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Thomaston sexton reports difficult season for grounds maintenance; trustees note volunteer and equipment needs
Summary
Trustees heard that a season of early heavy rain followed by drought strained mowing schedules, required temporary summer hires and produced a first‑time late (6 p.m.) double cremains service; trustees noted flags will be collected after Armistice Day and Public Works aided with an auger when operators hit bedrock.
Trustees on Sept. 25 were told cemetery maintenance this year was disrupted by unusual weather, staffing turnover and ground conditions that in one case required assistance from Public Works to dig for cremains.
The sexton reported that heavy rain in early months gave way to drought later in the season, complicating mowing and groundskeeping schedules. The board said the summer weed‑whacking crew performed well but one seasonal worker left when school resumed; a replacement was hired in September.
Trustee Pete Lammert said many lot owners live out of town, which has increased the workload of trustees picking up decorations; the board will post notices that decorations will be removed before winter. Lammert also recorded that flags will be gathered the weekend after Armistice Day (Nov. 11) by Galo and Frances Hernandez and remaining Boy Scouts. The sexton also noted the cemetery conducted a double cremains service at 6 p.m. for the first time to accommodate attendees after work.
When sexton staff encountered a large rock while digging, Pete Lammert said he called Public Works, which provided an auger to complete the hole for cremains. Trustee Ron Gamage said he had hoped to clean more headstones but lacked the time; Trustee Will Eustis offered to assist. Trustee Peggy McCrea cautioned against using pressure washers to clean stones, saying professionals do not approve that method.
The board recorded no new budget commitments at the meeting; trustees will review ongoing staffing and equipment needs at their next meeting Oct. 23.
