HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/19/2021 07. Ordinance governing the spreading of human cremains in City Parks 1
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEM ENT
Item No. 7.
For Meeting of: October 19, 2021
ITEM TITLE: Ordinance governing the spreading of human cremains in City
Parks
SUBMITTED BY: Brooke Goosman, Senior Assistant City Attorney- 575-6278
Ken Wilkinson, Parks and Recreation Manager- 576-6416
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
The City of Yakima Parks and Recreation Department requests an ordinance to control the
spreading of human cremains (or ashes) in City Parks. This ordinance will ensure that those
desiring to spread human cremains in City Parks do so safely and without disrupting other
individuals' enjoyment of the park. The City of Yakima does not currently have a policy or
ordinance in place governing the scattering of human cremains in City Parks or on City Property.
The City of Yakima Department of Parks and Recreation wishes to have a process to maintain
records of the individuals who have had their cremains scattered in City Parks. The ordinance
imposes guidelines for the spreading of the cremains, a simple application process, and also
imposes a nominal fee for the permit.
ITEM BUDGETED: NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Trust and Accountability
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL BY THE CITY MANAGER
RECOM M ENDAT ION:
Pass ordinance.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date Type
CI Ordinance 10/7/2021 Ordinance
2
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-
AN ORDINANCE governing the spreading of human cremains in City parks, to include an
application process, imposition of a nominal fee, and rules regarding the
spreading of human cremains in City parks.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
Section 1. Section 13.16.190 entitled "Scattering of Human Cremains in City Parks" is
added as a new section to the Yakima Municipal Code and reads as follows:
13.16.190 Scattering of Human Cremains in City Parks.
A. Any individual desiring to scatter human cremains in a City Park must first file an
application with the City of Yakima Parks Department and pay a fee of$10.
B. Applications must be submitted at least 48 hours before the requested date.
C. After an application is approved and a permit granted, the ashes must be scattered:
1. At least 100 feet from any walkway or hard surface, playground, basketball court,
tennis court, parking lot, natural or manmade water feature, picnic table, or picnic shelter.
2. To complete dispersal, without any large pieces, fragments, or obvious piles
remaining.
3. In a way that does not disturb or disrupt the enjoyment of others using the park.
4. Without leaving behind any containers, urns, memorials, monuments, plaques,
photos, flowers, or any other markers at the site of dispersal.
D. If the scattering involves a group of more than ten people, a picnic shelter must be
reserved at an additional fee.
E. The permit should be in the possession of the person scattering the cremains at the time
of the event and must be provided to park staff if requested.
F. The violation of a provision of this section is an infraction, punishable by a fine of$50.
Section 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days after its passage,
approval, and publication as provided by law and by the City Charter.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, signed and approved this 19'h day of October, 2021.
ATTEST: Patricia Byers, Mayor
Sonya Clear Tee, City Clerk
Publication Date:
Effective Date: