HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-02-02 Board of Cemetery Trustees MinutesTown of Reading
Board of Cemetery Trustees
Tuesday - February 2, 1993
Pursuant to a meeting legally posted, the meeting of February 2, 1993 convened
at 7:30 P.M. in the Library Meeting Room, Town Library.
Present: Joyce K. Miller, Chairman
Daniel F. Driscoll, Secretary
Carl H. Amon
Edward F. Fuller
John Silvaggi
James J. Sullivan
Director Robert Keating of the Cemetery Division was also present.
1. Secretary's Report
Mr. Amon moved, Mr. Fuller Seconded and it was unanimously voted to accept
the Secretary's minutes of the January 5, 1993 Trustees Meeting.
2. Hearing on Batchelder Field as a Cemetery Site
Approximately 30 to 35 abuttors and/or individuals interested in the pro-
posed transfer and use of Batchelder Field as a cemetery were present for
a public hearing conducted by the Board of Cemetery Trustees.
Chairman Miller opened the meeting with a brief history of the three existing
cemeteries and the necessity of developing a fourth cemetery. She explained
that after a comprehensive search of all available Town owned land in Reading,
Batchelder Field was the only site which could be utilized for a cemetery.
Director Keating outlined, using an area map, the approximately eight plus
acres which the cemetery would occupy. He explained how a path beside the
cemetery would be set aside for pedestrian and equestrian access to the horse
ring and recreation and hiking area in the rear.
Ben Nichols, Chairman of the Land Bank Committee outlined the available Town
and privately owned land in Reading.
The attendees participated in a lengthy discussion regarding the recreation
area, including it's access, possible increased traffic on Franklin Street
and the landscaping and allowing headstones versus flat markers as in Charles
Lawn. The question of property values was also raised.
Chairman Miller and Director Keating addressed all of the questions and assured
the attendees that every effort would be made to make the cemetery as attractive
as Forest Glen, retaining as much of the natural landscape as possible.
Chairman Miller requested that any further input be directed to the Board. She
advised that the Cemetery Advisory Committee is presently meeting and will make
a recommendation to the Annual Town Meeting this Spring. The public hearing
concluded at 9:00 P.M.
3. Receipts
Director Keating furnished the Trustees with copies of the receipts from the
(over)
Sale of Lots and Miscellaneous charges for the last six months.
4. Next Meeting
The next scheduled meeting will be March 2, 1993. Meeting adjourned at
9:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Daniel F. Driscoll
Secretary