In this case it reaching that point makes a glimmer of sense. No individual has the authority in this case to say “Hey - this is tragic and we need to make an exception to take care of our employee.”
Public employees have very little discretion on things like this. I work in government, and sometimes our hands are 100% tied by code. The difference between private and public rules is that changing or making exceptions to many of our rules requires public hearings and action from elected officials.
I spent an hour today walking a citizen through a process where they were going to have to apply for a permit that I would then deny so they could appeal my decision to P&Z and then Council, and how the 30-day mailed notification requirements to neighbors prior to each meeting combined with the meeting schedules would mean that it couldn’t go to P&Z until their March meeting, and then Council in May (because the notification letter for Council has to include the P&Z recommendation).
I think what they’re wanting to do is fine, but I don’t have the authority to make that decision.