The Commission approved a motion to request an additional $10,000. The motion, presumably sourced from the sales of lot funds, was seconded and passed unanimously. This decision followed a detailed examination of the cemetery’s current financial standing, which highlighted a remaining budget of approximately $16,168. Members expressed concern about whether these funds would suffice for essential tasks like hedge trimming and gravestone repair. The urgency of consulting with the new finance director to establish clear guidelines for future expenditures was emphasized, driven by the desire for efficient budget management.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the backlot expansion project. An engineering firm is currently conducting survey work and gathering data necessary for planning. The timeline for completing the engineering work is estimated at four to six weeks, after which the commission plans to solicit bids for the project. Preliminary assessments suggest the project is on track, but concerns were raised about whether the allocated $50,000 budget would cover the full scope of the expansion.

The conversation also touched on maintenance efforts, with recent hedge trimming completed satisfactorily. There was debate about contractor selection, particularly the choice of Bolak due to past issues, despite their lower bid. The Commission approved the hedge trimming cost of $7,500, emphasizing the need to justify contractor choices, especially if bids exceed certain thresholds. The condition of existing trees and shrubs was also discussed, with a focus on ongoing care and the potential need for removal of damaged plants. The importance of maintaining a formal aesthetic was highlighted, with members discussing strategies for tree line maintenance and overall cemetery neatness.

Further discussions addressed the state of the old mausoleum and nearby damaged areas, including a 700-foot section described as “totally destroyed.” The delay in completing necessary work was noted, with a participant stating that timely action could have mitigated the deterioration. Cremations and burials were also reviewed, with a report of approximately 12 full burials and 20 to 22 cremations. The niche wall, with about 50 out of 112 niches sold, was another topic of interest, emphasizing the need for families to act quickly when lots become available.

The meeting continued with updates on cemetery aesthetics, highlighting recent plantings of shrubs in the north cemetery. Members noted that while the new shrubs looked good, some required additional fill due to settling caused by rain. The importance of watering protocols and hedge trimming was discussed, with members expressing satisfaction with the recent trimming results. Discussions also included the potential need for conservation filings, which could increase costs, though there was hope these could be avoided to minimize expenses.

The Commission addressed the future meeting schedule, securing a reservation for October 30th and considering additional meetings in November and December. The idea of keeping meetings efficient was proposed, recognizing that they sometimes extend beyond the intended duration. Additionally, there was a discussion about grants for cemetery projects, emphasizing the need to prepare for next year’s applications. A preference emerged for focusing on headstone repairs, with detailed examination of specific projects, including the potential restoration of stones for Captain Levi Goodrich.

Finally, the meeting touched on operational aspects, such as borrowing a 210-gallon tank from Jim Latanzi to water cemetery shrubs. The need for accurate cemetery records was also discussed, with members highlighting discrepancies between current software and actual grave locations. This led to suggestions for a breakout meeting focused on grave validation and a commitment to physically inspect the cemetery regularly. Maintenance concerns included the condition of the pump on Adler Street and non-functioning trash bins, with plans for further investigation and resolution.