Citizens of Nowata continue to discuss issues at the Nowata Cemetery.

 

Monday evening's meeting of the Nowata City Commission turned tense during a discussion of the state of Nowata Memorial Cemetery.

 

The Nowata Cemetery Board held a special meeting last week to hear concerns from residents regarding an ordinance prohibiting structures and decorations that are not within the concrete plot paid for by an individual. City Manager Marie Gorley says it's difficult to enforce the ordinance with staffing shortages.

 

 

The cemetery sits in Ward One of the city limits, where Ward One Commissioner Cary Robinson has made attempts over the last three years to clean the cemetery up as much as possible. Gorley and Robinson sparred over the topic.

 

 

The Nowata Cemetery is located at 11-27 South Pecan Street in Nowata.