Sheldon, Iowa — “Potter’s Field”, an area set aside for the burial of indigents, will no longer exist after an amendment to the Sheldon East Lawn Cemetery ordinance is passed by the Sheldon City Council. Curiously, the Council was told at their meeting Wednesday that there are only two known City-sponsored indigent burials in the cemetery and they are not even in the officially designated Potter’s Field. Also, it was learned that the shed in the cemetery has been standing on the Potter’s Field since it was built 50 years ago.
In other new business Wednesday, the Council formalized the City’s commitment to help fund the golf course with payments totaling $15,000 for this budget year. They also committed $20,000 to the Rides transportation service, and gave their approval to the hiring of Eric Meincke as a full time police officer. The Council also heard the list of Mayoral appointments to city boards and commissions. It was noted that there is still a need for people to fill positions on several of the boards and commissions.
The Council heard from Karen and Peter Vanden Berg concerning several sewer backups at their residence on 821 11th Street, the most recent occurring June 5th. Vanden Bergs were not only concerned about the damage that resulted, but also the possibility that their insurance company will not renew their policy in the future. They told the Council they felt there is a need for the City to do more exploration of the sewer lines to prevent these problems. Since the Vanden Berg’s claim for damages was denied by the City’s insurance company, the Council requested they provide documentation of the additional damages. The city attorney will then draft an indemnification agreement. Both of which will be presented to the Council at their next meeting.
The final item at the meeting was a thorough presentation of preliminary plans for development of the new Crossroads Community Park.
