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NEWTON CEMETERY TRUSTEES
2 Town Hall Road
Newton, NH 03858
Minutes of Trustee’s April 9, 2015 Meeting
Members present: Mike Hughes, Bill Landry & Ron Saunders
Meeting called to order at 4:31 PM. Newton Fire Station. Minutes were taken by William Landry.
Mike Hughes was elected Chairman, Bill Landry was elected Bookkeeper and Secretary and Ron Saunders elected Warden.
Budget surplus at the end of the year was $ 99.52.
- Review of the 2015 Budget:
For the first time in four years the budget was increased. The minimal increase of $375.00 was due to an increase in the 2015 contract for the lawn care of the three cemeteries.
- Review of grounds maintenance issues:
- A large poplar tree from adjacent property fell over at Willow Grove. No damage was incurred at the cemetery. Cemetery Warden Ron Saunders removed the tree as soon as the snow melted allowing him access. This was done at no expense to the town.
- Clean up of the three cemeteries will be done in late April or early May. After clean ups are completed, the lawn at Willow Grove will be fertilized. Hopefully we will have enough rain this spring to satisfy the watering needs at Willow Grove.
- The water pump “stand” at Willow Grove will be replaced, using pressure treated lumber, due to its total deterioration over the past several years.
The availability of water from this pump remains a problem whereas there is no well on the property. The pump is fed from a stream, which dries up in the warm weather.
- The fiber board to which all the brass Veteran plates are affixed has deteriorated to the point that it will be replaced with a ¾” PVC board. The plexi-glass sheet that covers the plates will also be replaced. This will be done prior to Memorial Day.
- The Trustees will meet with the Trustees of the Trust Funds to determine if there are funds available in one of the cemetery accounts to cover this $450.00 cost. If funds are not available, the funds will come from the town’s General Account.
- It was decided to add the names of Newton Veterans from all wars to the back side of the WW II Memorial. Thanks to the Historical Society, we have names from all wars dating back to the French & Indian War (1754 – 1763) Will be done this summer.
- Preparations for Memorial Day:
- Veteran flags and pole flags will be replaced. As usual, the 4th grade class at Memorial School will place the flags at Willow Grove. The Trustees & Historical Society members will place the remaining flags at Highland, Town Hall & Currier/Farmer.
- Potted red, white & blue plants will be placed at the WW II Memorial & new mulch added around the plants and Willow Grove sign.
- Trustee Landry is going to meet with the Veterans Group from the Sargent Woods Community to see if they are interested in participating in the Memorial Day parade. He will keep Annie Collyer & Selectman Matt Burrill apprised.
- Review of Cemetery Rules & Regulations:
- It was decided that at this time there is no need to add to or amend the published rules regarding cemetery activities or protocol.
- It was decided that the rules regarding the allowed and prohibited grave decorations at the cemeteries would be posted at Willow Grove and Highland. Although most residents have done a very good job in following the rules, we still have a few issues. It is hoped that posting the rules we will reach the non-residents who visit the cemeteries.
- A discussion was held regarding the possibility of increasing the purchase price of graves. After surveying the costs of graves from surrounding towns it was decided to keep the current cost of $325.00 per grave. (Surrounding towns are $200. to $425.)
- A discussion was held regarding implementing the new NH law SB-219. This law deals with the establishment of an expendable trust fund that would allow Cemetery Trustees to use the principal of funds received from the sale of graves for cemetery needs other than lawn care. This does require a Warrant Article to create the account so this can’t be addressed until the 2016 elections. The Trustees have already contacted State Sen. Nancy Stiles and Director of Charitable Funds Terry Knowles to start the process.
- A short discussion was held regarding a request from residents of Quaker Grove for assistance in cleaning up the Quaker Cemetery & the town property surrounding it to improve the appearance of the area. If viable, this would be a summer project.
Meeting Adjourned at 5:46 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
William G. Landry - Secretary
Newton Cemetery Trustees
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