LUNENBURG CEMETERY COMMISSION 342900128270 Nancy Foss-Yasko, Chair David Dorren, Vice-Chair Mike Clark, Clerk 00 Nancy Foss-Yasko, Chair David Dorren, Vice-Chair Mike Clark, Clerk 476137297932 476137297932 17 Main Street, P. O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462 978-582-4144 Fax 978-582-4148 17 Main Street, P. O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462 978-582-4144 Fax 978-582-4148 320689210789 MEETING MINUTES Thursday, July 25, 2024 – 9:00AM Lunenburg Town Hall – Bilotta Meeting Room 9:00 AM – The Cemetery Commission Meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM. In attendance was Nancy Foss-Yasko, Chair; David Dorren, Vice-Chair & Commissioner Mike Clark, Clerk Also in attendance was Bill Bernard - DPW Superintendent. Chair Nancy Foss-Yasko asked everyone to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. No Recording by the Audience. Lunenburg Public access Recording of Meeting: Cemetery Commission 07.25.24 (youtube.com) Chair Nancy Foss-Yasko read open meeting law introduction Public Comment – Dave Rodgers, 82 Highland Street, commented on North Cemetery, observed grounds is in great shape and employees on the job. Commissioner Clark asked the Chair if the open meeting law notification must be on the Agenda/Minutes.  The Chair responded that she would look into it but stated that she was advised by the Select Board to incorporate them into the Commissions proceedings. Review and Approve Minutes from June 20, 2024, meeting. David Dorren, Vice-Chair motioned to approve the minutes, Commissioner Clark seconded. All in favor (AIF). The minutes were approved by the Commission 3-0. Bill Bernard, DPW Director gave the following report since the last meeting in June: 6 burials, 1 full burial - 5 cremations Mowing statistics during summer season. Commented on improved cutting conditions with dryer weather All grass cut before July 4th, 170-man hours, grass growth rate slowing down from 1 inch per day to 1 inch per week, commented on continuing cuts and conditions. 1 seasonal worker leaving in 2 weeks, second laborer starting, 3rd laborer being hired to replace 1st one. Dept. of corrections has limited availability – Labor Day is next time available. DPW Director Bill Bernard to check numbers and ask town for more money to manicure the cemeteries.  Open Items/Upcoming Projects were discussed. Solar illumination lights quote for both South and North Cemetery flag poles. Lights will be Top Pole mounted, shine down, Bill Bernard also stated the cost of solar lights on the flag poles in North and South Cemeteries to be $650.  Motion made to approve the solar lights.  David Dorren, Vice-Chair - motioned to approve purchase of lights in the North & South cemetery for $650.00, Commissioner Clark seconded, vote AIF, Motion passed 3-0. Bill Bernard will coordinate installation with electrician. Plan on installation in next few weeks. Family Plot Refund, Chair Nancy Foss-Yasko and the commission discussed the Hughey family requesting a refund for 4 plots at South Cemetery that they purchased in 1988.  They moved out of the Commonwealth and requested a refund.  Bill Bernard, DPW Director recommended that the $200 for the burial rights be refunded but not to refund the $300 for perpetual care nor the $150 for the burial as those services had been provided.  The commission discussed the logistics of plot refunds in general and this specific refund. Commissioner Clark motioned to refund $200 to the family for the return of 4 burial lots to the cemetery department, David Dorren, Vice-Chair seconded, AIF. Motion passed 3-0. A question came up regarding the deeds to all plots where the Cemetery Commission returns money to the families. DPW Director Bill Bernard to check into the transfer back of the cemetery plot deed transfer back. Chair Yasko to look into with attorney Costs how and when the deeds are transferred back to the Town of Lunenburg. Financial Bartholomew & Company discussion. Chair Nancy Foss-Yasko spoke to the Cemeteries Funds, “Sale of lots” funds - $88k, making $1800 in interest. Other years presented. Discussed rates of return that Town Accountant provided to the Chair. DPW Director Bill Bernard to check numbers and ask town for more money to manicure the cemeteries.  On-going investigation of the use of robotic mowers – researched complete by Michael Clark, Clerk. Brief update – Commissioner Clark to send Bill Bernard the presentation, talk to green communities, can a pilot demo be set up? Discussion on Lakeview to trim the South Cemetery Shrubs for $2,625.  David Dorren, Vice-Chair motioned to accept Lakeview’s proposal of $2625.00 to trim & prune in South Cemetery, Commissioner Clark seconded, AIF - Motion passed 3-0 Ramaker, discussion for additional license. – (1) Professional Service License - $1,200 and (1) Maintenance Support - $800.00. David Dorren, Vice-Chair motioned we pay Ranmaker $2000.00, Commissioner Clark seconded, AIF Motion passed 3-0 Allen stone cleaned $350.00, trust has been spent down Commission discussed Stone & bench cleaning – potential harm to materials, Commissioner Clark mentioned use of chemicals to clean, start with granite benches South Cemetery Flagpole Concrete Skirt Project– Discussed completing project per the quote DPW Superintendent Bill Bernard presented. Commissioner Clark motioned to approve funding to Skirt Project at South Cemetery: Motion not to exceed $3500.00, David Dorren, Vice-Chair seconded, AIF. Motion passed 3-0 The Commission discussed the North Cemetery vacant back field area – 80 – 100 lots open in current cemetery DPW Superintendent Bill Bernard stated that 40 burials per year, last year 23 burials. Field area has upwards of 800 plots The Commission discussed the ARPA Funding Opportunity – approximately $313K in funding remains that has not been committed to projects. Proposals need to be submitted to the Select-Board by July 31, 2024 – 4:00PM. Discussion on projects that the Cemetery Commission would like to see submitted for possible approval by the Select-Board. Chair Nancy Foss-Yasko is asking State Rep Kushmerek to earmark money, $285k for both cemeteries Motion to ask Select Board for ARPA Funding Site Planning for $38,500 to Repair and Clean Stones in North and South Cemetery.  Commissioner Clark motioned for $38,500 K for stone repair and cleaning and $7,405 for back field, David Dorren, Vice-Chair seconded, AIF. Motion passed 3-0 Public comments, Dave Rodgers how many new plot sales/year are there? Why would we have outside companies do backside field work? And really does not understand what perpetual care is. Asked plot costs. David Dorren, Vice-Chair & Bill Bernard dialoged with Mr. Rogers. Daveid Doreen, Vice Chair requested a firm count on open lots from Bill Bernard, North & South Cemetery. Motion to Adjourn at 10:40am: David Dorren motioned, Mike Clark seconded, AIF, Motion passed 3-0. lefttop