There shouldn’t be any more complaints about how the City of Alpena’s cemeteries are maintained prior to Memorial Day.

In 2010, a few people complained about the long grass and weeds around tombstones during the holiday devoted to U.S. servicemen and women.

City council asked staff to initially take bids from private companies interested in the operation and maintenance of Evergreen, Hebrew and Grace Lutheran cemeteries – all located off Washington Avenue.  However, when the bids came in, council realized the city wouldn’t save much if any money going that route, and none of the bidders were considered qualified by staff.

The Municipal Council this week, agreed to hire a lawn service company to make sure grass at the cemeteries is mowed and in top shape prior to Memorial Day.  The company will only be used before to the holiday and only if city staff cannot maintain cemetery grounds on its own.

The city will pay the company a little more than $1,300 to mow the grass one time at all three cemeteries.