Lakeville Cemetery Commission approves projects, seeks town help for storm damage

The Town of Lakeville Cemetery Commission on June 11, 2018, reviewed vendor proposals and financials and approved moving forward on multiple cemetery projects while asking the town for additional capital funds to cover storm-related stone damage at Macaulay Cemetery.

Commission Chairman Upham and fellow commissioners discussed the commission's current balance, contractor estimates and the limits of the commission's annual funds. Commissioner Fred Bokefield reported the commission’s current balance at about $7,548.64 and walked members through contractor cost proposals for several sites.

Why it matters: The commission must stretch a small annual allotment across several urgent repair needs after storm damage. Members decided to request town assistance to avoid depleting this year’s budget and to encumber items appropriately before the July 1 fiscal year rollover.

The commission reviewed three main contractor proposals: a $3,004.75 estimate to clear storm-damaged trees and debris at Macaulay Cemetery; a proposal to remove and reinstall 10 granite posts from the Lakeville Lions Club property and furnish and install 80 linear feet of white vinyl posts and rails (combined figures presented by staff totaled roughly $3,008.20); and an estimated $4,590 to remove brackets and install hardwood rails at the front of Ward Cemetery (the commissioners debated whether that amount covered the full cemetery or only the front section). Commissioners questioned discrepancies among the estimates and agreed to confirm final contractor invoices before payment.

On Macaulay Cemetery, commissioners described extensive damage to older graves under large pine trees and said removal will likely require a crane and careful handling because graves and headstones are present across the access area. Contractors indicated they may need to cross private property to bring equipment to the damaged area; commissioners agreed to seek permission and town coordination with the highway department if necessary. Because of access complications, commissioners said the Macaulay price could increase and that the town might be a more appropriate source for capital funds.

After discussion, the commission agreed on a two-part approach: (1) request a one-time transfer from the town’s general/capital funds to pay for Macaulay Cemetery storm repairs, and (2) encumber two projects (the Lakeville Lions Club post-and-fence project and the Ward Cemetery front-rail work) against the commission’s current fiscal year funds so work can proceed or be initiated before the July 1 budget cycle. Members emphasized they would not overspend the current fund balance and would confirm exact contractor figures before authorizing final payments.

Other actions: Commissioners accepted the financial report without recorded roll-call detail. They also approved asking contractor John Pink to perform a survey of Strawberry Cemetery to identify available plots and authorized payment of routine vendor invoices presented at the meeting, including Reedy’s Excavation ($200 for loam and spreading), a full-body interment fee ($600), a $1,000 charge to move/install two granite posts between cemeteries, and signage and small supplies totaling about $108.81.

The commission discussed timing and encumbrance mechanics: members noted that encumbering funds for projects planned to finish after July 1 is necessary because vendors may not be paid until work is complete, and encumbering ensures the budget can cover the invoices in the appropriate fiscal year. Commissioners also agreed to approach the town administrator to request capital assistance for Macaulay Cemetery rather than drawing down the commission’s small operating balance.

Votes at a glance: • Motion to accept the financial report — Passed (motion made, seconded, recorded as approved). • Motion to request town capital funds to pay for storm/stone damage at Macaulay Cemetery and to encumber Ward Cemetery and Lakeville Lions Club projects in the current fiscal year — Approved by the commission. • Motion to have contractor John Pink perform a survey of Strawberry Cemetery to identify new plot capacity — Approved. • Motion to pay presented bills (Reedy’s Excavation, interment fee, installation/move of granite posts, signage, and small supplies) — Approved.

Commissioners closed by scheduling the next meeting for July 10, 2018, at the Lakeville Library and instructing staff and members to confirm contractor invoices and to approach town offices for potential capital assistance for Macaulay Cemetery repairs.

Ending: The commission emphasized careful coordination with town staff and private-property owners to minimize further damage to graves and stones during removal work and to ensure contractor access and payment are managed within fiscal constraints.