HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - Cemetery Sextons - 03/20/2024DRAFT
South Burlington Cemetery Sexton Meeting Minutes March 20, 2024 Donna called the meeting of the South Burlington Cemetery Sextons to order at 3:05 PM. The meeting
was held in Room 301 at City Hall with the following members present: Donna Kinville, Peter Taylor,
Maureen O’Brien, John Simson, and Jason Kirchick (remotely). Guests included: Jessie Baker, City Manager, Holly Rees, City Clerk, Jared Pellerin, Deputy City Attorney, and John Barrows.
1. Welcome and introductions – Those present introduced themselves.
2. Agenda Review – No changes were made.
3. Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda – None
4. Elect a chair, vice chair, and clerk – Peter nominated Donna to serve as Chair. John S
seconded and all voted in favor. Donna nominated Peter to serve as Vice Chair. Maureen
seconded and all voted in favor. Peter nominated John S to serve as Clerk. Maureen seconded
and all voted in favor.
5. History and functioning of the Sextons and cemetery operations – The group had a
conversation about the history of the Sextons. They first met in 2019. After Karen retired,
Donna took over the coordination. There is a continued concern about the maintenance of the
Cemeteries and the roles related to direction and effort. Those present discussed the process to
buy a plot, map the parcels, invoice, manage perpetual care, and conduct burials. Members
recommend that there be a price increase in the future and an option for cremations. Pat Healy in
Montpelier could be a resource in the future. Those present had a conversation about financial
resources. Donna indicated that previously tasks were paid for by the City Clerk’s
modernization fund or donations. Jessie pointed out that there was also a $1,000 line in the
Parks Maintenance General Fund budget for cemetery supplies. The 602 Cemetery Trust Fund
currently has a balance of $17,000. Jessie mentioned that the City is starting a Parks and Open
Space Master Planning process and perhaps the Sextons would like to be involved in that effort.
6. Discussion of roles and responsibilities of the City Council (currently the City Cemetery
Commission), Sextons, City Clerk, and City Manager – Those present discussed that there is
still not clarity on the role of the Sextons and the role of the Council. They discussed where the
operations of the Cemeteries should sit in the organization. There was interest in continuing this
conversation at the next meeting.
7. Review of Draft Rules and Regulations – Those present discussed the draft document and decided more conversation was needed about roles and responsibilities before finetuning this document.
DRAFT
8. Discuss timeline for future Council discussion and potential action – It was discussed that the Sextons would like to present to the Council on May 20th.
9. Discussion of future revenues – Discussion was tabled.
10. Other Business – The next meeting will be on April 16, 2024 at 3:00 PM.
11. Adjourn – The meeting adjourned at 4:45 PM.