Cemetery Minutes July 13, 2017
Members Present: Trustees: J. Lucas, C. Rodd, D. Whalley and J. Lord, Custodian.
Minutes of June 8, 2017 were read and accepted by J. Lucas, C. Rodd and D. Whalley.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion continues regarding the trust funds available for the cemetery committee to use for additional expenses needed in the Bradford cemeteries over and above line item expenses. Carey will address this concern with a Trustee of the Bradford Trust Funds.
The additional head stone repair from this past winter is pending.
Reseeding at Sunny Plains and Pleasant Hill is moving forward. A soil test will be done to clarify what treatment is needed for the large bare areas at both cemeteries. Overgrown bushes are being removed at Pleasant Hill.
NEW BUSINESS
Carey reported that a local researcher has found many errors of the data in the Bradford burial records. He will follow up and begin correcting these errors.
Jane and Diane attended the annual seminar presented by the Attorney General on June 19th. It was learned that a cemetery without any burials is no longer considered a cemetery and should be deeded to the town. It was determined by NH Archaeologist in 2015 that there are no burials in Smith Cemetery on West Rd.
Discussion was held regarding memorial markers being allowed for the deceased with no remains. The biggest concern was that documentation would have to be specific in noting a lack of remains and where the remains are disposed.
Jane will talk to the property owners where Bagley Cemetery is and determine what fencing would be needed to replace the rotted fence presently out there. The property owners have preferred to maintain the grounds on their own.
Another discussion was held regarding corner stone requirements prior to internment. Sometimes the cornerstone placement never happens due to the urgency of burial date. Jane will research the cost of cornerstones and the trustees will consider including the cost of them in the sale of the lot.
Some of these issues will need to be added to or changes in the cemetery rules and regulations which would need a public hearing. This will be addressed at the cemetery meeting in August.
Draft until approved.