Lakeville Cemetery Commission OKs $2,000 GPR survey, votes to raise burial fees and seeks fence quotes

The Town of Lakeville Cemetery Commission voted Feb. 13 to authorize up to $2,000 for a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey at the front of Scribe Ridge Cemetery, approved new burial and perpetual-care fees to present to the Selectmen, and asked a contractor to provide a quote to move historic granite posts from Pierce Cemetery to Precinct Cemetery.

The action on the GPR survey came after commissioners discussed reports that Wampanoag visitors believe there may be Native American burials at Scribe Ridge. The commission directed members to measure the front area identified for survey work, then call the company and secure a firm price. A commissioner moved that the commission "give Fred the ability to have $2,000 approved for the survey," and the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.

Commissioners discussed cost estimates for GPR work provided informally during the meeting: the company representative said a half-day typically costs about $800 and a full day about $1,600, and that time — not just area — drives price because finding and marking anomalies requires additional work. The commission settled on measuring roughly a 150-by-150-yard area at the front of the field and asking the vendor for a firm, not-to-exceed price with $2,000 as a ceiling.

The commission also approved a package of fee increases and voted to bring the revised schedule to the Selectmen for their approval. Changes the commission endorsed include a single-grave sale price set at $800 (based on a survey of neighboring cemeteries), openings (full burials) increased to $850, a Saturday supplement of $200 (a separate $100 Saturday supplement was set for cremations), and a decision to round the foundation charge to $100 (raised from a prior $92 figure). The commission kept the cremation grave sale price at $300 and adjusted perpetual-care rates separately: single-grave perpetual care was set at $400 and double-grave perpetual care at $600, with single cremation perpetual care at $200 and double cremation perpetual care at $300. Commissioners voted to send the full revised fee list to the Selectmen for final approval.

On cemetery fencing and restoration, commissioners reviewed a Southeast Fence proposal to replace rails on existing granite posts at Stetson Street and discuss moving posts and rails from Pierce Cemetery into Precinct Cemetery. The commission instructed a member to ask a local contractor, Chris, to inspect Pierce Cemetery, provide a detailed quote to remove posts and relocate them to Precinct Cemetery, and to identify any additional posts needed; that motion passed. Commissioners noted cost estimates presented earlier for larger projects that would exceed the commission's available balance and agreed to proceed in phases so the commission could preserve funds for other work.

Budget figures reviewed at the meeting showed the commission generated $27,404.72 in 2017 and currently has $10,037.54 available in its general fund balance, with a carryover from the prior year reported as about $1,400. Commissioners discussed submitting a capital request if they choose to pursue purchase of a GPR unit outright; informal pricing seen in the meeting included used systems listed at about $3,500 to $10,000. The commission did not buy equipment at the meeting and instead authorized the capped survey expense.

Commissioners also discussed other routine items including a collapsing marker at Thompson Hill (Phoebe Turner’s grave) and a plan to consult a contractor to prop and then replace foundation blocks in spring, a need to widen the entrance gate at Haskins Cemetery for burial access, steps to inventory downed fencing and trees, and efforts to complete digital cemetery records. The commission asked staff to follow up with Rita (town contact) about available personnel who could assist with data entry and mapping work.

Votes at a glance

• Motion to authorize up to $2,000 for a ground-penetrating radar survey at the front of Scribe Ridge Cemetery; mover: chair (unnamed); second: commissioner (unnamed); outcome: approved; note: commission members to measure the site and seek a firm price not to exceed $2,000.

• Motion to accept revised burial and perpetual-care fees and present them to the Selectmen for approval; mover: chair (unnamed); second: commissioner (unnamed); outcome: approved; note: single grave sale price set at $800; openings set at $850; Saturday supplement $200; foundations rounded to $100; perpetual-care single grave $400.

• Motion to have contractor Chris visit Pierce Cemetery, assess removal and reuse of granite posts at Precinct Cemetery, and provide a price for the work; mover: commissioner (unnamed); outcome: approved; note: commission will use posts if serviceable and store extras with the highway department until needed.

The commission adjourned at 11:05 a.m.; it scheduled its next meeting for March 13 at 10 a.m. in the Local History Room.