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City Seeks Alternatives For Protecting Cemetery

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: January 23, 2009

Updated:

TARPON SPRINGS - The city's recent attempt to solicit proposals from firms interested in installing a security lighting system at Cycadia Cemetery met with disappointing results.

The city issued a request for information to determine whether firms would bid on installation of a solar-powered, motion-activated security lighting system around the perimeter of the cemetery.

Interim City Manager Mark LeCouris said the city received a letter of interest from only one firm. It suggested a lighting system costing approximately $162,000. It would have ringed the cemetery's perimeter and would not have been controlled by sensors.

City officials deemed the cost of the proposed lighting system too expensive and the suggested layout inappropriate for the cemetery, LeCouris said.

The system's lights would remain on all the time, costing the city hundreds of dollars in electrical costs. In addition, the perimeter of the city-owned cemetery on Keystone Road would be illuminated like a football field or mall parking lot.

"No one would want that," LeCouris said.

Police and staff are working on other options, LeCouris said. Meanwhile police have stepped up patrols of the cemetery at night, he said.

City officials wanted a security setup that would have used sensors to activate the system's lights in response to nighttime intrusion attempts, alerting police, LeCouris said.

Given the steep slump in the state's construction industry, it was surprising that more security or lighting firms did not submit a proposal in response to the city's request for information, LeCouris said. Staff likely will meet and see if the RFI can be revised to attract more interest, he said.

The city began researching security improvements last year, after incidents in which intruders vandalized or stole portions of grave markers. There have been no recent reports of damage from vandals, LeCouris said.

It is hard to protect the cemetery from vandalism because there are so many places through which someone can gain access, LeCouris said. The block wall surrounding the cemetery is only knee high.

Security cameras could be placed at the front gate, but that would not capture the image of vandals who entered from other areas, LeCouris explained.

Within the interior of the cemetery light poles would have to be strategically placed in order to be aesthetically pleasing and not interfere with grave plots or maintenance.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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