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Bow selectmen ask staff, counsel to draft ordinance on cemetery hours after residents describe grief visits
Summary
After public comments describing late-night visits to gravesites, the Bow Board of Selectmen directed staff and town counsel to draft an ordinance to replace dusk-to-dawn hours with a narrower overnight closure and to explore a family waiver; police were asked to temporarily stand down enforcement while a draft is prepared.
At the Oct. 14 meeting of the Town of Bow Board of Selectmen, members directed staff and town counsel to draft a new cemetery-hours ordinance after residents described nighttime visits to graves and urged the board to allow limited after-hours access.
The discussion began when a board member, Selectman Colby, said residents had reported being asked to leave the cemetery when visiting outside “dusk till dawn” hours and asked for alternatives that balance safety and grieving. "Grief doesn't hold normal business hours," Colby said.
The Selectmen discussed options including setting a fixed overnight closure window (one suggestion was 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.), allowing family-specific waivers, or posting “enter at your own risk” signage. Town Manager David explained that the public works head had researched the existing dusk-to-dawn language and said the rule was originally intended to protect residents because cemeteries are unlit and have uneven ground, creating liability concerns.
Resident Holly Hislop told the board she represents a small group of parents who visit graves at varying hours and said the visits are not nightly or broad-based. "I'm paying it. It doesn't matter. If I'm going to be there, I'm going to be there," Hislop said, urging a compassionate approach and suggesting a signed-waiver system tied to police notification.
Selectmen agreed to ask town counsel and a pair of board members to draft ordinance language and to meet with affected families before returning the draft to the board. Selectman Elena (board member and state representative) and the town lawyer agreed to prepare draft language and told the board they would meet with the families if invited.
As an immediate, short-term step, the board asked the police department to "stand down" from strict enforcement of the current hours for two weeks while staff prepares the draft and consults with families. Town Manager David was assigned to notify the police chief and coordinate next steps.
Why it matters: The issue pits public-safety and liability considerations — cited by public works — against residents' requests for compassionate access to gravesites at times outside traditional daylight hours. The board's direction starts a process that could produce a new ordinance or a formal waiver procedure.
Board next steps: Counsel and two board members will draft ordinance language for a future meeting; David will notify the police chief and arrange meetings with families who asked to be consulted.
