Monson Cemetery Commission
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The monthly meeting of the Cemetery Commission opened at 6:10pm in the office at 32 Wilbraham Road. Commissioners present were: Al Wilcox, Jim Duggan; absent - Shawn Connery. Also present was Paul Lovell, Superintendent.
Minutes of the August 6, 2009 meeting were read and approved as presented.
OLD BUSINESS:
We discussed the new fence at North Main Street Cemetery which has been completed. We have had more positive comments than not. Some have stated it looks to new. We discussed the letter that was sent to the Commission from Dennis Swierad in regards to the fence. We noted his concerns and will take into account his comments for future projects that may come up.
We finalize the list of projects that we would like to accomplish in the future using funds from the Perpetual Care Fund, which goes towards the maintenance, care and upgrades to the cemeteries. Copies were forwarded to Debbie Mahar and Gretchen Neggers with the understanding that these may or may not occur.
Discussed signage at all the cemeteries. There are no signs stating the name of each cemetery and what we are looking to do is replace the big ones at Hillside and Hillcrest, which also contain rules and regulations as these are rotting and falling apart, and putting smaller ones at each cemetery with the name and date of first burial on it with open times, such as dawn to dusk. Once we get specifics on what each will say, then we will get quotes to have them done.
The 48” mower is still smoking more as it is used. Future plans are again to switch motors with another mower we don’t use as this one is used frequently. The work will be done over the winter months.
Paul received prices on some smaller equipment needed to make maintenance easier and safer. Gas powered hedge trimmers and a small 21” mower were priced out.
The pillar at Hillcrest Cemetery that was damaged by something was discussed. Paul received a revised quote from Jim Finnegan which included prevailing wages. He is still under the other quote received. We decided to have the work done now before the winter weather sets in and causes more damage to the pillar. Motion was made, seconded and voted on to have this work done.
The truck dump body was sandblasted, painted and had the shackles replaced as it was all rotted/rusted out. Sandblasting and painting were donated, we paid for the materials to have this done, saved us a bundle. It also puts another “bandage” on the truck to make it last little bit longer.
We are still working on the grant for Norcross. We tried to get quotes from a tree company on what it would cost to have some old diseased trees taken down but at the time of the meeting we had not received any firm quotes only general ones. We are going to submit a grant application with general figures and hope we get approval so we can do the work in the spring time.
We discussed our application to the CPA which was not completed in time and it did not have exact figures. We are struggling on getting anyone to give us solid information we need for this process. We are still working on getting the information so we can present it at a later date. We were notified that we would not be considered in this round and it is understood by us and we will work on it for the future.
NEW BUSINESS:
Paul discussed the condition on the building that houses this office and the shop. It is in desperate need of insulation above and a new door to the office as the frame is rotting and there are gaps that allow a good air flow to come in. We asked Paul to get quotes on both these projects as having these fixed now before the winter months are going to improve energy savings and the life of the building.
Motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:10pm.
Next meeting is Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 6pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
James Duggan, Clerk
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