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LOCKPORT -- Woodward Township supervisors discussed a request for financial assistance from the Dunnstown Cemetery Association and potential zoning ordinance amendments during their recent meeting.
Representatives of the Dunnstown Cemetery Association asked the township to consider a financial contribution to help maintain the historic cemetery, which the association estimates will face a $7,500 operating deficit next year.
The cemetery was incorporated in 1948 as a nonprofit organization. Its funding comes primarily from burial fees and an irrevocable trust fund, along with support from the Clinton County veterans program to maintain more than 600 veterans' graves.
However, representatives said those funding sources are no longer sufficient to cover operating costs.
Although the association reduced its operating expenses by approximately $2,300 during the last fiscal year, rising fuel and labor costs and lower investment returns are expected to create a shortfall.
The cemetery covers approximately 6 to 6.5 acres, and mowing costs alone exceed $20,000, representatives said. The association also maintains the grounds, straightens displaced headstones, fills sunken graves and places flags at veterans' graves.
Supervisors discussed whether the township could legally contribute and how any public funding could be accounted for.
The association said it would be willing to provide additional financial information for the board to review.
Supervisors agreed to revisit the request at their November meeting after reviewing the information. No donation was approved during the meeting.
Supervisors continued discussions about proposed amendments to the township's zoning ordinance, including standardizing building setbacks, changing requirements for commercial storage facilities and potentially establishing clearer rules for keeping chickens in residential areas.
One proposed amendment would make yard setbacks more consistent across zoning districts. Current requirements vary, with some properties subject to 35-foot, 30-foot or 25-foot setbacks.
The proposed changes would generally establish a 25-foot setback, which could give property owners in some areas more flexibility when adding features such as front porches.
Supervisors also discussed allowing storage units on commercially zoned properties without requiring applicants to seek approval from the zoning hearing board in every case.
Under the current rules, storage facilities are a permitted use but require zoning hearing board approval. A change could shift the approval process to the zoning officer, potentially reducing costs associated with zoning hearings.
The board also discussed developing rules for residents who keep chickens, saying they have received complaints and want regulations that allow residents to keep a reasonable number of chickens while ensuring the animals are properly contained and maintained.
Possible restrictions could be based on property size, with smaller residential lots permitted fewer chickens than larger properties.
The board discussed researching other municipalities' ordinances to help develop appropriate limits.
The proposed amendments will be drafted for further consideration, with the goal of advertising the changes for a future meeting. No zoning amendments were adopted during the meeting.