This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Blackman Charter
Township Cemetery Ordinance."
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
BURIAL SPACE
Pursuant to MCLA § 128.11, a lot or portion thereof
in any cemetery designed and intended for the interment of human bodies
or of a human body, but not used for such purpose.
INTERMENT
The disposition of the remains of a deceased person by burial.
MARKER
A memorial flush with the ground.
MONUMENT
A tombstone or memorial of granite or marble which shall
extend above the surface of the ground.
OWNER
Any person owning or possessing the privileges or right of
interment in any burial space.
RESIDENT
A person whose primary mailing address is within the Township.
Cemetery lots or burial spaces remaining vacant 60 years from
the date of their sale shall automatically revert to the Township
upon occurrence of the following events:
A. Notice
shall be sent by the Township Clerk by first-class mail to the last
known address of the last owner of record informing him of the expiration
of the sixty-year period and that all rights with respect to said
lots or spaces will be forfeited if he or she does not affirmatively
indicate in writing to the Township Clerk within 60 days from the
date of mailing of the notice his desire to retain said burial rights.
B. No
written response to said notice indicating a desire to retain the
cemetery lots or burial spaces in question is received by the Township
Clerk from the last owner of record of said lots or spaces, or his
heirs or legal representative, within 60 days from the date of mailing
of said notice.
The Township may repurchase any cemetery lots or burial space
from the owner for 75% of the original price paid the Township upon
written request of said owner or his legal heirs or representatives.
Proof of ownership acceptable to the Clerk shall be required.
All burials, except for the remains of a cremation, shall be
within a standard concrete vault installed or constructed in each
burial space before interment.
The Township Board authorizes the Township Clerk to appoint
a cemetery sexton. The sexton shall only be paid from fees collected
by the Township for the services rendered by the sexton. These fees
shall be set by Board resolution.
Any person, firm or corporation who violates any of the provisions
of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject
to a fine of up to $100 and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days in jail
as may be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. Each day
that a violation continues to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
Any criminal prosecutions hereunder shall not prevent civil proceedings
for abatement and termination of the activity complained of.