Copies of Cemetery Commission minutes may also be obtained by contacting Barbara Allaire (802)253-6147.
Stowe Cemetery Commission APPROVED 5/1/07
April 3, 2007
The regular meeting of the Stowe Cemetery Commission was held Tuesday, April 3, 2007 in the Banquet Room in the Akeley Memorial Building starting at 8:00 A.M.
Members present: Donna Adam, Joy Fagan, Leigh Tabor and George von Trapp. Absent: Clarke Foster. Also present: Bruce Godin, Cemetery Superintendent.
Minutes of March 13, 2007: Mrs. Fagan moved to accept as corrected, seconded by Mr. Tabor with all present in favor.
Omar Graddock was n ot able to attend this meeting and will be put on the agenda for the May meeting. Mr. von Trapp did not have a Treasurer’s report for the meeting.
HMIS: Barbara Allaire reported that she had worked some with Mort Butler trying to get
the system up and running in order to put data in. Mort talked prior to this meeting and
reported that she feels she has it under control so data can be started to be put in. Barbara will wait until Mrs. Adams, Mary Black, Mort are available as Barbara is not knowledgeable enough to know what goes in. Members agreed to pursue this program at this time and see if progress can be made. Mrs. Fagan stated the Commission needs to decided what they want in for information. It was agreed that Mrs. Allaire start with the current information in Riverbank. Mr. Godin stated he at times has much trouble finding the different lots because there are no maps.
Barbara Allaire reported she had sent mapping letters to Rural Studies at UVM and
VTC and has not had a response to date. Barbara Allaire will check with Norwich
University at Mr. Tabor’s suggestion to see if they have a mapping program.
Hearses: Mr. Godin reported that the hearse house is empty and ready for the
hearses. He stated the Commission needs to be careful about who will have keys.
It was agreed Mr. Godin, Stowe Police and Fire Departments will be the only
departments having a key. The insurance is covered under the Town’s blanket
policy. There is no power in the building. It was suggested and Mr. Godin agreed
to check the roof for its condition prior to moving the hearses from Dan’s Auto.
He stated the roof will have to be replaced in the near future (possibly next fall)
which is a town project. Mr. Godin will go to the storage building to check how
and when they can be moved and if that can take place prior to May 1st. The
lanterns are still at Stafford’s house and when the hearses arrive, they will be put
in the hearse barn. Renovations were discussed and any suggestions should be
considered prior to budget time. Mrs. Adams said if the roof needs repair, that is a
town problem, but other remodeling can be discussed at a later time. She
suggested perhaps it is not important to have the hearses displayed until they are
refurbished if that is what needs to take place. Mr. von Trapp stated the windows
etc. could be done incrementally (as long as there is an overall plan). Mrs. Fagan
said it is important to keep as much of the original parts of the hearses as we can
and not make repairs that are unnecessary and would affect the value.Mrs. Fagan will contact Shelburne Museum. Mr. Tabor suggested there could be someone at Tunbridge Fair , also the Buggy Man from Johnson. Mr. Godin will let Mrs. Adams know when he
plans to move the hearses to the building. tape 1 side 2 It was mentioned in the
past a proposal was done by Jeff Holden to restore the building and it was
suggested Kim Brown could possibly do one if the original cannot be found when the Commission is ready to restore the building.
Dogs in Riverbank Cemetery: Mr. Godin reported that West Branch Cemetery
is open for burials but Riverbank is not. He also stated that people are using the
Riverbank Cemetery instead of the Quiet Path, which is muddy, to walk their
dogs. Many are not leashed and owners are not picking up after the dogs. Mr.
Godin suggested it may be time to put up signs “no dogs” in the cemetery. A
notice will be put in the paper stating dogs must be leashed and owners need to pick up.
Foundation Contract: Barbara Allaire had re-typed the contract and with the
help of Justin Rabidoux, Public Works Director was able to remove pages 7 & 8
with the exception of # 1 & 2. Mr. Tabor moved to accept the re-written
document with minor changes, seconded by Mrs. Fagan with all in favor.
Mr. Godin left the meeting.
Book Discussion: Pat Haslam has written book # 2 and is now in the process of
having it printed. The Commission had asked for numbers, i.e. the number of
books previously printed and the income/expenses from book # 1. Mrs. Fagan
stated Mrs. Haslam came to the Commission in April 26, 2005 (Mr. von Trapp
read the minutes) and the Commission agreed to go along with book # 2 but need
figures prior to going in front of the Selectboard. Mrs. Fagan stated there can’t be
numbers until it is known what the size of the book will be, number of copies
needed etc. The Selectboard agreed $10,000 in 1998 could be taken out of the Trust for
book # 1 and the Selectboard gave Mrs. Haslam a token of $2,000 for her work.
Left from the sale of book # 1 are 34 hard and 8 soft copies left. Barbara Allaire
will attempt to find out how much money was brought in from the sale of book #
Mr. von Trapp stated probably the $2,000 stipend could come from the Commission’s
budget for Mrs. Haslam. Mrs. Fagan stated 50% of the money to print is needed now and the rest at the time of delivery for book # 2. Funds are needed for advertising and fliers, which will be printed. Mr. Tabor asked that there be an accounting of book # 1. Mrs. Fagan stated she would rather focus on book # 2 and put reprinting of book # 1 on hold. It needs to be known how many can be sold up front and for how much. The question is, is it legitimate to use Trust fund monies for this purpose. Members agreed it very important to have an accounting of the new book as it is sold. tape 2 side 1 Mr. von Trapp suggested taking care of the stipend first and put the reprinting of book 1 aside, and go to the Selectboard. Mr. von Trapp had two questions, is it a legitimate way to use the
Trust Fund and the approximate price for each book and how many are anticipated to be sold. Mrs. Adams felt Mrs. Haslam would be willing to wait until next year and we need to have a good handle on where the money came in, how it will be financed and that it will be repaid. Mr. Tabor said he would definitely want to know where the money is going to go when it comes in and wants to be able to tell the Selectboard that book # 1 made a profit. It was agreed to ask the Selectboard for $9,795 (for printing of book # 2) with all information available which they may need for their meeting, and the Commission will pay for advertising, fliers, and miscellaneous.
There being no furtherbusiness to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara S. Allaire
Stowe Cemetery Commission APPROVED 6/25/07
June 5, 2007
The regular meeting of the Cemetery Commission was held Tuesday, June 5, 2007 in the Banquet Room in the Akeley Memorial Building starting at 8:00 A.M.
Members present: Donna Adams, Clarke Foster, Leigh Tabor and George von Trapp.
Absent: Joy Fagan.
Others present: Bruce Godin and Barbara Baraw ( 9:30).
Minutes of May 1, 2007: Mr. von Trapp moved to accept with minor corrections, seconded by Mr. Foster with all in favor. Mrs. Fagan not present.
Mr. Godin’s report:
(1) Mr. Kuhn will start restoration work the week of June 5th.
(2) The beautiful large tree given by George & Pat von Trapp has been placed in Riverbank next to the road and near the von Trapp lot—thank you so much, George and Pat!!
(3) Waterline to Riverbank will be done shortly.
(4) Money was given to the Remembrance Program for a bench in memory of Hazel Poor from the Balzer/Wilson families. This bench has been placed on the left going into Riverbank, near the Poor lot and under a white birch tree.
The hearses are now in the hearse barn with keys to the barn given to the appropriate
authorities.
Historical Meeting: On August 21st, the annual Historical Society meeting will be held on the Library lawn starting at 6:30 P.M. The Society has requested that possibly the hearses could be moved to the location for display. Discussion followed with Bruce about
moving them to the lawn, which Mr. Godin said would not be easy and would require
man power which he would have trouble getting (it would require overtime), it would be
difficult to get the trailers up the sidewalk and they would have to be moved that evening
after the function which would create a problem. It was decided that it may be possible to have the doors open to the barn with lighting inside and leave on display that way for a couple of hours. People could walk from the library to the hearse barn if they wished to see the hearses. Mr.Godin said he could have one man at the location for security.
White house roof: Mr. Godin said the roof needs replacing which could be put in next
year’s budget. After being discussed, it was agreed to use asphalt shingles. Mr.Godin
stated he plans to get something to hang the Rules & Regs on outside the building.
Waterline at West Branch: Mr. Godin said he will look into extending the waterline to
the upper end. It is possible to hire Percy to dig the ditch and Bruce’s men could lay the line.
Hearse House: Discussion took place re: upgrading the house to be used for display of
the hearses. Mrs. Adams had spoken to Mr. Jackman, Town Planner, re: renovations to
the building. There needs to be a plan. Mrs. Adams said the Commission had talked about
piece- mealing the renovations. She asked Mr. Godin if the electrical could be done
now and he said yes. Barbara Allaire suggested asking Kim Brown to meet with
members of the Commission for suggestions as to renovations and come up with a plan.
The Commission will take the plan this fall to the LOTAC committee and ask for money. Barbara Allaire will call Kim Brown to see if he is interested.
Vaults for urns: Mr. Godin stated there may be problems with the size of the concrete
new vaults being used for urns, because they are 2’ x 2’ x 2’. If installed on top of the
concrete vault, it would be close to put in a full burial . Mr. Godin stated they have not
run into the problem as yet but felt they will.
tape 1 side 2 Mr. Godin left the meeting
Financial Report: A request has been submitted for the $2,000 stipend paid to Pat Haslam. Need to spend the restoration money by the end of June which Jeff Kuhn will be doing. Barbara Allaire asked to spend a small amount of money for supplies. Money for Mort Butler will come out of cemetery data account.
Work Order:
Morrill, Gregory (for Alice Krueger) : Riverbank, Sec. 24 Lot # 32: Foundation and memorial. Chris Palermo from V.L. Perkins, Memorial Dealer. Commission approved with no conditions.
Election of Officers: Mr. von Trapp moved to re-elect the present slate of officers as stated:
Chairperson: Donna Adams
Vice Chair- Leigh Tabor
Treasurer- George von Trapp.
Mr.Foster seconded the motion with all in favor.
9:15 Barbara Baraw re: Hearse house. Mrs. Baraw stated she is now working with Pat
Haslam and Joy Fagan on the flyer which will be sent out for the sale of the upcoming
book. She is researching the opportunity for grants for the hearse house. She asked if
there needs to be a formal request to have the hearses on display at the annual meeting.
Mrs. Adams told her it had been discussed among the members and Mr. Godin and it has
been decided to leave the hearses in the house with the door open and someone in
attendance. Mrs Adams said there could be a formal request if Mrs Baraw would like and
the members will act on it. Mrs. Baraw stated they will be putting together a photo image
to be shown. Mrs. Baraw said she would work with the Commission. Discussion
followed re: the repairs to the building with Mrs Baraw suggesting a standing seam roof
and possibly raising the roof. She mentioned there are 7 beautiful beams which need to be
exposed. Mrs Baraw will be asked to meet if and when Mr. Brown is at the building.
The members agreed to meet June 26th in place of the July meeting. There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara S. Allaire
Stowe Cemetery Commission APPROVED 8/7/07
June 25, 2007
The Cemetery Commission held a meeting in the Historical Museum in the Akeley Memorial Building Tuesday, June 25, 2007 starting at 8:00 A.M.
Members present: Clarke Foster, Donna Adams, Leigh Tabor and George von Trapp. Absent: Joy Fagan.
Also present: Barbara Baraw
Minutes of June 5, 2007Mr. Tabor moved to approve with minor changes, seconded by Mr. Foster with all present in favor.
WORK ORDERS
Martinetti, Carlos: Sec. 8A, Lot 56 Riverbank. Install a bevel marker to match existing marker for son Carlos D. Clegg Memorials dealer.
Braun, Robert: Cremation Garden Lot 6Riverbank. Marker with wife’s name, Elise on marker. Dealer, Clegg Memorials said she will be in same lot.
Downing, Carroll: Sec. 12 A N # 3: Lot # 40. Riverbank . Foundation, replacing existing memorial, adding grass marker and adding granite base under existing slant marker. Cleaning pressure wash Barre crystals. Work to be done by Clegg Memorials.
LaRow, Floyd: Sec. 21 D Lot 49-51 Riverbank. Marker for Michelle LaRow with inscription. Work to be done by Clegg Memorials. Gary & Chloe in lot # 49; Floyd (ashes in Lot # 50 & Michelle in Lot # 51.
Perry, Wayne: Sec. 25 Lots 22 & 23Riverbank. Foundation and Memorial. Memorial Dealer Clegg’s Memorials.
Walker, Harold & Chamberlain, Verne: Sec. 12 A South # 1 Lot 5 Riverbank. Foundation under existing family monument; bevel marker to match existing markers and cleaning with Barre crystals and pressure wash. Clegg’s Memorial Dealer.
Graupe, Paul: Sec. 25 Lots 24 & 25 Riverbank. Foundation and Memorial. Clegg’s Memorials. Mark Faith, from Feiss-White representative.
Freeman, Thorp & Sally: Sec. 20 Lot # 10 West (one-half lot) Riverbank. Clean stone with Nustone solution. Chris Palermo from V.L. Perkins.
Wagner, John H., Maude P & Justis, Helen: Sec. 20, Lot 11 Riverbank. Addtion of date and cleaning. Chris Palermo, V.L. Perkins dealer.
Mr. Tabor moved to approve all of the above listed work orders with no conditions, seconded by Mr. von Trapp with all in favor.
Correspondence: Pat Haslam sent a “thank you” which was read for the stipend of $2,000 for her efforts of book # 2.
Barbara Allaire reported she has started the data entry with the help of Mort Butler and will continue on. She is now waiting for some guidance and revisions from Mort.
Barbara Allaire left the meeting at 9:00 and the rest of the minutes were done from notes written by the Chair.
Discussion with Barbara Baraw re: Kim Brown’s draft design work for the hearse house.
Mrs. Adams said Pat Haslam, Barbara Baraw, Bruce Godin and she were present with Kim Brown to discuss possible modifications. A discussion of Mr. Brown’s plans took place with Ms. Baraw recommending the following:
Using a standing seam metal roof which has a 50-60 year life and which is more common historically and she has a copy of Dept of Interior standards for roof replacements.
Suggested Tim Meehan or Billy Adams for quotes
Suggested if moisture come through the floor put in 10 (?) poly and a wooden floor.
Suggested windows from salvage, leave existing and add new ones.
Railing needs to be 40” high with possibly 3 horizontal bars.
Security system needed.
Phase I:
(1) Can the building be elevated 6” vs. 4.5”? What would be the ramification of 6” if it is felt there needs to be a wooden floor.
(2) Attempt should be made to use existing windows. Put 1 window on north side, leave window on west side, add 4 windows on east side evenly spaced. It was suggested Mr. Brown be asked for an image of the east side with 2 windows together at each end.
(3) Have the deck go to the end of the building on the north side. Eliminate the stairs to ground level. Another bar or railing would be needed.
(4) Will adding height to the building make a difference with the door size and grading the pavement/threshold?
(5) Interior lighting OK subject to museum quality filtering of UV rays- not inexpensive.
Phase II:
(1) insulate from the exterior (0nly if necessary to preserve the hearses).
(2) Insulate the roof –standing seam metal not shingle (only if needed to preserve hearses)
Ask if we use facia board at the bottom of the clapboard to show what was done can existing siding can be used.
It was agreed that the next meeting will be held August 7th unless many work orders come in at such time a special meeting can be held.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 A.M.
These minutes were taken by Donna Adams and typed by Barbara Allaire.
Cemetery Commission APPROVED 9/4/07
Town of Stowe
August 7, 2007
The regular meeting of the Stowe Cemetery Commission was held Tuesday, August 7, 2007 starting at 8:00 A.M. in the Banquet Room in the Akeley Memorial Building.
Members present: Donna Adams, Clarke Foster, Leigh Tabor, George von Trapp and Joy Fagan (8:15) . Also present: Barbara Baraw.
Minutes of June 25, 2007: Mr. Tabor moved to accept, seconded by Mr. Foster with all in favor. Mrs. Fagan had not yet arrived.
Minutes of July 23, 2007: Mr. Tabor moved to approve as written, seconded by Mr. Foster. In favor were Mrs Adams, Mr. Tabor and Foster. Mrs. Fagan and Mr. von Trapp were not present at the meeting at the 7/23/07 meeting.
WORK ORDERS:
Moody, Karl: Sec. 11 Lot # 2 Riverbank. Cleaning with condition: that the pressure washing causes no damage to the grass around the stone. Work by Falls Memorials (Michael Waiter).
Titus, J. Allen & Elvina : Sec. 20 Lot 6A Riverbank. Cleaning with same condition as work order above. Falls Memorials to do the work.
Titus, Wayne S. & Evelyn E.: Sec. 21-D, Lots 3,4,5 & 6. Riverbank. Lettering for Wayne and marker for Delbert on plot # 3. Cleaning to be done with the same condition as imposed on the work order above. Michael Waiter from Falls Memorials to do the work.
Touchette, Donald & Shirley: Sec. 17 Lot 3. Inscription for Marion and also cleaning. Work to be done by Clegg Memorials.
Bull, Hildegarde: (Bull/Andersen) Sec. 11 Lot 11 ½ Riverbank. Replacement of existing foundation. Work to be done by Clegg Memorials.
Mr. Tabor moved to approve the above Work Orders with the conditions imposed, seconded by Mr. von Trapp with all members in favor.
Barbara Allaire questioned why there is not a requirement on the work order for dealers to check off the guarantee for installing/replacing foundations. Mrs. Fagan said she felt any where in the work order it says memorial, it should read memorial/foundation. It will be further discussed at the September meeting. Barbara will send a blank copy of a Work Order to members for their review.
Financial Report: Mr. von Trapp reviewed with members the financial report for the year ending 6/30/07. Out of the $15,000 budget, the Commission spent $9700. Starting July 1, 2007, the budget has the per hour salary for data entry coming out of the Secretary’s wages. Mr. von Trapp will follow up on a check, which Mrs. Fagan returned to the Treasurer, prior to year end, as she did not go to the meeting so did not use it.
Mr. Godin’s Report:
Mr. Godin stated the waterline at Riverbank is in having been done by Bortec with 20 (as opposed to 15 agreed to) water faucets being installed. Mr. Godin stated that Bortec was 160’ off when drilling the well, which was not Mr. Godin’s responsibility. Mr. Godin said it is being taken care of through the Water Department.
Mrs. Smenner, who is a member of the Luce family, asked about taking down the two large spruce trees near there lot and replace them with spruce. Mr. Godin told her they could replace them but not with spruce. Mrs. Smenner is willing to contribute to the project and Mr. Godin stated he would buy one large tree. Barbara Allaire will contact Horsford Nursery (where the last 3 trees were purchased) and inquire as to the largest size red maple they have and the cost.
Restoration: Mr. Godin told the Commission he is disappointed with the amount of work being done on memorials and the amount of money being spent to the current contractor. Mr. Godin is willing and can do the smaller stones on his own. Mrs. Fagan felt a qualified person should do the work and the Commission was agreeable and encouraged Mr. Godin to do it after being approved. It was felt Mr. Godin knows the cemetery and is familiar with what needs and should be done. Mrs. Adams will go to Mr. Safford, Town Manager, and seek his advice as to the legalities.
Mr. Godin said he is working/investigating putting the waterline the length of the West Branch Cemetery. tape 1 side 2
Mr. Godin reported that someone went to Riverbank and rotatilled a strip of land 3’ wide and 15’ long. Bruce said he did not know when it was done or who did it. The sod was thrown over the fence on Adams. When and if it is discovered who did this, Mr. Godin will ask them to clean up Adam’s land.
HMIS: Barbara Allaire reported that she will be meeting with Mort who has to make some changes in the program and then will continue with the data entry this fall.
(this is a good winter project)!!
Cemetery Books Mrs. Fagan reported that the new books will now all be soft cover and 100-125 will be ordered. Mrs. Fagan stated when Mrs. Haslam finishes the index so that the number of pages will be known, then cost can be determined. Mrs. Fagan felt the cost will be between $ 52 and $ 56 per book, which will allow for a substantial profit. Plans are to make a “special” to sell which will include the original hard cover (36 on hand) with a copy of the new soft cover. The publisher is requesting to do the flier. His details are not yet known in detail northe cost. All of these plans will fit within the amount of money the Selectboard approved, stated Mrs. Fagan.
Historical Society Annual Meeting:
Barbara Baraw was present to discuss the meeting being planned and it was previously agreed by the Commission to make the hearses available to view on 8/21/07 from 4:30 – 6:30 P.M. Mrs. Baraw said the Society will be putting up signs indicating where the hearses are located for viewing and possibly put posters up in the Akeley Memorial Building. Mrs. Baraw asked Mr. Godin if the board/cardboard could be taken off the south side of the building for viewing the hearses. He will investigate and at the same time decide if there will be enough light to let people in without setting up a generator. Mrs. Adams will attend the meeting to answer questions and share the proposed plans for the hearses and the building. Mrs. Adams will also be available for the 2 hours of viewing at the hearse building. Mr. Tabor felt the hearses should be a part of the Historical Society and not the Commission but agreed it is good to work together. Barbara Allaire was concerned with vandalism when removing the covering of the window. Barbara Baraw said there is a light on the end of the parking lot and the police do drive around the area because of the bank. After discussion, it was agreed by all that the lanterns should be removed from the building and placed in an appropriate location in the Akeley Memorial Building.
Mr. Godin left the meeting.
Building restoration: Mrs. Fagan asked what the responsibility is of the town for the building. Mrs. Baraw felt the decision of the building itself is made by the Commission, and then brought to the Selectboard. The building is on the historic register and will be a museum, which will be required to go before the Historic Preservation Commission as a courtesy. Alan Boyea had given Mrs Adams an estimate to do what Kim Brown’s drawings are proposing in order that planning can be done. It has to be determined if the building needs to be insulated, heated etc in order to store the hearses. Mrs Adams received an e-mail from Shelburne museum with advice to conserve the hearses and not restore. The building would not need to be heated but the humidity level will have to be monitored (a product can be purchased). Mrs. Adams suggested this be done over the fall and winter to give everyone an idea of what is taking place in the building. Mrs. Baraw said there are 4-5 Conservators who would come in and evaluate the hearses, and she suggested doing nothing to the building until the evaluation takes place and suggested doing it soon. tape 2 side 1 A lengthy discussion followed re: the building, whether or not it needs to be insulated, roofing material (Mrs Fagan adamant about not using metal) although Mrs Baraw stated that is historic), lighting, security, Walker Construction concerned with the stones which may need to be removed/ replaced, types of windows insulated or not etc. Mrs Adams will inquire into the process, which may need to take place re: the stones. The final agreement was to ask the Selectboard (or committee) for $35,000. Mrs Adams will contact Mr. Boyea with different scenarios and also contact a Conservator to find out what their fee per hour is and time frame. Mrs. Adams will be in contact with Mr. Safford for suggestions and a time frame re: the request for money.
Mrs. Fagan moved to conserve the hearses in their current condition, seconded by Mr. von Trapp with all members in favor.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara S. Allaire
Stowe Cemetery Commission
September 4, 2007 APPROVED 10.2.07
The regular meeting of the Stowe Cemetery Commission was held Tuesday, September 4, 2007 in the Banquet Room in the Akeley Memorial Building starting at 8:00 A.M.
Members present: Clarke Foster, Donna Adams and Leigh Tabor. Members absent: Joy Fagan and George von Trapp.
Also present: Bruce Godin and Charles Safford, Town Manager.
Mr. Safford came to the meeting and was introduced to members. He told the Commission the Cemeteries are in great shape and thanked members and Bruce for caring, for their support and on-going commitment. Mr. Safford offered his support and help in any way he can be of assistance.
Minutes of August 7, 2007: Mr. Tabor moved to approve with minor corrections, seconded by Mr. Foster with all in favor.
Work Order:
Magrath, Raymond and Dorothy Sec. IX-E Lot 69 in West Branch: Grade level marker. V.L. Perkins Co. contractor. Mr. Tabor moved to approve as submitted, seconded by Mr. Foster with all in favor.
Mrs. Adams said she had met with Mr. Safford and Rabidoux regarding the possibility of Mr. Godin repairing some of the monuments on his own time (but does not have time during his daily job). Suzanne Gann, Human Resources had said Bruce would have to have his own company, insurance and a contract (which he could have arranged by spring). Mr. Godin said he would not be able to do some of the larger stones so the town would still have to hire an outside firm. Mr. Godin will bring a list to the Commission of what stones need repair and ones he cannot do. Letters will then be sent to Kuhn, Clegg and Perkins asking if they are interested in giving a price to do the ones Bruce cannot do.
Mr. Godin’s Report:
1. Waterline completed at Riverbank
2. Section signs have been redone and new ones added for Sec. 23-30.
3. Alan Boyea had sent an estimate on roofing the white house at Riverbank for $4950. Discussion took place whether to use shingles or metal. The building is historic so Mrs. Adams will try and find out what should be done. It was determined to use shingles, as a replacement issue so would not have to go to the Historic Preservation Commission. Bruce will get other estimates and put in his budget if it is decided to do.
4. Bruce’s men fixed the railing at the rear of the Memorial Building and saved the town $250 by doing it themselves.
5. Getting an estimate from Percy’s to extend waterline in West Branch Cemetery.
6. Discussion re: shrubs, trees etc near monuments: Mr. Godin stated there are monuments which have plantings too near them, are affecting the stones, some nearly covering the stones. People come from out of town and do not know the rules. tape 1 side 2 Bruce suggested putting small cards on each stone in the spring notifying those that come what can and cannot be planted. Bruce will make a list of the most serious situations and a letter, asking for a response will be sent to the owners (if known) of the seriousness and tell them what is required to be done. If they do not respond, Bruce will remove what he feels is necessary. Bruce will hire someone to go in and thin some out at this point and then the Commission will pursue the issue. It was suggested putting sandwich signs out in various places and at different times, such as the 4th of July and Memorial Day for a short period of time. It was also suggested a copy of the section of rules pertaining to planting be given when one purchases a lot. It was suggested sending notices to the different shrub/tree etc. businesses in the area giving them the rules. It was agreed the Commission needs to be compassionate and user friendly to the people.
Hearse house: Mrs. Adams said she had met and walked around the building with Mr. Safford and Rabidoux explaining what the Commission proposes to do to the building and the use of it. Both were concerned with having the deck on the side of the cemetery because of having to move stones and suggested it go on the other side. This would require moving a pole. Bruce asked if the deck could go out over the stones. Walker Construction would have to be contacted for other possibilities. Mrs. Adams said 19 people came by the hearse house the night of the Stowe Historical Society function at the library. Mrs. Adams had spoken with Alan Boyea re: various options, i.e. windows, flooring etc for the building. Mrs. Adams has a form to complete for requesting funds to do the project as a capital improvement. She will also speak with Tom Jackman re: grants available. Mrs. Adams stated she had contacted a conservator recommended by Shelburne Museum who will come the last of the month and inspect the building and possibly the hearses.
Members discussed briefly the issue of having a warranty for foundations on the Work Order Permit. This discussion will continue at the next meeting.
The next meeting will be held October 2, 2007 at 9:30 A.M.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara S. Allaire
