A central theme of the meeting was the ongoing historical research concerning grave sites within the cemetery. The commission discussed the complexities of identifying graves due to common family names and insufficient historical records. A notable case involved Captain Levi’s family, where inaccuracies were noted in the documentation of burial sites, particularly concerning his first wife, Hannah, and her children. This conversation highlighted the importance of preserving historical integrity, with plans to update and clean headstones, incorporating more accurate information on commemorative plaques. Ground-penetrating radar was employed to assist in locating graves, with expert Bob Perry contributing to this endeavor.

The commission also addressed the financial aspects of cemetery management, focusing on the need for clarity and oversight in fund allocation. With the fiscal year 2025 yet to be closed, the exact financial figures remained tentative. The discussion included plans to transfer funds for stone straightening projects and the need to adhere to a bidding process for expenditures exceeding $10,000. To ensure a thorough understanding of fund management, a meeting was proposed with the new finance director, Katie McKenna.

In addition to financial matters, the commission explored the potential acquisition of a 2.39-acre lot across from the cemetery on Holman Street. The property, owned by Jimmy Price, was under consideration for development or parking space. However, concerns arose regarding its wooded areas, possible debris, and wetlands, which might impede construction. Despite an asking price of approximately $100,000, the commission expressed reservations about purchasing additional land, citing sufficient existing space for future needs. The topic of green burials was also broached, acknowledging inquiries about such practices. While the current regulations do not accommodate green burials, the commission recognized the need for future consideration, possibly introducing niche walls for ashes.

Another discussion revolved around the layout and marking of cemetery plots, emphasizing the importance of accurate mapping for future expansion. There was a consensus on the necessity of proper markers for identifying plot boundaries, especially in the cremation area. Cost-saving measures were suggested, including independent measurement and marking using strings. The commission also highlighted training sessions on software functionality, aiding in cemetery operations and ensuring data verification.

Concerns about staffing levels were expressed, with a proposal to hire a full-time cemetery laborer to manage the increasing workload and ensure timely handling of records and burials. The commission underscored the importance of advocacy for additional staffing. This need was contextualized by historical staffing levels, referencing a former manager with five employees.

The meeting also touched on grants for cemetery projects, with discussions on the challenges of securing funding due to eligibility constraints. The commission considered hiring grant writers and reaching out to the historical society for advice on successful grant acquisition strategies. There was a consensus on the importance of collaborative efforts to navigate the complexities of grant applications and secure necessary funding for preservation efforts.