Lakeville cemetery commission directs fence repairs, digitizes records and reviews contractor schedules

The Town of Lakeville Cemetery Commission on Dec. 11, 2018 discussed delayed maintenance at multiple town‑owned cemeteries, directed staff and contractors to fix gates and fences to ensure safe visitor access, and heard that cemetery records are being transferred into the town’s SIM records system.

Commission members discussed outstanding post‑and‑rail work at Ray Ward Cemetery and a separate Precinct Cemetery job that contractors have not completed, and asked staff to press contractors to finish the work before winter weather sets in. The commission also discussed a gate at Wood Cemetery that currently requires pieces to be lifted or slid aside to enter; commissioners directed that the gate be modified so it opens on hinges or slides for safer, easier public access. Commissioners noted the need for installation of a sliding or hinged anchor so visitors need not remove loose boards to enter.

Why it matters: cemetery fences and gates affect public access and safety and can raise legal questions about reasonable access under Massachusetts law. The commission emphasized timely repairs to avoid further hazards or liability.

Most important details - Records and digitization: Guest Sue Lynch is transferring cemetery files into the town’s SIM system so plot data and paperwork are available digitally; the commission agreed to contact the vendor Ramaker to arrange payment for adding new cemetery entries to the system. - Contractor schedule: Commissioners said contractor John Malidi (name as spoken in meeting) had not completed several sites; the commission will follow up and seek firm completion dates. Commissioner(s) also reported speaking with a John Bellitti about promised fence work that had not yet been completed. - Survey work: Surveyor John Pink reported the Strobridge (also spoken as Strawbridge in meeting) survey is complete except for one sizing question; commissioners instructed him to use the standard 5‑by‑10 plot size for most lots and 4‑by‑10 for the veteran lot as previously agreed, and to add that to his final survey. - Gate/access fixes: At Ward Hill/Ward Cemetery and Wood Cemetery the commission directed that gates be rehung or fitted with a sliding/hinge solution so visitors will not need to lift or remove boards to enter. - Tree‑damage repairs: Commissioners said Beaver Tree reported finishing repairs at McCollum Cemetery and indicated the tree company will be billed for the damage; one post and back rails remain to be completed. - Administrative items: The commission approved the minutes of the Sept. 12, 2018 meeting; Fred Beal reported a balance of $15,616.83 in commission funds. The commission agreed to draft a letter granting Cornerstone Church an extension until Nov. 1 (year in letter referenced as 2018) to decide whether the church will retain a cemetery; a commissioner will draft that letter for signature.

Context and background Commission members referenced earlier files and a local cemetery reference book (Jean Dullet) as sources to verify burial plots. Commissioners reiterated that where title or lot ownership is unclear, the commission will not approve interments or changes until line verification and proof of prior interments are established. Commissioners also noted that improvements and repairs paid for or installed by contractors should be performed to allow safe public entry and comply with applicable state access expectations.

Next steps and schedule The commission instructed staff to: contact contractors for firm completion dates; ask Ramaker to bill the town for SIM additions; document gate modifications in photographs for follow‑up; and deliver a letter to the petitioner (Cornerstone Church) granting the requested extension. Members set the next meeting for Jan. 8, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the library.