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Chelsea manager: cemetery contractor resigned; board will seek legal advice before action
Summary
The town manager said the cemetery contractor submitted a resignation effective at season's end after years of complaints; the board asked for the town attorney's guidance before pursuing midseason termination or other remedies.
The Chelsea town manager told the selectboard that the contractor responsible for cemetery maintenance submitted a resignation effective at the end of the season, and trustees agreed to seek a legal opinion before taking further action.
The manager said the town had received multiple complaints about cemetery upkeep, including overgrown grass and missed service. "He basically is resigned effective the end of the season," the Town Manager said. The town has budgeted $13,500 for the position next year, and staff said the contractor is not bonded and is paid in installments.
Board members said they had tried informal warnings and asked whether midseason termination was legally safe. Staff and the board agreed the contract could be terminated for breach if the contractor fails to perform, but they also emphasized the need to document formal notice and obtain the town attorney's advice about liability and replacement options. One board member urged the manager to send a formal list of expectations and to proceed to termination if the contractor does not cure the deficiencies.
No formal action was taken at the meeting; the board directed staff to request legal guidance and to return the item to a future meeting after counsel reviews contract remedies, bonding and replacement options.
