Coventry Cemetery commission allows replacement stone planter and asks family to choose repair for sinking grave

The Coventry Cemetery Commission on May 21 told the Brand family they may replace a stone planter that was removed after breaking over the winter and asked the family to decide how to remedy sinking at lot 47 in Section B.

The family raised the planter and sinking issues during the public comment portion of the regular meeting. Sexton Rich Mindek said cemetery staff had removed the broken planter and that stone planters are allowed under current rules; glass and ceramic planters are also permitted. Chair Kevin Arpin said he would call Dick Brand on May 22 to explain the commission’s position and next steps.

On the sinking, the family described why they believe the ground is settling and discussed options to address it. The commission asked the family to choose an approach and to update Rich Mindek; Rich will bring the issue back to the commission if the proposed work raises concerns requiring approval or oversight.

Also during public comment, resident Moises Flores reported that a Puerto Rican flag he places at his son’s grave in Section A has disappeared previously. Staff noted the commission supplies flag holders for U.S. flags on veterans’ graves but does not provide holders for other flags. Chair Arpin said he would purchase a couple of flag-holder options that Flores could choose from to better secure the flag.

The commission did not take a separate formal vote on the planter or flag-holder purchases at the meeting; follow-up is expected once the Brand family reports its chosen sinking-repair approach and Flores selects a holder.