9/22/2015 CEMETERY COMMISSION Minutes

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Cemetery Commission September 22, 2015 Members present: Ernest Virgilio, Mike Scirpoli, Charlie Hinckley Others: Rodney Collins, Catherine Laurent The meeting was opened at 4:30 pm. Approval of Minutes The minutes from the December 8,'2014 meeting were approved by a vote of 2-0 with Charlie abstaining. Decoration of Individual Plots—Artificial Flowers Mike listed the improvements made to Great Neck Woods Cemetery over the last 13 years since it's construction: erection of fence with stone columns along property frontage; installation of post lights; planting along fence, entrance island, and property perimeter (Section B); construction of an infant section; installation of irrigation; naming of cemetery and erection of an entrance sign; replacement of stone dust walkways with flagstone walks; and installation of benches. He noted that overall residents have been very pleased with the appearance of the cemetery and its upkeep. Artificial flowers are currently allowed on plots from November 15t until April 11t. Ernie explained that this rule is original to the opening of the cemetery when the Selectmen approved the cemetery's Rules and Regulations. These rules were developed by the building committee after comparison to those for other towns. He explained that decorations placed on plots can potentially damage the Town's equipment. He also noted that other towns remove the temporary plaques immediately after burial and offer them to the families or return them to the funeral homes. Mashpee typically leaves them until a headstone is erected. Rodney agreed that decorations should not interfere with mowing or become cluttered but noted the Town needs to be sensitive to families because of the emotions involved. Charlie asked about enforcement. Catherine responded that the DPW does not strictly enforce the rules but will remove plants or other items if unsightly, dead or deteriorated. Ernie stated that in the 13 years since opening, there have only been 3 complaints or issues that the Commission had to address. The Commission reviewed language from Barnstable, Sandwich, Yarmouth, and Dennis. Barnstable has the same time restrictions. The othertowns don't specifically regulate artificial flowers but state that items will be removed at the discretion of the responsible department. The Commission agreed that allowing the artificial flowers year round would be okay with the understanding they would be removed if deteriorated, interfering with mowing or similar.