Exercise 6.2

A request to relocate a local cemetery in order to make room for a supermarket was denied during Tuesday night’s city council meeting, along with a new tax and licensing fees for morticians.

The request for the rezoning came from local developer Carl Erskine, who offered to cover the costs of moving the graves to a different cemetery. He reasoned that the area of town in question needed a his development.

“There’s not another supermarket for at least a mile and a half in any direction,” Erskine said.

When the mayor asked for questions, it was clear that community members in the audience disapproved of the idea. Consequently, the council voted 5–2 to deny the rezoning petition.

The audience was overjoyed with the results of the vote, and filed out after a celebratory cheer. The meeting then proceeded to other items of business.

Councilwoman Wilma Rudolph proposed a 1 cent sales tax, arguing it was crucial for the city.

“ The city desperately needs this money,” Rudolph said, “or there is a chance that we’ll have to start laying off workers next year.”

The proposed tax would raise about $400,000 for the city over the next year. This money would make layoffs unnecessary, and provide money for expansion. The council approved the tax with a 5–2 vote.

Finally, the meeting addressed a proposal to license morticians. Councilman Mazeroski proposed the bill, arguing that the fees would bring in additional city revenue.

However, there was some question as to the legality of this measure. As a result, the council tabled the motion by a 6–1 vote, and the meeting was adjourned.

A petition to rezone a local graveyard was denied during Tuesday night’s city council meeting, thanks to the large turnout of community members who were determined to preserve the