Norton Parks and Cemetery Board reviews Veterans Memorial pavers and Norton Cemetery phases; approves member business cards

The Norton Parks and Cemetery Board met and received updates on the Veterans Memorial paver sales and upcoming phases of work at Norton Cemetery, heard recognition of an Eagle Scout project that placed tree identification placards along the walking trail, and approved production of board member business cards, the board chair said at the meeting.

Board members said the Veterans Memorial effort has sold all memorial benches, and still offers reflecting “zones” (described at the meeting as panels that can hold about 50 names) and three sizes of engraved pavers. Board members said the pavers will be sold at a community meeting hosted by the women’s club on the 23rd (month not specified in the meeting), and that the program will use a limited supply — the board said there are 167 pavers in total, with roughly “60 some” of each size. Prices discussed at the meeting were $200 for the single size, $300 for the double, and $400 for the triple-size unit. A board member said the masonry program at the local school will assist with laying pavers and that the Historical Society has been engaged to support the project. The board said the goal is to have the concrete work and site ready in time for Memorial Day.

Board members also discussed progress on Norton Cemetery phases. A board member said the City Council approved a first reading that would award a contract to Perrin Concrete to pour concrete for the project’s first phase; the board discussed scheduling the pour and noted final timing will depend on weather. Board members discussed whether to use the same style of paver for cemetery markers, and raised durability and engraving-cost concerns; one member suggested checking existing on-site markers for material and serial numbers before deciding.

The board recognized an Eagle Scout project carried out in 2024 that added placards to identify trees along the walking trail. “I think we have a lot to be proud of … we contributed an opportunity for a young man to get his Eagle Scout badge,” a board member said at the meeting. The board described the tree placards as complete and separate from gravesite repair work.

On administrative items, the board moved and passed a motion to produce laminated identification/business cards for board members; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board also moved to approve minutes from the Nov. 20, 2024, and Jan. 6, 2025 meetings and approved them by voice vote. The board adjourned at 6:38 p.m.

The meeting included discussion-level updates and planning but no new binding policy changes by the Parks and Cemetery Board itself; the City Council action on the Perrin Concrete contract was reported to the board as an external step that would allow Phase 1 work to proceed when scheduling and weather permit.