Board discusses cemetery mapping, grant re-application and movable fire pit to support memorial activities

A Canaryville Town Board member told the board on March 26 that the town plans to reapply for a grant to fund ground-penetrating radar at the town cemetery to identify unmarked burial sites and guide future plot sales and maintenance.

"We're gonna try to go for the grant again for the cemetery to pay for part of the ground penetration radar," the committee member said, explaining the radar would help locate plots that lack headstones and allow the town to designate appropriate urn spots for ashes. The member said the town has begun placing burials in areas where plot boundaries are unclear and needs a "solid plan" to avoid disturbing unmarked graves.

Board members discussed a modest increase in cemetery rates to help cover maintenance costs and proposed low-water landscaping and removable features for gatherings. One member proposed a movable block fire pit rather than a permanent structure so that planned funeral or memorial gatherings could continue without creating permanent obstructions to future burials. The member added that the historical society has offered to help organize a volunteer service project to install materials while town staff provide heavy equipment.

Electrical access at the cemetery was also on the agenda: staff reported they have begun bringing power to the site and would trench and install conduit and a meter at the transfer station to support cemetery power needs. The board discussed whether to budget for matching funds if grant awards require local contribution.

The board did not adopt policy changes at the work session; members asked staff to continue pursuing the grant and to return with cost estimates and any grant match requirements at a future meeting.