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Discussion of Green Burial
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is for the Board to discuss green burial and consider amending the Town Code to allow for Green Burial in Old Carrboro Cemetery.
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DEPARTMENT: Town Manager’s Office & Public Works Department
CONTACT INFORMATION: Rebecca Buzzard, Project Manager, 919-918-7438, & Joe Guckavan, Public Works Director, 919-918-7427
INFORMATION: In September 2014, Ellie Kinnaird, Former Mayor of Carrboro, addressed the Board of Aldermen requesting that the Town permit green burial. In response to this request, the Board of Aldermen asked that Town Staff research green burial and it’s feasibility for Carrboro Cemeteries. The Manager’s Office staff and Public Works staff conducted research and presented a report to the Board in February, 2015. Agenda item materials can be found here: <https://carrboro.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2166194&GUID=EB05B333-65BA-4D52-91F9-24CFA218F265&Options=&Search>= The Board of Aldermen asked questions related to cemetery plot availability for Carrboro residents, the cost of cemetery maintenance, and the possibility of green burial. Town staff have been working on an analysis of the overall ‘health’ of the cemeteries and will come back to the Board with a report that addresses those questions. This report (Attachment I) is focused solely on the permissibility and feasibility of green burial in Town owned cemeteries. Chapter 13 of the Town Code is included as Attachment II and a proposed amendment to Chapter 13, which would allow for green burial in Old Carrboro Cemetery, is included as Attachment III. Attachment IV is a question and answer sheet from the Green Burial Council.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: Fiscal and staff impact will be minimal but will vary based on the Board’s decision.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends that the Board of Aldermen accept the report on green burial and decide whether to amend the Town Code to permit green burial in Old Carrboro Cemetery or to continue to study the matter.