Cemetery Commission Meeting: June 9, 2025

Present:  Lynne Grettum, Greg Miranda, Paul Constantino, Mike Warren, Melissa Cumming, O’Neill Mazyck

Absent:  None

The meeting was called to order by Chair Grettum at 7:05 P.M.

Review of Meeting Minutes from May 5, 2025: The meeting minutes from May 5, 2025 were reviewed by members and approved as written by unanimous vote, 4-0 (M. Cumming was missing for this vote).

Superintendent Report: (see attached report for details)

There were 2 cremation burials last month in Woodlawn 1986 and 1956 sections. The price on 10 burial lots sold in North Cemetery was corrected.

The monument company that installed a memorial in Woodlawn without pre-approval or supervision was contacted by Superintendent Mazyck.  They were informed of the proper procedures, and also came back and moved the memorial several inches to one side into the correct position.

A new leaning-tree in Parker II Cemetery was removed by the Highway Department.

Two new leaning trees in South Cemetery require removal; probably too big a job for H.D., most likely need to engage tree company.

Family members placing plastic flowers on grave in South Cemetery were informed that plastic decorations are not allowed by cemetery Rules and Regulations; asked to remove.

During recent burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, the hearse created a large rut due to soft ground from rain; the Highway Department will fix when manpower available.

Cemetery Plot Buyback: A request was made for the town to buy back one full lot out of a group of four from the Dean family in Woodlawn 1956 section.  The repurchase would be for the original price of $125.  Members questioned which specific lot out of the group was involved and whether the existing monument on one of the lots was properly located so as not to intrude on the lot for sale.  Superintendent Mazyck will inspect lots to insure proper location. A motion was made by M. Warren to see if Members would approve buying back lot number 37C/grave B in Woodlawn 1956 extension for the price of $125.  The motion was seconded by G. Miranda and approved by unanimous vote of 5-0.

FY25 Final Update and Year End Closing Items: The updated FY25 cemetery financials were presented by Chair Grettum.

The latest invoice from maintenance contractor Einstein was mistakenly lower than the contracted amount.  They will be contacted for correction so that excess charges aren’t invoiced at a later date.

Superintendent Mazyck has work planned in June that will expend the remaining funds in the Cemetery Miscellaneous account. The cost of planned ground radar inspection will come from the Cemetery Revolving account.

Long Range Plan – Continued: The final draft of the LRP was reviewed by the SelectBoard and generated a variety of questions.  A meeting between SelectBoard and Cemetery Commission members is planned for July 9 in order to discuss the report and any resulting questions.  Some known questions include:How many new lots might be created if the approximately one acre of unused land adjacent to Woodlawn Cemetery were to be developed? – Calculating based on the square footage of individual full lots, one acre equals about 1200 lots although that doesn’t account for area required for roads and footpaths so the actual number will be lower.

What is the value of all current unsold lots in various cemeteries (mainly Woodlawn and South)? – Value will be estimated by Chair Grettum prior to meeting.

Would maintenance expense be decreased by mandating flat markers in the future? – No, not for existing cemetery areas due to existing memorials.  Maybe, if new area was developed.

Question about size (area?) of existing cemeteries, although current inventory of lots is listed? – The acreage of cemeteries can be added to the report if desired.

Question about stated trend away from full burials towards cremation burials? – Trend is accurate though there might be confusion based on one of the tables in report.  Further information may be added.

Question regarding number of cremation burials allowed in single full lot; why not more? – Members don’t agree with allowing more than 4 cremations in full lot, with concerns about actual space required for additional burials, space for listing occupants on appropriate memorials, and undignified crowding.  None of the area towns surveyed allow for more than 4 cremains in one lot.

Question about actual requirements in MGL requiring towns to “provide burial space”? – Specific language from appropriate MGL will be discussed at meeting.

Question about ability to cover maintenance expenses using perpetual care funds? – This is not a practical financial structure for cemetery maintenance in the current day; to be explained at meeting.

Question about long-term capital plan? – To be discussed.  No capital projects expected in next 5 years.  Cemetery expansion likely required in 10-year time frame.  May be too early to estimate cost of developing land in Woodlawn or constructing Columbarium given inflation expectations?

Question about creating more lots in undeveloped portion of South Cemetery when Woodlawn is more desired location? – All currently available land in Woodlawn has been designated; cheaper to use existing area in South.

Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours before meeting

None.

Schedule Next Meeting: Members decided not to hold a meeting in July.  Next scheduled meeting expected on Monday August 11, 2025.  A motion was made to adjourn, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 8:38 P.M.

Submitted by Greg Miranda, Clerk