HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-01-07 Board of Cemetery Trustees MinutesTown of Reading
Board of Cemetery Trustees
Tuesday, January 7, 1997
Pursuant to a meeting notice legally posted, the meeting of January 7, 1997 convened at 7:30
P.M. in the Berger Room, Reading Town Hall Annex, Reading, MA.
Present: Daniel F. Driscoll, Chairman
John Silvaggi, Vice-Chairman
Mary Vincent, Secretary
William Brown
Roc O'Connell
Randolph Harrison
Robert Keating, Superintendent of Cemeteries was also in attendance.
Review of Past Meeting Minutes
On a motion by Randolph Harrison, seconded by William Brown, the minutes were accepted
unanimously. (There was no meeting on December 10, 1996 as the Committee did not have a
quorum.)
FY 98 Budget Update
Superintendent Keating reported that the Selectmen will be reviewing our budget next week. On
Form D - 1998 Budget - Supplies - Water/Sewer has been reduced $1050. The Cemetery will not
be charged for water used on open spaces, the Cemeteries themselves. Superintendent Keating
stated the change in charges for water usage was obtained with the help of Ted McIntire of the
Department of Public Works and Town Manager, Peter Hechenbleikner.
Wood End Update
A problem has arisen at Wood End with the deer population eating the vegetation which has been
planted at the site. Superintendent Keating is working on this problem.
Rule Book Review
On-going discussion on the Rule Book by the Trustees with no official changes made at this
meeting. The Trustees reviewed the transfer of deeds outlined in the book, but no vote was
taken. This will be discussed at our February meeting.
Pricing Review for FY98
The Board reviewed all prices currently charged by the Division. The last price increase was in
1993. Some of the points discussed were:
1. Same price of lots at Wood End as at Charles Lawn?
2. Should non-residents pay a higher fee than residents who are tax payers now?
3. Should there be a price increase?
More discussion on this at a later meeting. Superintendent Keating would like any increases to be
in place by April 1, 1997.
New Business
Superintendent Keating informed the Board of a recent problem at Laurel Hill. While preparing
for a burial at one of the old family plots, the men hit ledge. An outside contractor had to be
called in a cost of $350. This particular case was paid for by the Town. Superintendent Keating
will keep track of this problem and how often it occurs. He advised the Board that if the problem
keeps happening at Laurel Hill, some of this cost may have to be passed on to the lot owners.
The Laurel Hill lots are not laid out as are the rest of the lots in the other cemeteries. He will
keep us updated on this situation.
William Brown asked about lighting the flags at the cemeteries if they are flown after dark.
The Meeting adjourned at 9:20 P.M. The next meeting will be Tuesday, February, 11, 1997 at
7:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
MarR R. cent, Secretary
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