City Council

[quickhelp]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Iowa

I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.

My problem is, we have been mowing our family plots at the city cemetery for the past 10+ years. The city puts the contract up for bid yearly and the winner mows the cemetery. Until recently the winner never had a problem with us mowing our plots. This year the city council sent myself and others (that mow their own plots) a letter saying we would be fined every time we mow our plots. Each time the fine doubling.

My question is: Is it legal for the city to fine us for something we have done for many years? Could an attorney take legal action against the city if they pursue the fines?

I guess I don't understand, how they can tell us to stop. Would something like this not be grandfathered in, should they pass a law? And since we own the plots, shouldn't we have the right to maintain them as long as we don't disrupt others plots?

I truly believe it all stems from complaints to the city that the individual plots are being maintained at a higher level then the rest of the cemetery.

Anyway I appreciate any and all answers.

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by quickhelp

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Iowa

I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.

My problem is, we have been mowing our family plots at the city cemetery for the past 10+ years. The city puts the contract up for bid yearly and the winner mows the cemetery. Until recently the winner never had a problem with us mowing our plots. This year the city council sent myself and others (that mow their own plots) a letter saying we would be fined every time we mow our plots. Each time the fine doubling.

My question is: Is it legal for the city to fine us for something we have done for many years? Could an attorney take legal action against the city if they pursue the fines?

I guess I don't understand, how they can tell us to stop. Would something like this not be grandfathered in, should they pass a law? And since we own the plots, shouldn't we have the right to maintain them as long as we don't disrupt others plots?

I truly believe it all stems from complaints to the city that the individual plots are being maintained at a higher level then the rest of the cemetery.

Anyway I appreciate any and all answers.

**A: under what ordinance is it stated that you can't mow your own? Where is it in writing?