NEWTON CEMETERY TRUSTEES MEETING
Minutes of Trustee’s August 26, 2010 Work Meeting
Members present: Bill Landry, Ron Saunders, Mike Hughes
Meeting called to order at 5:00 PM. at the Newton Fire Station
NEW BUSINESS:
- REVIEW OF 2010 EXPENSES & CURRENT ESTIMATE:
All expenses are current and accounted for as of July 31. Current estimate indicates we will have a small surplus at the end of the year based on anticipated spending.
- REVIEW OF GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE:
The “tentative” schedule published in May has been changed a few times due to weather conditions and budgetary constraints. The trustees appreciate the flexibility of T & M Property Management, who provides the maintenance, in performing their duties.
- REVIEW OF HIGHLAND CEMETERY ACTIVITIES:
- Grave sites in Section A through M in the front section of the cemetery were re-measured to ensure the accuracy of the maps currently being used for the sale of graves. Many mistakes were found. Some sections had fewer sites available than stated and some had more. The map was changed to reflect these discrepancies.
- As a result of these changes, it was determined that there are eighty-seven (87) graves available for sale in Sections A - M. In Rows A - C, located in the back section of the cemetery, 40 graves are available. A total of 127 available graves. The average number of grave sales per year is 12.
- It was decided that, at this time, grave sales would be made only in Sections A –M and Rows A – C in the back section, with preference on selling in Sec. A - M first. There is space for approximately an additional 600 graves in the remainder of the back section of the cemetery.
- This fall the trustees will install sign posts on two of the new roadways in the back section on Avenues “J” East & West and “K” East & West.
- With the inclusion of new roadways in the back section of the cemetery, two lot owners have had lots displaced. Letters will be sent to these lot owners and replacement lots will be provided.
- Several trees and shrubs are causing problem with monuments and will be removed.
- HOYT FAMILY CEMETERY CLEAN UP:
Earlier this spring William Hoyt, a descendant of the Newton Hoyt family, visited Newton and helped the trustees locate his ancestors family burial ground.
Trustee Saunders will approach the Troop 91 Boy Scouts to assist the trustees in cleaning up the cemetery. IE: Removal of trees, brush, leaves etc…
- WORLD WAR II VETERAN’S MEMORIAL:
The trustees assumed responsibility for the restoration and care of the WW II Memorial that was located on the site of the Newton Learning Center. The trustees, with the help of Mike Pivero, relocated the memorial to the Willow Grove Cemetery.
Since its relocation two families have come forward to advise us that they had Newton ancestors whose names were not on the memorial. The trustees are working with these families to have the names added.
The trustees received an email from Selectman Trisha McCarthy regarding the requirement of all emergency responders to participate in National Incident Management Training. The trustees unanimously agreed to participate in this training. Trustee Hughes will coordinate with Emergency Management Director Larry Foote the time and place for this training.
- 2011 & 2012 CEMETERY MAINTENANCE BIDS:
Pursuant to the Town of Newton Purchase Policy, the trustees will place the grounds maintenance for Highland, Willow Grove and Town Hall Cemeteries out for bid in 2011 & 2012 in the form of a two year contract.
The notice of invitation to bid and the bid proposal form itself were reviewed. Both were approved unanimously and the Invitation to Bid and the Bid Proposal Form were emailed to Selectman’s Office Manager Mary Winglass.
The Invitation to Bid will be put in the Carriage Towne News, the town web site, on local Channel 20 and posted in several locations around town.
The Bid Proposal Form will be posted on the town web site and copies will be available in the Selectman’s Office in the town hall.
- MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:30 pm
William G. Landry
Chairman
Cemetery Trustees
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