Commissioners discussed maintenance issues at several Norwalk cemeteries after reports that cut tree trunks and other debris had been left near an entrance, and that at least one monument cap had been knocked off near the Route 7 entrance.

Commissioners asked to meet with Parks and Recreation to coordinate mowing and maintenance schedules; they also scheduled a volunteer cleanup at Brookside cemetery. The cleanup will focus on clearing tree debris and treating older stones in advance of planned February events and tours.

Why it matters: Overgrown maintenance areas and debris can obscure monuments, accelerate stone deterioration and reduce public access for tours and memorial observances.

Details: Commission member Dana described seeing logs placed near the Love Lane entrance and that a cap on a monument had been knocked off by traffic near the Route 7 entrance. Commissioners said some areas have recurring overgrowth because they are not being mowed on the same schedule as surrounding plots and suggested coordinating directly with Parks and Recreation to adjust mowing patterns. Several commissioners volunteered to assist with a cleanup: they set a meeting time of 9 a.m. on the coming Saturday and planned to use sample cleaning solution donated from a Boy Scout project; one commissioner said six gallons of cleaning solution were available for initial use and noted more would be required for Mill Hill.

The commission also noted broader maintenance staffing changes and agreed that a joint meeting with Parks and Recreation staff — with a commissioner in attendance — would be helpful to resolve recurring problems.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to follow up with Parks and Recreation about mowing schedules and to publicize the volunteer Brookside cleanup for additional help.