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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-04 Board of Cemetery Trustees Minutes1/ Town of Reading Board of Cemetery Trustees Wednesday, March 4, 1998 Pursuant to a meeting legally posted, the meeting of March 4, 1998 convened at 6:00 P.M. in the Berger Room, Reading Town Hall Annex, Reading, MA 01867 Present: Daniel F. Driscoll, Chairman John Silvaggi, Vice-Chairman Mary Vincent, Secretary William Brown Roc O'Connell Robert Keating, Superintendent of Cemeteries was also in attendance. Review of Past Meeting Minutes The minutes were accepted on a motion by William Brown, seconded by Roc O'Connell. Review of Parks and Forestry and Cemetery Division Consolidation with the Town Manager Due to the retirement of Bud Dickey, Supervisor of Forestry and the need to present a new budget to the Finance Committee the Town Manager, Peter Hechenbleikner and Director of Public Works, Ted McIntire joined the Trustees at this meeting. The Town Manager presented a plan to the Trustees outlining a re-organization and consolidation of Cemetery/Parks/Forestry into one department (see organization chart). This was the first look the Board had at this re-organization. This Department would be headed by Robert Keating as supervisor with a foreman for the Cemetery and a foreman for the Parks/Forestry reporting directly to him. The Cemetery Division and Parks/Forestry would share the cost of the Director resulting in a savings in the Town Budget of $50,000 the Town Manager reported. The Trustees had numerous questions on this matter. Superintendent Keating would be doing two full time jobs which have been consolidated to one, even though he would have the help of the two foremen. His job would also include the School Department maintenance of all grounds around school buildings. The Trustees questioned if additional clerical help would be needed and if a $50,000 savings would actually be realized. The Trustees realize what an excellent employee Robert Keating is and want to make certain that the caring and compassion he uses in Cemetery matters is not compromised by his extra work load. Town Manager Hechenbleikner and Director McIntire left the meeting. The Trustees asked Superintendent if he felt he would be able to do both jobs well. He felt with the help of both foremen he could do both jobs; while realizing they would have increased responsibilities in dealing with the public. He expressed his interest in trying the job as outlined. The meeting was suspended so that the Superintendent and the Trustees could attend the Finance Committee meeting. Due to the Time pressure, the Trustees reopened the meeting. The approval is based on the following conditions: ➢ A three month trial period to see if this is a workable situation. We will review with Superintendent Keating and James Francis, our liaison with the Finance Committee, at that time to see if all parties involved are satisfied with this new arrangement. ➢ The Cemetery Budget will be a separate line item as approved by the Trustees and Town Meeting. ➢ The Cemetery operations and maintenance will have top priority in the consolidation. ➢ The consolidation will be on a trial basis and completely reviewed in three months and again in six months so that the Trustees can be assured that the care and maintenance of the Cemeteries will not diminish and the interfacing with the bereaved residents will continue on a high level. The Cemetery Board would like to note that they retain the right of approval, with the Town Manager, on present and any future Cemetery Directors. New Business Superintendent Keating reported that the new rules and regulations signs are in for the cemeteries. William Brown suggested that the Seniors in the work program might he interested in helping clean the cemeteries after Memorial Day when flags must be picked up. Superintendent Keating will check on this. Discussion was held on the note the Cemetery holds on Wood End. The first two years we were paying interest only on monies spent. In April 1999 we start paying on the principle. Adjourn The meeting adjourned so we could attend budget presentation to the Finance Committee. The next meeting of the Trustees will be Tuesday, April 7, 1998 at 6:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, VV G"'j 0 V~"-~- Mary cent Secretary