Advisory Committee on Cemeteries Meeting

Present:          Advisory Board Members: Ron Naples, John Griffin, Len Kotler and Town Manager; John O’Keefe

The meeting was called to order at 10:03 AM

1.         Old Business

There was none to discuss

2.         New Business

a.         Reissue deed to Bell plot to facilitate a cremation burial request by Lynn Bell

Ron Naples updated the Board on this matter. He suggested the Factory Point

Cemetery reissue the deed to Clyde A. Bell (son of Clyde I. Bell).

A motion was made by John Griffin, seconded by Len Kotler to reissue the Cemetery

Deed to ClydeA. Bell. Motion unanimously approved.

Ron Naples stated that once the Cemetery Deed is reissued, it should be known to

the deed holder and/or surviving relative(s) that all fees; recording, headstone guarantee, and opening/closing of the gravesite must still be paid. Once the burial has taken place, this burial plot will be closed to additional burials.  He will contact Lynn Bell to advise her on this matter, and that this will now be discussed by the Manchester Select Board at their next meeting for final approval.

This matter will be placed on the next Manchester Select Board Agenda to be recommended for their approval.

b.         Discussion and vote on relocation of flag pole to include lighting

John O’Keefe overviewed this matter. He would like to have the flagpole moved to the top of the hill (Center Hill - 15 feet in height), to fly both US & Town flags, and lighted with a 50 watt box light to shine directly on the flag(s).  The cost to light the flag(s) would be approximately $320.00 for the year.

A suggestion was made for the use of possible solar lighting.

A question arose on when the flagpole may be moved (date).

John O’Keefe stated it could probably be done prior to Memorial Day 2009.

A motion was made by John Griffin, seconded by Len Kotler to approve moving the flagpole to the location discussed, as well as placing lighting on the flag(s), as per the recommendation of John O’Keefe. Motion unanimously approved.

c.                   Discuss and vote on new fencing

This will be considered a Capital Improvement, effective July 01, 2009.

John O’Keefe stated he had spoken to adjoining landowners about the Factory Point Cemetery erecting a new fence, with none having issues on this matter.

The type of fence to be purchased was discussed by the Board: Black, Anodized, Aluminum fence, four (4) feet in height, no entrance gate, same length as currently in place, with enough clearance on the bottom to accommodate a weed-eater. It was agreed to purchase a sturdy fence, which does not require painting.

John O’Keefe will send out an RFP (Request for Proposal) bid this week.

d.         Discuss and vote on increasing burial rates due to increase in charges to the Town of Manchester

John O’Keefe overviewed this matter.

·         Steve Casey will be performing the opening/closing of cremations, placing the urn(s) directly into the ground without vaults.

·         Lawrence Grant will be performing the opening/closing of full burials.

The first full burial of the season was performed by Dellwood, which was very costly. Five (5) burials/cremations at Factory Point Cemetery have been performed since spring opening (April 2009) this year. 

The current fee schedule was reviewed and discussed. A few updates included:

1.                  Increasing  Burial fees of opening/closing gravesites to:

Conventional                        $ 600.00 (was $ 450.00)

Cremation                 $ 250.00 (was $ 175.00)

2.                  Eliminating ‘Holiday & Weekend Burial’ rates.

3.                  Eliminating ‘Child Burial’ rate.

4.                  Winter Burial rate    $ 700.00

5.                  Elimination of recording of Interment Order document

John O’Keefe suggested that a list be kept of all burials/cremations, and be given to the Manchester Town Clerk at the end of the calendar year.

As recommended by John O’Keefe, a motion was made by Len Kotler, seconded by John Griffin to eliminate recording of Interment Orders with the Manchester Town Clerk’s office, as proposed. Motion unanimously approved.

A motion was made by Len Kotler, seconded by John Griffin to bring updated fee suggestions to the Manchester Select Board for approval, as proposed. Motion unanimously approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 AM

Respectfully Submitted,

Deborah Madden

Administrator, Factory Point Cemetery