Norwich advances cemetery mapping and road work; approves multiple grave buybacks and drainage repairs

Across multiple 2016 meetings trustees approved routine cemetery and roads work intended to maintain assets and extend service life.

Cemetery: trustees authorized several grave buybacks (examples: Barry, Wright, Balcer, Thompson, Gilbert, Spaulding) and approved equipment purchases including replacement John Deere Gators (approved at cost not to exceed $8,054.40) and three lawnmowers totaling $16,231.34 after trade allowances. Cemetery Sexton/Acting Road Superintendent Robbie Thomas reported that Ramaker completed final cemetery maps and staff merged old and new systems; of roughly 19,000 spaces only 180 graves failed to match during mapping. The board also approved a $1,300 non‑resident deed transfer fee for Wesley Chapel Cemetery to prevent circumvention of non‑resident rules (#160920.02).

Roads and drainage: trustees accepted Strawser Construction’s state term contract for cape seal of designated roads at $105,020.56 and later accepted a Decker Construction quote for pavement patching at $3,640. The Franklin County Engineer’s Office proposed an Astral Drive and Schirtzinger Road drainage repair to install ~360 linear feet of tile and catch basins plus a new drainage system at 3690 Schirtzinger Road; trustees approved proceeding at an estimated cost of $33,993.77 (#161018.0).

Why it matters: these decisions maintain township infrastructure used by residents, address localized flooding/drainage problems, and shape cemetery supply and pricing policy for residents and non‑residents alike.

Next steps: Mr. Thomas will continue implementing the cemetery mapping software and schedule columbarium recommendations for budget years; the Franklin County Engineer’s Office will complete the drainage work and staff will report progress at subsequent meetings.