HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Cemetery Sextons - 01/24/2022South Burlington Cemetery Sexton Meeting Minutes January 24, 2022 Donna called the meeting of the South Burlington Cemetery Sextons to order at 6:00 PM. The meeting was held at via GoToMeeting with all members present (Donna Kinville, Peter Taylor, Christopher Thrane and Maureen O’Brien). I. Emergency Evacuation Procedures - n/a II. Review of Agenda– n/a. III. Comments and Questions from the Public – There were none. IV. Approve minutes of 7 Dec 2021 – Peter made a motion to approve, Chris seconded and all voted in favor. V. Continued Discussion on next steps – a. Cleaning and straightening headstones - Shelburne Road Cemetery – Donna and Peter visited cemetery and mapped stones that need repair, straitening and/or cleaning. Maureen will share map with Vermont Old Cemetery
Association (VOCA). VOCA is scheduled to assist cleaning on July 9, 2022; we will ask if they need to know the type of stone (granite, slate, marble), as well as what supplies will be need to be purchased. Our plan would be to purchase needed supplies in June using the $1,000 budgeted by the city. Donna was able to confirm that any funds not used are transferred to the ongoing cemetery fund. b. Comparison of lot sizes and prices - Chris reported on his research regarding size and cost of plots. Maureen made a motion to increase the cost of lots as follows: Residents from $400 to $500 and non-residents $600 to $700, seconded by Peter and all voted in favor. For comparison Burlington is $700/$1,200; Town of North Hero $350/500 and Essex $600 (no delineation). We realize that City Council has official approval of any rate increase. Our lots size of 3 ½’ x 10’ is in-line with other cemeteries. c. Shelburne Road brush removal and fixing of ruts - The Highway Department reported that they will wait until Spring to fix these issues. VI. Discussion and approval of draft rules and regulations – Discussion was held regarding samples received to date. Maureen will take what we’ve received using them to prepare draft rules and regulations prior to our next meeting. VII. Discussion on what to bring before council and when – The group decided that it would be best to wait until April. We would like to discuss the following: a. New rules, regulations and fees; b. VOCA cleaning on July 9, 2022;
c. Eldredge fencing – According to Helen Riehle, the airport may include the fence repair as part of ongoing construction taking place adjacent to cemetery; d. Update to timeline; e. Update council on mapping initiatives, Donna will follow up with Joe Flynn of O’Leary Burke Engineers. Joe did the original mapping a number of years ago when he worked for Dubois & King. VIII. New Business a. Chris asked if we should consider de-commissioning the Shelburne Road cemetery due to ongoing swampy soil conditions. Prior to any decision/recommendation we will check with soil experts. b. Maureen asked if burial permits and deeds were a matter of public record – Donna confirmed that they are. c. Donna will check with City Attorney regarding possible deed to be used by the City when plots are sold. d. Maureen suggested that we consider asking the City Council to keep in mind that at some point we may need an additional cemetery somewhere in the City; especially if it is decided to de-commission Shelburne Road. IX. Other Business a. Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 27, 2022 at City Hall or via GoToMeeting.
Maureen made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Chris and approved by all. Meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM Minutes submitted on: January 24, 2022 Minutes approved on: March 30, 2022