Cemetery commission postpones planting plan and discusses records digitization, sewer-line removal and vault storage

The Stockbridge Cemetery Commission reviewed several ongoing and proposed projects, postponing immediate planting and prioritizing follow-up work on records, infrastructure and stone storage.

The commission reviewed a proposal from Untamed Gardens that "comes out to $4,707 and 50¢," Chair (S2) said. Members raised concerns about planting near the vault because of slope, snow loads and proximity to the road; they agreed to keep the proposal but not to implement it immediately and recommended an on-site walk-through before any planting is scheduled.

Commissioners reported that Preservation Inc. completed digitization work on older graves, producing a spreadsheet and photographs for the older section; members asked staff to confirm where copies are held (town clerk, library archives or commission files) and requested broader access for commissioners. The meeting included thanks to volunteers who helped with gravestone cleaning; Committee member (S1) named volunteers including Vince Bellows, Peter Williams, Marty Sennett, Carolyn Kessman, Diane Fogarty and Bruce Stokes.

The group also discussed removing a sewer line that runs through the cemetery to free burial space. Committee member (S1) said the commission should pursue removal with Town Administrator Michael Canales and that the work will require placement on a town warrant. Finally, members discussed long-term plans for the vault and mechanisms to store or display fallen or broken stones until restoration can occur.

Commissioners agreed to follow up with Preservation Inc., check archives for digitized records, schedule a site visit for plant proposals and raise the sewer-line question with the town administrator at an upcoming meeting.