Monson Cemetery Commission
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The monthly meeting of the Cemetery Commission opened at 6:00pm in the office at 32 Wilbraham Road. Commissioners present were: Jim Duggan, Jim Metzger, and new Commissioner George Courtemanche. Also present was Paul Lovell, Superintendent. Minutes of the February 23, 2011 and the March 3, 2011 meeting were read and accepted.
First on the agenda was to realign the Commission as a new member was elected.
After discussion Jim Metzger nominated Jim Duggan to remain as Chairman/Clerk, Jim Duggan nominated Jim Metzger as Vice Chair and George as member as he is the newest member and needs time to acclimate himself to the operations of the Department and Commission. After brief discussion, all voted in the affirmative. Jim Duggan is Chairman/Clerk; Jim Metzger is Vice Chair and George Courtemanche is member.
OLD BUSINESS:
Discussion on the CPA funds was made by Paul and Jim Metzger. We also discussed the whole project from the beginning to now to update George on what has been done and what is being done. The figure that was given to us was $100,000.00 total for the project to move forward ($70,000 for the cemetery and $30,000 for the Historical Society as it owns the Jacob Thompson House and the walls that surround it). Bob Haveles is aware of the amount and is working on specs and such to move forward once and if it is approved at Town Meeting.
Quote from Pontem was given out on the software update for the mapping system. Discussion will follow on this and we will proceed with the grant application to Norcross. We also updated George on this project too.
NEW BUSINESS:
Some topics that were brought up for future discussion were increasing fees we charge for lots, and openings. The survey was done and we will look at what others charge and discuss adjusting our fees as they have not been increased in several years. There were also questions as to where the money that is collected for the sale of graves and openings goes in town, and a question on the land fund and perpetual care fund. Hopefully we will get some answers to these soon.
Also discussed the upcoming budget and the concerns we have with possibly losing our full time employee/laborer. We have many concerns from difficulty in one person trying to maintain all the cemeteries to safety in one person working alone on machines and in remote areas in town. Jim Metzger will do a letter up that will go to the Fin Comm. with a copy to the Selectmen voicing our concerns.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:26pm
Next meeting is Thursday, May 5, 2011, at 6pm.
Respectfully Submitted
James Duggan, Chairman/Clerk
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