MONSON CEMETERY COMMISSION
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2005
The regular meeting of the Monson Cemetery Commissioners convened at 8:30 a.m. in the office at 32 Wilbraham Road. In attendance were Julian E. Szarlan, Albert T. Wilcox, Robert E. Pease, Paul B. Lovell, John R. Nothe and Gaylin G. Bingle.
The Recording Secretary read the meeting minutes of May 6, 2005. A change was noted in the New Business under number two regarding the stonewall in Hillside Cemetery. It was noted that John and Mr. Pease noticed the crack in the stonewall in section F and not Mr. Szarlan as stated. Mr. Wilcox made a motion to accept the meeting minutes as amended. Mr. Wilcox seconded the motion.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Stonewall in Hillside – Mr. Szarlan said he spoke with Jim Finnegan on the day of the last meeting, which was May 6th. Mr. Finnegan met with Mr. Szarlan, Mr. Pease and Paul two weeks later to look in section F in Hillside Cemetery to look at the stonewall. It was agreed the tree growing there would have to be removed as the roots are causing a big problem with the stonewall. Mr. Finnegan questioned if this would be a town job or a state job. If it were a state job they would have to use the state’s prevailing wages, which would push the costs way up. At that time it was agreed to have Mr. Finnegan submit two estimates, one using the
states prevailing wages and one without using states wages. This would also allow time to see if the town is considered a separate entity and therefore exempt from paying the higher wages. If the bid comes in for over $10,000.00, Paul said it would have to go out for bid with at least three other contractors as required by town policies. Mr. Szarlan suggested pouring a cement wall inside the cemetery and facing it with veneer, as he felt this would be a sturdier method of repairing the stonewall which might last longer. Mr. Pease asked Mr. Szarlan to ask Mr. Finnegan about repairing the wall in this manner. Mr. Szarlan said all of the details would be acquired over the next few months and a decision regarding the repair of the stonewall would be made at that time. Mr. Finnegan mentioned to Paul that he would have to install some type of retaining wall to prevent large rocks from rolling down the hill during the work period.
2. Raise for Paul – Mr. Szarlan said a meeting has been scheduled with the Board of Selectmen in the executive session at 6:00 p.m. on June 14th regarding the change in the salary grid for Paul.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Opening Fees for Cremations – Paul said he would like to increase the cost of opening fees for cremations from $60.00 to $100.00 as the urn vaults that are becoming more popular are taking up more time as a larger hole is required. Mr. Pease was against any increases and voted no. Mr. Wilcox said he would wait until the next meeting to make any decisions. Mr. Szarlan was in favor of increasing the costs. Mr. Szarlan suggested Paul check with other towns and with Bethany Cemetery to see what they charge prior to the next Commissioners meeting scheduled for July 1st, and revisit this item at that time.
2. Lawnmower – Paul noted one lawnmower is getting bad and will need to be replaced.
3. Winter Meetings – Mr. Pease suggested changing the meeting time during the winter months to 10:00 a.m.
Mr. Szarlan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 a.m. Mr. Wilcox seconded the motion.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gaylin Bingle
Recording Secretary
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