The Zachary City Council met last Tuesday to ratify action taken at its Nov. 27 meeting that pertains to the adoption of a resolution amending the Home Rule Charter.

Based on results from the Nov. 6 election, the Council authorized an amendment, which states that the Zachary City Council can now borrow money at a low interest rate of 0.95 percent without a vote from the people.

The measure allows the loans for infrastructure projects only and the money can only be borrowed from the State Bond Commission after proving it can be paid back.

Bonds supported by property or sales taxes would still require voter approval.

The Nov. 6 election showed that the HRC amendment received 4,757 votes in favor of and 2,648 votes against.

In other City Council action:

• The council approved an alcohol waiver for Zachary High Baseball's annual silent auction and dinner. This year the fundraiser will be held in the Broncos' fieldhouse at Zachary Youth Park.

• The Council recognized the Zachary Fire Department Union for its $500 donation to the Zachary Food Pantry.

Mayor David Amrhein said the donation, in addition to funds raised at the Pack the Pantry in November and other contributions from various organizations, brings the total amount donated to the Zachary Food Pantry to nearly $30,000.

"That's really incredible when you think of how much we've raised in such a short time," Amrhein said.

ZFD Capt. Chris Young said the donation is a gift to the community.

• Public hearings were held for the rezoning of several lots, including one on Plank Road from rural to industrial.

"We're hoping to build an industrial park in Zachary," said former Zachary City Councilman Randy Bouley, who is now with developer E.J. Cop. "If the project succeeds, it will house a business and technology park, maybe one or two restaurants and potentially have walking trails that link to a nearby BREC park."

The plot of land has been annexed into the city and is 78 acres, with 20-25 designated as undevelopable, Bouley said.

Bouley is working with Kate MacArthur, the economic developer for the Chamber and City of Zachary.

• The council heard from Carolyn Jacobi, the CEO and founder of Eternal Justice of Maryland, regarding several complaints about the Zachary Public Cemetery. Jacobi produced a receipt for "a grave and the opening and closing of the grave."

She asked the council why there was a bill at all since the cemetery maintains it doesn't charge for plots.

Other complaints include misplaced, sunken and unmarked graves, as well as unmaintained burial records.

The cemetery is privately-owned and overseen by the Zachary Public Cemetery Maintenance Commission and presided over by Robert Snowden.

"Mrs. Jacobi is misinformed," Snowden said. "The only thing that costs anything is the amount it takes to dig a grave and that costs $500. It costs about $1,200 to cut the grass and that money has got to come from somewhere."

"As a city, we've done all we can do," said Amrhein. "But I don't play the blame game. I play the fixing game, and if we all work together, I'm sure we can get to the bottom of who is responsible and fix this."

The next Zachary City Council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on  Tuesday, Jan. 8.

Agendas to the meetings are published online at http://www.cityofzachary.org. Click on the Meetings & Events link and then Agendas & Minutes.