A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussing the North Cemetery back lot expansion. The commission noted that town meeting had previously approved expenditures for this project, but updates from the Department of Public Works (DPW) were pending. Members expressed concerns about maintaining communication with Bill from the DPW to stay informed about project plans. The expansion plans included a potential redesign of the cemetery layout, with discussions about possibly adding a secondary access road for vehicles. The commission emphasized the importance of understanding the total acreage of the North Cemetery and its boundaries, as the property consists of approximately 22 acres, with half available for burial plots.

The management of the wooded areas was another concern, with discussions highlighting the necessity of annual maintenance to prevent the area from becoming overgrown with dense vegetation and invasive species like bamboo. There was a consensus on the importance of preserving some shaded areas rather than clear-cutting the land. The commission also considered the historical significance of the land, taking into account previous filling efforts and the wetlands surrounding the property, which could impact future development.

Parallel to the North Cemetery expansion, the potential development of the South Cemetery was also considered. The commission discussed clearing underbrush and growth in the area, which primarily consists of underbrush rather than dense woods. A priority was placed on opening additional lots for sale, with estimates suggesting around 300 new plots could be created if certain trees were removed. The approval process for this expansion was acknowledged to be lengthy, requiring engineering assessments and town meeting approvals, potentially taking up to a year to complete.

Financial considerations were central to the discussions, with the commission reviewing the sale of cemetery lots and the allocation of funds. The financial status included lot sales totaling $94,490, alongside various other funds. A participant emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance in spending, cautioning against depleting funds from lot sales as had been done previously. The sentiment was to establish a sustainable financial strategy by setting a limit on how much of the sale proceeds could be utilized for spending. Regularly monitoring lot sales was proposed to ensure that expenditures did not exceed income.

Maintenance issues also garnered attention, particularly the condition of hedges, stone walls, and mowing practices. There was some disagreement about a previous decision to cut down hedges intended only for trimming. A plan to replace these hedges with trees was suggested, proposing the introduction of ten trees annually over three years. The condition of stone walls surrounding the cemetery was another concern, with parts reportedly falling down. The commission debated whether to hire a specialized stone mason for repairs, considering the historical significance of some graves, including those from the Revolutionary War. A consensus leaned towards soliciting quotes from local stone workers to assess the feasibility of repairs, possibly addressing the walls in phases if costs were prohibitive.

The commission also discussed the need for improved mowing practices, particularly ahead of holidays like Independence Day and Memorial Day. Concerns were raised about current practices not meeting standards, with instances of undercutting grass too low during weed-whacking. The responsibilities regarding landscaping and maintenance sparked debate, with members expressing a need for clarity on who should handle maintenance issues, whether the cemetery superintendent or another designated contact.

The discussion extended to potential grants for cemetery improvements. A member highlighted the importance of pursuing grants and suggested exploring cost-effective solutions, such as utilizing a college intern for grant writing. There was also mention of earmark funds, with a participant recalling efforts to seek funding from local legislators, though constraints limited available funds this year.

The meeting concluded with logistical arrangements for the next session, tentatively scheduled for July 30th at 6:00 PM at the library. There was an open discussion about a site visit to the cemeteries in August, with considerations for scheduling around members’ availability. The commission faced technical issues related to public participation via Zoom, which highlighted the need for a reliable system to facilitate community engagement.