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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20121009 - Cemetery Commission - Meeting MinutesHOPKINTON CEMETERY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 9, 2012 PRESENT: Lynn Fournier, Chairman; Thomas Pratt, Claire Wright The meeting was called to order at 7:45 PM. Ms. Fournier asked if there has been any follow-up on the question of keeping the 53 1/2 Comey Chapel Use Fund from reverting to the General Fund at year’s end. Ms. Wright said the Appropriations Committee should be asked for ideas and that perhaps town treasurer Maureen Dwinnell could help. She said an item on the May Town Warrant seemed to indicate a fund that did not revert. The minutes of the May 3, 2012 meeting were approved. The minutes of the June 6, 2012 were approved with the insertion of “$95” to specify the amount of the bill paid to Dave’s Septic. Cemetery Planning – Ms. Fournier asked if there is anything new to report on cemetery planning. Ms. Wright said she had brought up future cemetery needs at a Planning Board meeting during a discussion of the Fruit St. property. She said the Board agreed that a master planning process should be undertaken for Fruit St., and she urged that cemetery needs be included in such a discussion. She said Mr. Steven Zieff of Baystone Development was at the meeting and spoke in favor of cemetery development as a wise and profitable town investment. Mr. Pratt referenced the Commission minutes of 3/8/12 where Selectman Ben Palleiko encouraged the Cemetery Commission to meet with the BOS. Ms. Fournier agreed to email Mr. Palleiko to ask how best to proceed with getting on the Selectmen’s agenda. Comey Chapel – Ms. Fournier asked if public information has been disseminated about the availability of the Comey Chapel. Ms. Wright stated that an information packet with photos of the chapel was sent to Hopkinton, Ashland, Upton and Westboro funeral homes – Chesmore, Cronin, Matarese, Pedersen, and Rand-Harper. Ms. Fournier said there is a funeral home in Southboro, and she will find the name for them to be notified as well. Mt. Auburn Tree – Ms. Fournier reported an abutter to Mt. Auburn Cemetery, on Mayhew St., has complained about a dead tree overhanging his property which has been marked with an X. She told the abutter to notify the DPW and said Mr. Westerling inquired as to whether the Cemetery Commission has any money for the tree removal in its budget. She said she replied to Mr. Westerling that the Commission has no budget for maintenance issues. Ms. Fournier said she believes there are 3 dead trees at Mt. Auburn and will notify the DPW. Sales – Ms. Wright said she would ask for an update from the treasurer on the balance of the two cemetery funds as well as an update from the Cemetery Dept. on lot sales. Landscaping – The Commission discussed the possibility of a landscaping plan for the new section at Mt. Auburn. The minutes of 1/26/12 were referenced regarding interference with the drainage system. It was agreed that sacrificing some area for landscaping would be less of a concern if new cemetery land was assured and planning was underway. Computerized Records – Ms. Wright suggested that perhaps the town IT professional could offer guidance and suggestions on how best to address this town need. The Commission agreed to ask the BOS contact how best to proceed. BOS Liason – The members concurred that it would be a good idea to ask the BOS liason to attend a meeting sometime soon so that he can report to the Selectmen on the Commission’s needs, particularly the importance of new cemetery space, the need for computerized record keeping, and consideration of a designated budget for recurring cemetery dept. needs such as tree maintenance, road paving, etc. Capital Improvements Comm. – Ms. Wright reported that the Capital Improvements Committee will hold its annual meeting with a Cemetery Commission representative for the purpose of long-range planning for the town. She said she will attend the Oct. 22nd meeting. Community Preservation Fund Proposal 2013-14 – Ms. Wright said the deadline for CPC requests is Oct. 26, 2012 and suggested the Commission submit a proposal to have a storm window made to protect the large curved window in the restored Comey Chapel. She said she will get a quote from Cleary Co., who specializes in windows for historic buildings. She said the idea has the support of the Historical Commission. A motion was moved to submit a proposal to the CPC for a storm window for the Comey Chapel, seconded, and voted unanimously. The next meeting was scheduled for November 8, 2012. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Claire Wright Secretary Approved: Nov. 19, 2012