LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — A cease and desist issued to the owner of a Scott cemetery resulted in the cemetery’s owner appealing to the Lafayette Parish Council. In a unanimous vote, the Lafayette parish council approved Kevin Medard’s appeal to obtain the necessary permits to continue burial ceremonies.

Menard, the owner of Serenity Memorial Gardens Cemetery, appeared in front of the Lafayette Parish Council for a second time, to appeal being denied a preliminary plat. The denial stemmed from the Parish Planning Commission determining Menard did not obtain the proper permits to bury bodies in the cemetery.

Although Menard obtained state permits, Lafayette City Parish Attorney Patrick Ottinger said local permits like a plat are needed before the operation and burials can begin.

“It’s not an issue of zoning, but an issue of having plats approved as required by the ordinance,” Ottinger said.

The cease and desist ordering Menard to stop burial activities without having the proper permits, resulted in Menard making his first appeal in February of this year. Last month a 2-2 vote with an absentee councilman resulted in a split decision. However, Menard’s second appeal proved he had been taking the necessary steps to obtain the plat, leading council members to vote unanimously in his favor.

Menard’s attorney, Nick Rockforte, said both he and his client are satisfied with the council’s decision.

“We followed the law, we met the code, and therefore this should have been granted, and thankfully the council saw that way as well,” Rockforte said.

Although there are stipulations Menard must follow, he can continue the process of obtaining the necessary permits, ultimately leading to Menard’s goal of owning and operating a cemetery.

Rockforte said he is well on his way since he has gotten approval for the plat approval now and is going to move forward and continue with the work that needs to be done.

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