Proposal to Designate Natural Burial Areas in Plainfield Cemetery
The Township Board considered a resolution to set aside specific areas in Plainfield Cemetery for "green burials," also known as natural burials. The exact locations were to be shown on a map (Exhibit A) attached to the resolution. This item appeared on the April 13, 2026, board agenda.
Timeline
- Natural burial sections listed for designation from agenda · published Apr 9, 2026
This item appeared at a past meeting, but minutes or final action evidence are not in the local record yet. Action may have been taken not yet represented here.
Key facts
- A resolution was proposed to designate certain areas in the Plainfield Township Cemetery for natural burials.
- The specific locations were identified after a survey of the cemetery, located at 6205 Packer Drive NE, and were meant to be detailed in an attachment (Exhibit A).
- The resolution defines a 'natural burial section' as an area for green burials designated by a Township Board resolution, as allowed by a previously adopted ordinance (Ordinance No. 2026-01).
- If passed, the resolution would have taken effect immediately.
Discretion or exceptions
- The Township Board would have the discretion to change the size of the designated sections in the future through a new resolution. (Source: "The Township reserves the right to further increase or decrease the size of the natural burial sections by further resolution adopted from time to time.")
Who could be affected
- Residents interested in natural or 'green' burial options in Plainfield Township
- Families planning burials at the Plainfield Township Cemetery
What could change
- Portions of the Plainfield Township Cemetery would be reserved only for green burials. (Source: "The locations depicted and further described in Exhibit A are approved by the Township as natural burial sections and are reserved solely for green burials.")
- The Township Board could increase or decrease the size of these natural burial areas by passing new resolutions in the future. (Source: "The Township reserves the right to further increase or decrease the size of the natural burial sections by further resolution adopted from time to time.")
What to watch
- Which specific sections of the cemetery are designated for natural burials under the proposal, and what is their size? (The provided documents reference an 'Exhibit A' with a map, but the map itself is not included.)
- What, if any, specific rules, regulations, or fees apply to burials in these designated natural burial sections?
Questions to check
- The map (Exhibit A) showing the proposed locations for natural burial sections is referenced but not included in the provided documents.
- The resolution does not specify the rules, costs, or requirements for a 'green burial' within these sections.
Main source pages
These packet pages are the main source material for this item.
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Resolution and exhibit clearly support this agenda item.
Supporting records
These related records help explain the item, including the agenda listing, staff explanation, and draft text.
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Consider the resolution to designate natural burial sections in the Plainfield Cemetery
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A RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE CERTAIN PORTIONS OF THE TOWNSHIP CEMETERY AS NATURAL BURIAL SECTIONS At a regular meeting of the Plainfield Charter Township Board, Kent County, Michigan, held in the Township Hall on the 13 th of April, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the following Resolution was offered for adoption by Township Board Member _____________ and was seconded by Township Board Member ____________:
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“AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 32, ARTICLE III, ENTITLED ‘CEMETERIES’ OF THE PLAINFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP CODE OF ORDINANCES.” WHEREAS, pursuant to the Ordinance, a “natural burial section” means a portion of a cemetery designated for green burials in accordance with a resolution adopted by the Township Board. WHEREAS, the Township surveyed the Plainfield Township Cemetery located at 6205 Packer Drive NE, Belmont, MI…
Meeting history
Agenda and minutes records showing when this item appeared and what procedural step it reached over time.
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The item appeared on the Board of Trustees Meeting agenda: Consider the resolution to designate natural burial sections in the Plainfield Cemetery Consider the resolution to designate natural burial sections in the Plainfield Cemetery
Accuracy note
Civic Desk summarizes public records to make local issues easier to follow. Mistakes, omissions, or outdated details are possible, especially when an issue is still moving through meetings. Before relying on an item for an important decision, verify the details in the linked source documents or with the township directly.