Monson Cemetery Commission
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The monthly meeting of the Cemetery Commission opened at 6:05pm in the office at 32 Wilbraham Road. Commissioners present were: Al Wilcox, Jim Duggan and Shawn Connery. Also present was Paul Lovell, Superintendent.
Minutes of the July 2, 2009 meeting were read and approved as presented.
OLD BUSINESS:
The fence was discussed at North Main Street Cemetery. Paul received two bids for a 4’high white picket vinyl fence that measures 213’ long, with no gate included. Bids came in from Brodeur Campbell Fence at $6,910.00; and Hastie fence at $6,890.00. It is a $20.00 difference. Motion was made by Jim and seconded by Shawn to award the bid to Brodeur Campbell Fence, as they have done many jobs in town in the past. Paul will remove the old fence to save money and leave the granite posts behind as per our request. The new fence will be funded by money from our Perpetual Care Fund which is for maintenance and care of the Cemeteries. This new fence will eliminate the need to have it scraped and repainted and pickets replaced every other year.
The fence at Main Street near the Town office building was discussed and decided to put on hold. We did see some sample of but decided to wait until next year or later to replace this fence.
Instead of the fence we decided to look at putting up new signs at each Cemetery. The Hillside and Hillcrest Cemeteries would have the name, date established and rules posted as these are the most frequented ones. The other Cemeteries we would look to put name, date established and closes at dusk put on them. Paul was instructed to get quotes along with wording for us to look at.
We are creating a five or more year plan which will outline what we would like to improve in the Cemeteries, which include the new fence and signage.
The CPA application was discussed again. We have been trying to work with a local mason and an architect to come up with some specs that we will be able to use to get correct bids/quotes on this massive project. It is very difficult to nail down any figures as it is so large a project and there are so many different variables involved. This is a work in progress.
The Norcross Grant application is still in progress and again we are awaiting some figures we can use in the application. This is for tree removal and replacement.
Pillar at Hillcrest that was damaged by someone was discussed again and no further action was taken as no new information was available.
NEW BUSINESS:
Paul received from Debbie Mahar the new budget figures he is to use for this year that were approved at Town Meeting.
Paul discussed the condition of the 48” walk behind mower used to do the banks and other smaller areas in the Cemeteries. The engine is starting to burn oil more noticeably than before. He is going to keep and eye on it and “baby it “for the season. During the winter he will try to replace the motor with another used one off another mower.
Paul discussed the truck and that it was being taken to have the dump body sandblasted and repainted, with volunteer labor we supply the materials to be used. He did tell us that he again submitted to Capital for a new truck this year but was turned down again. He will keep trying to maintain this to the best of his ability.
Motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:55pm.
Next meeting is Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 6pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
James Duggan, Clerk
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