Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Maintenance Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board outlines mowing procedures, volunteer waivers and equipment concerns
Summary
Fairfield Cemetery Board scheduled rules-and-standards edits and a formal mowing schedule, discussed using a town-maintained sign-up calendar, and asked the town lawyer about volunteer liability and waivers for people operating a roughly $5,000 mower.
The Fairfield Cemetery Board on Jan. 6 agreed to finalize updated rules and standards and to adopt a clearer mowing schedule that removes duplication with recently revised ordinances. Members recommended a town-maintained Google calendar for volunteer sign-ups and a short written checklist describing mower checks, safety procedures and responsibilities.
Members raised liability concerns about volunteers operating heavy equipment. Speaker 2 suggested requiring volunteers to sign a waiver or hold harmless agreement; the chair said she would ask the town lawyer to advise whether waivers are sufficient and whether the town needs additional training or insurance requirements. The board also discussed whether the town should purchase an additional mower or rely on the town’s existing equipment.
The board prioritized creating a simple, readable mowing procedure (pre-use checks, how to avoid headstones and rocks, and how to arrange fuel) and asked that Natalie draft the schedule and times in advance of the next meeting so members can approve a written version. The chair said the town should maintain the record of assignments so the sexton and staff have a single source of truth.
Board next steps include having staff and the lawyer review draft waivers and procedures and bringing a finalized schedule and rule revisions to a future meeting for approval.
