Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Governance Cemeteries topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bow Selectboard to draft ordinance on cemetery hours after residents cite grief access concerns
Summary
After residents said enforcement of dusk‑to‑dawn cemetery hours barred family visits at unpredictable times of grief, the Bow Selectboard agreed Oct. 14 to draft ordinance language (including possible family waivers or fixed hours such as 11 p.m.–5:30 a.m.) and asked staff to consult affected families and the police.
The Bow Selectboard on Oct. 14 directed staff to draft changes to the town’s cemetery hours policy after residents told the board that strict dusk‑to‑dawn enforcement has prevented grieving family members from visiting graves at irregular hours.
Selectman Colby said two residents recently were asked to leave the cemetery for being there outside the dusk‑to‑dawn window and proposed an alternative starting point of 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for restricted access. The town’s head of public works cautioned the board that the dusk‑to‑dawn rule reflects safety concerns: several cemeteries are unlit, ground is uneven and the town seeks to limit liability.
Resident Holly Hislop described personal experience visiting a child’s grave and said visits happen at unpredictable times; she suggested family waivers as a practical remedy and said she would accept a ticket rather than be denied access. Board members discussed a mix of options including extended hours, targeted waivers for immediate family, and requiring notice to police if a waiver is on file.
Selectboard members agreed that drafting new ordinance language is appropriate but that the board need not vote on it that night. Two board members volunteered to work with town counsel to prepare draft language and to meet with concerned families. In the short term, the board asked the police to 'stand down' on enforcement for two weeks while staff pursues a solution and outreach to families occurs.
What happens next: Counsel and designated board members will draft ordinance language and meet with affected residents; police will be notified of the temporary enforcement pause.
