Minutes
Cemetery Trustees
June 22, 2012
Present: Ruth Hammen, Scott Marston, Fred Shaw
The Cemetery Trustees met at the Community Building at 9AM to discuss findings from the recent state meeting of Cemetery Trustees.
Fences & Gates: It is no longer the law that fencing surround cemeteries and gates at openings. However, the trustees feel that walls and gates are traditional and will continue to keep them and replace those that are missing. Ruth will contact Dawson Fencing to see if he knows of a source of wrought iron gates or someone who can manufacture same.
Shaw Cemetery: It appears that the trees looming over gravestones have not been removed. Fred will check with the road agent to see if he would still be able to remove them.
Ground Penetrating Radar: At the meeting, Trustees learned that this equipment is available for rent. It is believed that Telephone Data Systems has the equipment. There is no immediate need for this technology but might be the case if the Town accepts abandoned cemeteries.
Tax Maps: Trustees were urged to check official tax maps to make sure all cemeteries were delineated and include a 25’ setback for any construction. The planning board should be made aware of this setback and require this setback on all plans abutting cemeteries.
Trustee Funds: The interest from these funds can be used for any general maintenance of the lot including stone repair.
Burial Grounds: These private grounds are owned by descendents of those buried there and not by any single landowner who may abut a burial ground.
Deed: The Trustees proposed modifying the transfer of ownership part of the deed to as follows:
If the owner of this lot wants to transfer ownership to another, this must be done through the Cemetery Trustees. The new owner must be a resident of Chichester or a former resident.
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