Minutes of Trustee’s Oct. 13, 2011 Meeting
Members present: Chairman Mike Hughes, Bill Landry, Ron Saunders
Chairman Hughes called the meeting to order at 4:30 PM. at the Newton Historical Society
OLD BUSINESS:
The intent this year was to locate an old cemetery purported to be located on Whittier St. in the woods behind or near the Packer Meadows complex. This cemetery is the last of the “lost” cemeteries. Due to time constraints this project has been pushed back to next spring.
- CLEAN UP OF HOYT & QUAKER CEMETERIES:
This project is also pushed back to next year. Ron Saunders will contact Scout Troop 91 in the spring to see if we can get their assistance.
- PAYMENT PROCESS FOR SALE OF GRAVES:
Previously there had been talk of requesting two checks from buyers, 1 for distribution to the town and 1 for the perpetual care fund. However, it was decided that we would continue the practice of identifying all monies as perpetual care income and one check would be requested and delivered to the Trust Fund Trustees.
NEW BUSINESS:
- REVIEW OF USE OF TRUST FUND MONIES:
This topic was precipitated by discussions with D.O.J. in Concord, the Trustees of the Trust Fund, the Town Administrator and the Town Accountant who received input from the town auditors and the DRA. It related to the trustees’ desire to use trust fund accumulated interest monies to improve the poor lawn conditions at the Willow Grove Cemetery.
After much discussion and review of the trust fund accounts, all Newton parties agree that the funds would be sought through the execution of a Warrant Article during the 2012 budget process.
It is estimated that the cost of this project will be approximately $6,000.00. Review of the funds determined that there was approximately $3,900.00 available for the project which leaves a balance of $2,100.00 to be raised via the taxpayers. (Exact costs and available funds will be verified prior to filing the Warrant Article)
Minutes of Trustee’s Oct. 13, 2011 Meeting (CONT.)
- WILLOW GROVE LAWN PROJECT: (Refer to item #1)
If the Warrant Article is approved, this project will be executed in the fall of 2012. Briefly stated it will involve the removal of all weeds, crabgrass etc…, the addition of nutrients and whatever else is needed, reseeding and a cover of straw for the winter. The section to be addressed is the width of the cemetery lawn from the Veteran’s Memorial forward to the Whittier St.
The specific measurements, details of the services required and an accurate estimate will be obtained prior to putting the project out for bid.
A review of this year’s budget, actual spending and year end estimated spending was discussed. At this point, we estimate to have a surplus of approximately $200.00.
In spite of an increase in the lawn maintenance fees for 2012, the trustees will submit a budget for 2012 that is the same as 2011, $12,845.00. This is primarily possible due to the amount of labor that the trustees donate to the upkeep of the cemetery.
- CEMETERY MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT:
A discussion was held regarding two pieces of equipment belonging to the cemeteries, a 21” Husqavarna self-propelled mower and a 4.5 HP Craftsman Chipper / Shredder.
Whereas the trustees have no use for this equipment, which is in very good condition, it was voted to offer these to other town depts. A letter will be sent to said departments.
Meeting adjourned at 5:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
William Landry
Bookkeeper
10/14/2011
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