Town of Chichester
Cemetery Trustees’ meeting
October 2, 2023
Cemetery Trustees, Ruth Hammen, Fred Shaw and Brenda Boswak met at 9:00 on October 2, 2023 at the Historical Society building.
OLD BUSINESS
A second granite, gate post has been replaced at Morrill Cemetery in preparation for placement of a new gate. Brenda spoke with Dustin Fortier confirming details of the gate designs we have chosen. He will submit an estimate as soon as possible. We hope to accomplish this project during the 2023 season. Brenda has contacted the abutting property owner to Morrill Cemetery and requested the removal of a very large dead tree that fell into the cemetery. The remainder of the tree looms over the cemetery and appears to be dead also. This was mentioned to the property owner. The property owner has begun the cleanup. Brenda has refinished several more cemetery signs. As of today, none of the dangerous trees at True Cemetery have been removed. The Selectmen delegated this responsibility to the Road Agent. Ruthie has been in contact with Craig Sykes, Road Agent, and confirmed which trees need removal. We have contacted Joseph Beachy as a potential contractor if the Road Agent agrees. Joseph is available to accomplish the work this season. We are waiting on a response from the Road Agent.
NEW BUSINESS
Fred and Ruthie are busy measuring for the sale of ‘Right to Inter’ contracts. Several have been sold in Leavitt Cemetery this season. We have had a request for a transfer of an existing ‘lot’. Fred has prepared a document for that transaction. In compliance with our operating procedures, transfers from one owner to a new owner MUST be conducted through the Cemetery Trustees.Flags other than American flags have been removed from gravesites by Cemetery Trustees, in accordance with our ‘Rules & Regulations’.Brenda has begun promoting the ‘Wreaths Across America Day’ for Chichester. This event will be held December 16, 2023, beginning with a wreath laying ceremony at the Veterans’ Memorial Park. Volunteers will disperse to cemeteries to lay wreaths at the conclusion of the ceremony. Volunteers are needed for removal of flags and placement of wreath holders, unloading a tractor trailer delivery of wreaths, participating in the ceremony, and laying wreaths. Chichester has 218 veterans’ gravesites to remember this year.We discussed the possibility of preparing a warrant article for 2024 town meeting to document the town ownership of Knowlton-Edgerly Cemetery. Brenda will request Kristy to post on the town website a reminder to remove all memorabilia at gravesites by October 31.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Boswak, Cemetery Trustee, Secretary