The regular meeting of Stowe Cemetery Commission was held Tuesday, May 5, 2009 in the Banquet Room in the Akeley Memorial Building starting at 8:00 A.M. as well as at Riverbank Cemetery.
Members present: Donna Adams, Joy Fagan, Judy Demeritt, Leigh Tabor and George von Trapp.
Minutes of April 7, 2009: In reviewing the minutes the following took place:
Barbara Allaire publically thanked the Commission for their contribution towards a new monitor for the office up stairs. It is greatly appreciated.
Income from Corner Post Discussion: Barbara Allaire reported she had spoken to Karla Spaulding, Treasurer and was told the outside Auditor’s were spoken to about the income from the corner posts being in the Public Works Dept budget. This was an error on the Auditor’s part and will be corrected next year. The income from the corner posts shows in the Comparative Budget Report, General Fund. Barbara confirmed this.
Minutes of April 7, 2009: Mr. Tabor moved to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Mr. von Trapp with all in favor.
Treasurer’s report: Mr. von Trapp stated there were no budget changes except for salaries and the payment of one-third the cost for a new monitor for the office.
He did not address the Cemetery Trust Fund , as Mr. Graddock will be asked to attend the June meeting.
Mrs Fagan stated she does not plan to go to the New England Conference and asked if the money allocated for that could be put towards advertising the new book. Mr. von Trapp felt it could and he would need to submit the appropriate form to the finance office. Mrs. Fagan was asked to send Mr von Trapp the amount requested.
Mrs Fagan stated the books are in, copies of which are in the Town Clerk’s office. There is a review done by Dr. John Leppman, a student of Vt. history etc. Mrs Fagan is going to try to have the review printed in the Stowe Reporter with a picture of Pat Haslam, author of book # 2.
Remembrance Committee: The committee is at a standstill as to how to get the message out to the public about the program. Ms. Demeritt suggested a table be set up at Town Meeting or at the Cemetery on Memorial Day. At the request of Barbara Allaire, Mr. von Trapp volunteered to write a draft to be published in the Stowe Reporter prior to Memorial Day. Ms.Demerrit will put more brochures at Stowe Area.
It was suggested some form of enclosure to put brochures and other information be at Riverbank. Donna will look into a kiosk.
Barbara Allaire mentioned the new sign going to Riverbank (located at the corner of Rte 100 entrance) has been installed.
Discussion re: Memorials/Foundations: Mrs. Adams gave members a draft of an amendment for their review re: height of a memorial. Discussion took place. Mr. von Trapp asked how the Commission would know what/how large a foundation should be for a monument taller than 4’. Mrs. Adams described what the Commission needs to know, i.e. is it going to encroach on the burial space, OSHA rules etc. Mr. von Trapp said the Selectboard needs to be given solid information as to where and whom they obtained the information behind any height decision the Commission makes. Mrs. Fagan said the larger the memorial the larger the liability and repairs and she felt the Commission needs to discuss aesthetics. Mrs Fagan suggested a site walk be done prior to any decision. Mrs. Fagan will contact Calcagni re: standards, which are used for foundations. Mr. von Trapp said the Commission needs to know from someone how deep the foundation needs to be, how much re-bar would be required etc. prior to going to the Selectboard . Mrs Adams stated some cemeteries have staff people who help in making decisions and as well as work with contractors.
9:00 A.M. Site Visit at Riverbank held with Donna Adams, Judy Demeritt, Leigh Tabor, George von Trapp, Barbara Allaire and Bruce Godin. Mrs. Fagan could not attend.
WORK ORDER:
Burnham, Harry (Leferriere Memorial) Sec. 8 Lot #26 Riverbank. Members agreed the lot is large and Mr. Godin , with the help of the members determined where the corner posts would be located when they arrive. Clegg’s Memorials the dealer. Mr. Tabor moved to approve the memorial, seconded by Mr. von Trapp with all in favor except Mrs Fagan who was not present.
Mr. Godin asked Barbara Allaire to notify Horsford Nursery he is ready for the 3 trees to be delivered.
Members went to the White House. Mr. Godin wants to increase the parking area around the house by filling in, making it attractive and suggested with very little fixing up, the house could possibly be used as a reception area. Change door and windows. This could be a capitol budget project.
Garage: Mr. Godin suggested the hearses could be moved to the garage for storage. New window, another bath, alarm system etc. would be required. Mr.Godin felt he had approprpriate windows on hand. Mr. Godin will contact a contractor for an estimate as well as suggestions.
Bruce reiterated he needs more parking at Riverbank. Suggestions were made how and where pull-offs could be located in the new section.
Members looked at different lots, which are not in compliance with the Rules & Regs re: decorations. Bruce will get a list of violations, a letter will be prepared to be sent to owners of the lot along with pictures that Mrs Adams will take. Members gave Mr. Godin the authority to remove the plastic flows etc if he chooses to.
Mr. Godin told members he is very short of help, particularly until school is out, so he will be doing the best he can with his men who plan to work some overtime.
It was agreed an appropriate location for a kiosk would be at the corner of Section #3.
Mr. Godin told members there would be a memorial in June for Rickie Wilkins.
