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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Cemetery Sextons - 04/22/2019Cemetery Sexton April 22, 2019 The South Burlington Cemetery Sextants held a meeting on Monday, April 22, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., at the Eldredge cemetery and Shelburne Rd cemetery. MEMBERS PRESENT: P. Taylor, D. Kinville, T. Chittenden Invited Guests: Craig Lambert, S. Burlington Dept of Public works and city arborist 1. Agenda Review. No changes were made to the agenda 2. Instructions on exiting building in case of emergency: Ms. Kinville provided emergency exiting instructions. 3. Comments & Questions from the public not related to Agenda items No comments from the public. 4. Visit Eldredge and Shelburne Rd cemeteries A walk through each of the 2 cemeteries with the City Public Works employee to review the maps of the 2 cemeteries and to view the condition of the cemeteries and gravestones. The following is a listing of questions and observations during these 2 site visits. Eldredge Cemetery: As we approached the cemetery from the southern section of the cemetery (parallel to Heritage Aviation’s parking lot) it was noted that there was no fence on this side of the cemetery. Mr. Lambert noted that it had been gone for a few years but that there are now wood sticks where the fence would go. Two sections of the front fence were hit by a car over the winter and have been removed. Eldredge has several larger trees in the cemetery but seem to be healthy. Mr. Lambert pointed out one tree that is dying. Ms. Kinville noted that maybe it should be removed prior to it falling and damaging more headstones. Mr. Taylor and Mr. Chittenden were interested if there was anything we could recommend that would help reduce the amount of work that is involved when they mow, such as recessed markers and not allowing planters. Mr. Lambert replied that the only thing that would help would be not allowing artificial flowers as they are left behind and become a hazard when moving. Mr. Chittenden would like to see a bench or two installed in the cemetery near the airport fence. The soldier’s memorial was evaluated and could use some upkeep with the plants and Ms. Kinville inquired whether a bench there would be appropriate. There were a number of headstones either toppled over, covered over in dirt or in need of cleaning. There was discussion on whether it be required that when a plot is purchased that they must also purchase metal markers that would go below the ground to mark off the plots. Mr. Chittenden inquired what the cost of the lots were and how they compared to the surrounding municipalities. Mr. Lambert was asked if there was a need for a sonar of the grave sites to make sure that everything is marked where there is a grave, since some of the stones seemed out of place. He was unsure if it was needed or not but had not been a problem when marking the gravesites. 1:30 we left Eldredge cemetery and proceeded to Shelburne Rd cemetery. Shelburne Rd cemetery: As we approached the cemetery by going over the land bridge it was noted that there was evidence of trash in the stream bed and surrounding tree area. There was no fence in the front section of the lot and only 3 sides on the back portion of the cemetery with some of it in poor shape. P. Taylor stated that a higher fence in the western (back) section of the cemetery was needed. There were several sections of the cemetery which had standing water. The question was is it because of a high-water table or would filling in the sections take care of the standing water. Ms. Kinville questioned whether we should plot out to sell those sections of land? The headstones that were toppled down in this cemetery were numerous and both cemeteries would require an expert to right them, secure them and clean them. There was a lot of overgrown trees and bushes on the western (back) corner and on the northern side of the cemetery which will take some considerable clearing to give more space for plots and more importantly, clean up the cemetery. There was conversation about whether a sign should be erected at this cemetery near the road to let people know that there is a cemetery there. There was also discussion about whether the cemetery should be named something else other than Shelburne Rd cemetery. It was noted that blue pipes sticking out of the ground on the northern section of the cemetery. They could be either for a CWD water line or to measure the amount of the water table in that area. The only entrance to the cemetery is from Shelburne Rd but the question was raised if a car could make it over the little bridge and where would they park and then turn around to leave without going over lots. It was questioned whether another entry way could be accessed from the western (back) or northern section by utilizing existing parking lots or a road? The Sextons discussed prioritizing the list of work that needs to be done. The major items are getting fencing as that is a state requirement, getting a good map with the lots plotted out on it (both sold and lots that can be sold as well as lots already occupied), repairing and cleaning the stones as well as cleaning up of Shelburne Rd. All of these actions require money to be spent and may need to be done over a period of time. The following action items were assigned. 1) Mr. Chittenden will contact Justin Rabidoux of the S. Burlington public works to discuss the fencing at Eldredge. 2) Mr. Chittenden will contact Justin Rabidoux of the S. Burlington public works to discuss what the blue pipes in Shelburne Rd cemetery are for. 3) Ms. Kinville will contact other municipalities to see what their plots sell for and their size. 4) Ms. Kinville will contact a few companies to see what it would cost for the cemeteries to be sonared to make sure that headstones are put back appropriately and to confirm the plot locations and what plots are occupied. 5) 5. Other Business: No other business was brought before the Board. 6. Adjournment: As there was no further business to come before the committee the meeting was adjourned by common consent at 2:25 p.m.