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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-13 Board of Cemetery Trustees MinutesOrq O Town of Reading Meeting Minutes X[OPPO�Xou Board - committee - commission - council: Board of Cemetery Trustees Date: 2023-03-13 Time: 6:OOPM Building: Address: Location: Berger RM NECEIVEU TOWN CLERK REAntai,.. hAA.K) 2623 JUN 14 AH 10: 30 Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Virginia Blodgett, William Brown, Ron Stortz, Caitlin Salmon, Brian Boyle, Cad McFadden Members - Not Present: Sally Hilgendorff Others Present: Michael Hannaford, Supervisor; Michael O'Halloran, Administrative Specialist Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Caitlin Salmon Topics of Discussion: Town of Reading Board of Cemetery Trustees Monday, March 13, 2023 Pursuant to a meeting legally posted, the meeting of March 13, 2023 convened at 6:02 P.M. in person in the Berger Room at Reading Town Hall. Present: Virginia Blodgett, Chairman Ron Starz, Vice Chairman Caitlin Salmon, Secretary Carl McFadden Brian Boyle William Brown Brian Boyle Absent: Sally Hilgendorff Also Present: Michael Hannaford, Supervisor; Michael O'Halloran, Administration 1 0= u Called to order at 6:02 by Virginia Blodgett. Page I 1 41:-)i Town of Reading Meeting Minutes The minutes of January 17, 2023 were reviewed and approved by a vote of 4-0, on a motion by Ron and seconded by Bill. Discussion Request for Waiver on Monument Regulations Barrett representatives — Wanting to follow through on Mother's wishes • Two grave lot in Laurel Hill — wanting 4 feet wide by 4 feet high stone (allowed 3 by 3) • parents were not aware of the guidelines. Hoping to be able to have names side by side, which would be squished on the 3 by 3 stone. • Lots of variety at Laurel Hill for sizes of stones. • Would have to see the actual location to see if there would be implications going with bigger on the stone. • Have Mike examine the location to make sure it wouldn't cause grounds crews movability issues wound stones when cutting grass. • Revisit at next meeting after Mike sees — Board is open and family is willing to go to a 3.5 by 3.5. • Motion by Ginny, second Ron. Request by Veterans Agent — Will Valliere — would the Board allow two markers on single grave. • VA won't print 2 names (brothers) on one marker. • Would the family be willing to pay to have it done? • It would set a precedent for others if allowed two markers on one grave space. • Table and have Will Valliere contact VA again — question why would they print husband and wife's names on one marker but not allow brothers names to be printed together? Historic Headstones • Mike believes Rob Sumbian took about 12 headstones over the winter. • Some were more work than expected, but are being fixed. • Funding is still being taken out of the Cemetery Budget. • 2 quotes — 9 stones with bases $3300 (3 bases — that were broken - $125) • Jane did send Ginny a grant that would be a matching funds grant — but the Town would have to write the grant. However, this particular grant had a deadline of early March so it was missed for this yew. But the Town could try again next yew. • Can a representative go to a Select Board Meeting and ask if the Town can approve funding — Bill will follow up on it — Bill will ask to be placed on the agenda. Page 12 WTown of Reading Meeting Minutes • Could Jayne create an article with before and after pictures of the stones for members of the Town to see the repairs? Marking, of Veterans Gravesat Laurel Hill • Ginny has been doing a lot of research — combining all the lists of the Old Cemetery of graves that are being marked for Veterans day (none of the lists match up) • Wondering if there are guidelines for what determined some stones as veterans? • Some are being marked that died before the Revolution — Government states that a veteran is from April 19, 1775. • Many, even with titles marked on the grave, were in the Militia before the Revolution — therefore should they be considered veterans? • Ginny will bring all the information to the meeting held when we discuss the marking of graves for Memorial Day. It will further be discussed then. ownership of Lots • Is there a market for lots? • Are there many lots that are sold but not used? General Business Still having dog issues —are the regulations enforceable (Wood End and Laurel Hill are the worst) Wood End — People are thinking that they can enter the Town Conservation through the Cemetery. Next Meeting — Monday, May 15, 2023. Adjou The meeting adjourned at 7::03 PM. By Bill Seconded by Carl. C,2�lC�tvG, GDTiuAlC9�s�raw Respectfully submitted, Caitlin Salmon, Secretary Page 13