Princeton Cemetery Commission
Meeting – Monday, April 27, 2015
Town Hall Annex
Minutes
May 15, 2015
Present: Lou Trostel, Lynne Grettum, Paul Constantino, Ron Milenski and Andrew Brown
An inspection of the North Cemetery was conducted prior to the monthly meeting at 6:30 pm. All members and Superintendent, Brown were present. The issues which were discussed included:
- Improvements of an area located at the front left area of the cemetery for use as cremation lots. The area is approximately 50’ X 20’. Superintendent Brown has obtained one quote ($4,000.00) to prepare this area for lot sales. He will obtain two additional quotes. Superintendent Brown approximates that 40 to 50 lots could be prepared for sale. A suggestion was made to repair the front right side of the stone wall. Several stones require replacement and the repairs could be made in conjunction with pre-mentioned improvements.
- Members and Superintendent Brown discussed the possible location and height (25’) of proposed flag pole installation. A site on the left side at the hill crest of the cemetery was suggested.
- Member Constantino suggested that the utility pole on North Cemetery road side be relocated to the opposite road side.
- Members acknowledged that several trees require either removal or pruning to insure safety and prevent future damage of cemetery stones due to trees falling.
- Members viewed the remains of several stumps at the wall base at the front of the cemetery and acknowledged that removal would be required but at this time will not be accomplished due to budget constraints.
Meeting Commenced at 7:11 pm.
Meeting Minutes were reviewed. One revision was noted: Princeton’s Fiscal year ends June 30, 2015 and not on June 1, 2015. Minutes were accepted as corrected.
Cemetery Operations:
Cemeteries are open. The opening was one week later this year due to the long harsh winter and inclement weather.
Cemetery crew is continuing with Spring clean up; making good progress. Some cemeteries require more substantial clean up than others.
Worcester County Sheriff will provide a work crew of 5 to 6 men during the week of May 12 – 15. Bruce Rollins will schedule work. Cemetery Commission will provide lunch for the work crew.
Dennis Coughlin was hired as a new member of the cemetery crew. Dennis will work 25 hours/week and 3 weeks/month. Dennis also works for the Princeton Electric Light Department so he will not be available to work on the cemetery crew approximately one week /month.
Superintendent Brown reported that Bruce Rollins has a serious medical condition that will end his capability to perform physical work. Andy suggested that Bruce be offered a supervisory position. The hours would amount to 10 hours/week – 2 hours /day. Board members emphasized that Bruce’s work duties must not involve any physical work as to not endanger his health.
As a result of Bruce Rollin’s health issue, Superintendent Brown hired a third cemetery crew member, who is capable of performing standard physical work duties related to cemetery work. The new crew member will start work next week.
Superintendent Brown attended a Historical Commission meeting. Among the issues that were discussed included: Headstone repairs to DCR specifications vs. the method presently used by the Historical Commission and the protocol for scheduling of any projects by the Historical Commission designees. As a result of this meeting Andrew Brown proposed sending a letter to the Historical Commission. Topics within Superintendent Brown’s letter included: requesting that the Cemetery Commission utilize the remaining Historical Commission grant money to repair broken headstones. Mention was made that Superintendent Brown will follow DCR specifications and repair more headstones then are presently being repair. Additionally within the letter a suggestion was made to schedule all Historical
Commission work through the Superintendent Brown to avoid work scheduling conflicts.
Member Paul Constantino made a motion to send the Superintendent Brown’s letter as written. Discussion followed and a new motion was made to send the letter with adjusted verbiage to the final two paragraphs. Motion seconded and passed unanimously.
Further review of the Superintend’s report included:
- Woodlawn Cemetery – 54 Full Lots and 20 Cremation Lots are available for sale.
- Town Meeting Articles were discussed. These articles are to include the request for a new commercial mower and a budget line wage increase for Superintendent Brown. The wage increase will fairly reflect the management and supervisory duties that Andy performs on a daily basis.
- Superintend Brown noted that the hand pump at Woodlawn Cemetery is repaired and in use.
The next Meeting is scheduled for May 18, 2015. Members will meet at Woodlawn Cemetery at 6:30 for a physical inspection of the cemetery. The regular meeting to follow at the Town Hall Annex.
Cemetery Commission Meeting adjourned at 8:21 pm.
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