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.