CEMETERY COMMITTEE MINUTES

October 7, 2009

3:30 pm

ROOM B

AUDREY P. BECK BUILDING

DRAFT

Present: Isabelle Atwood (Chair), Barry Burnham, Rudy Favretti, Winston Hawkins, Mary Landeck,

Staff present: Lon Hultgren, Mary Stanton, Carolyn Stearns (Sexton)

• Minutes- The minutes of the August 8, 2009 meeting were approved as presented.

• Maintenance- Committee members discussed the damage being done by the maintenance crew in the Mount Hope, Gurleyville and Gurley Cemeteries.  By consensus the Committee agreed that Lon Hultgren would write a sternly worded letter that expressed the Committee’s wish that the crew show respect for the Town’s historical cemeteries while at the same time letting them know that it is not necessary to be meticulous around the grave stones.

• Restoration – Committee members Landeck and Burnham updated the other members on their review of the maintenance and restoration work that needs to be done in the cemeteries.  Members agreed that Mike Landeck and Kenny Pelletier (Quintana’s) would be able to do the majority of the work.  Mary Landeck and Carolyn Stearns (Sexton) will coordinate the efforts.  Additionally Mary Landeck will talk to Kenny Pelletier about repairing the brown monolith in the Mansfield Center Cemetery.  At this time the Committee would like Quintana’s to fill the space with the designated mixture.  If they are unable to do the work, Ms. Landeck will contact Jonathan Appell of Gravestone Preservation.

• Riverside Burying Grounds – The Committee reviewed the rules and regulations and the scattering authorization for the Riverside Burying Ground.  By consensus the members agreed the price for scattering would be $175.00.   If a memorial plaque is desired the family would be able, facilitated by the Town, to purchase a plaque at the current rate.  A number of other suggested changes will be incorporated in the documents.  The Town Clerk will include the new information in the redesign of the Active Cemetery Rules and Regulations brochure.  Prior to the opening of the Riverside Burying Grounds the new regulations and accompanying information will be provided to the Town Council.  After which time the information will be posted on the Town’s website and a press release issued.
• Other – Prior to the next meeting Rudy Favretti and Lon Hultgren will design signs indicating the rules and regulations for Gurley Cemetery and Riverside Burying Grounds.
• Committee members approved the 2010 meeting scheduled as presented by staff.

The meeting adjourned at 4:34 P M.

Mary Stanton, Town Clerk