The regular meeting of Stowe Cemetery Commission was held Tuesday, November 10, 2009 starting at 8:00 A.M. in the Banquet Room in the Akeley Memorial Building.
Members present: Judy Demeritt, Joy Fagan and Donna Adams. Absent: Leigh Tabor and George von Trapp. Also present Bruce Godin.
Mr. Godin Progress Report:
(1)Water line and 6 fountains installed at West Branch
(2)White House porch ceiling finished except for a small portion which needs finishing.
(3)Parking area next to White House is complete and will do the back area next spring
(4)Met with Clegg and Kuhn re: monument repairs, which have been revised and now having all stones in Sterling done instead of some, which were marked in Riverbank. Both men are aware of the changes.
(5)Water is off at Riverbank but work can be done as long as possible All cemeteries have been cleaned of leaves etc; flowers cut down and signs stored.
(6)May be able to dig for full burial for a little while, depending on weather. May necessitate asking Clegg to do the digging as he has the proper equipment.
Mrs Fagan arrived at the meeting.
Discussion re: John Lambert selling back to the Town 6 lots in Riverbank. He paid $225 for the lots, Sec. 22 Lots 26,27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 in Riverbank. There are three options, quit claim back to the town; show a divorce decree which his ex-wife (Marianne) gives him the rights to the lots or affidavit of burial rights from Marianne; or give a check to both and it will be Mr. Lambert’s obligation to do what he wishes with it. The members agreed to accept the lots for the price of $225 and take out of General Expense line. Barbara Allaire will follow up on the procedure the easiest way possible.
Minutes of October 6, 2009: Mrs. Fagan moved to approve as written, seconded by Mrs. Demeritt with all in favor.
WORK ORDERS:
Bull, B.C. Sec. 7 Lot 33 Riverbank: Grass level marker. Work to be done by VL Perkins, Co.
Moeck, Arthur Sec. 23 B Lot 32 Riverbank: Inscription of date and cleaning using Nu Stone. Work by Kuhn Memorials.
Mrs Fagan moved to approve b both work orders, seconded by Mrs Demeritt with all in favor.
Discussion re: Pagan wedding, which took place in Riverbank on Halloween:
Mrs Adams suggested the issue of performing a wedding in Stowe Cemeteries will need to be discussed when reviewing any possible changes to the Rules & Regs, and include that no weddings (or inappropriate behavior) shall take place in a cemetery (or appropriate behavior). After Mrs. Adams discussed the issue with Mr. Safford, he offered to attend a Commission meeting to discuss and suggested it is possible to include prohibited behavior in an ordinance so fines/fees could be imposed. Mrs. Adams had written a draft letter, which she felt, should be sent to various parties, i.e. JP’s etc. After discussion and minor changes, Mrs. Fagan moved to send the letter to: members of the board of Civil Authority; Selectboard members; Charles Safford, Town Manager; Alison Kaiser, Town Clerk; Secretary of State and Vt. League of Cities and Towns. Mrs. Demeritt seconded with all in favor.
A correction was drafted and discussed to send to the Stowe Report stating the Town did not give approval of the wedding. Mrs. Demeritt moved and Mrs. Fagan seconded sending the correction. All in favor.
Tape 1 side 2
Members reviewed and discussed the map diagram provided by Adrienne from LCPC.
Mrs. Adams had asked how much money should be put in the budget for future corrections and LCPC will do changes and updates to the current map for no charge. Yearly update there will not be a charge, but to update the new portion, there will be a charge.
Mrs Fagan asked if the lots being sold back will be for resale or be kept open. The feeling of members was they will remain open for the time being for possible landscaping etc.
Barbara Allaire left the meeting.
The new ordinance for “dogs” will need to be included in the Rules & Regs changes.
Something added about artificial flowers and memorabilia needs to be added.
Alison Kaiser, Town Clerk came to the meeting to discuss cemetery records/recordings which have not been happening. Ms. Kaiser has written a Cemetery Policy which is in place to ensure the situation does not continue or happen again. This needs to be followed. The previous situation has been corrected. Barbara Allaire will now receive the interment orders. Mr. Godin will take pictures of burials and attach to the cards.
Next meeting will be December 1, 2009. The following will be on the agenda: wording for weddings, foundation changes, Mr. Calcagni present for discussion etc.
There being no more business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 A.M.
