curbing, platforms, steps, or similar structures.

       •    Glass vases or bottles of any type with the exception of eternal lights made specifically for this purpose.

       •    Wooden crosses intended to identify a burial as a permanent marker.

 

SEASONAL DECORATIONS (Exceptions):

Special allowances for plants and decorations include the following:

•    Boxes for preservation of flowers, wreaths or other approved decorations will be allowed between November 1st and March 15th (winter months)

•    Decorative holiday material must be removed within ten (10) days after the event, with the exception of

     Christmas wreaths and blankets, which are allowed between November 1st and March 15th (winter months).

•    Flags for graves of service personnel (or others) may be placed on or adjacent to the stone, and may be left in

     place until they become faded, worn or unsightly.

Seasonal (special) decorations shall also meet the requirements of regular decorations.  The City shall not be held responsible for any decoration damaged, removed, or disposed of in order to make a burial or perform maintenance in the area.  Seasonal Decorations (Exceptions) do not apply to Columbaria & Niches    

 

COLUMBARIA & NICHE DECORATIONS:

See Section V. for other requirements for columbaria & niches.

 

 

XIII-EMPLOYEES

 

The City requires that all suggestions and complaints from grave space, crypt, or niche owners be made in writing at City Hall.

Owners are requested to report any error, neglect, carelessness or inactivity on the part of the employees of the Cemetery to City Hall at once.

Employees of the City or the Sexton(s) are not permitted to do any work for purchasers except upon orders of the City.  However, employees of the Clerk’s Office are permitted to show and sell available lots owned by the City, as necessary. 

It shall be the duty of the Sexton(s) to see that all Rules & Regulations are complied with and it is his/her duty to see that order is maintained and the best interests of the cemetery are protected and promoted.

No employee of the City or the Sexton(s) is permitted to accept any gratuity for any reason whatsoever.

 

 

XIV–RATES FOR Interment, Disinterment, Foundation and other SERVICES

The rates for interment, disinterment, monument foundations, grave or crypt sales, niche sales, and associated service rates are as established by the Saline City Council and listed in the Saline Feebook.  Rates for special services, repairs, or foundations shall be determined by the Cemetery Sexton(s).

 

XV-CEMETERY OFFICE

Cemetery records are maintained in the Saline City Clerk’s office located at the Saline Municipal Building, 100 North Harris Street, Saline, MI 48176.   Questions regarding the cemetery including records, maintenance, or arrangements for an interment should be made through the City Clerk’s office.   Telephone: (734) 429-4907 extensions 2209, 2216 or 2214. 

Cemetery Rules.last amended February 2, 2016