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Moultonborough selectmen approve site prep for four columbarium units amid cemetery maintenance and space concerns
Summary
At a May 26 special work session the Moultonborough Board of Selectmen voted 4‑0 to allow the public works director to prepare a base for four columbarium units at Middle Neck Cemetery and to ready adjacent space for cremation burials, after DPW staff reported 52 leaning or fallen monuments and limited available plots.
The Moultonborough Board of Selectmen voted 4‑0 on May 26 to allow the town’s public works director to prepare the base for four columbarium units in Middle Neck Cemetery and to ready adjacent ground for cremation burials.
The vote followed a detailed overview from DPW Director Chris Theriault, who told the board that 52 monuments in town cemeteries are leaning or have fallen and that the town’s current policy places responsibility for monument repair on families and monument companies. Theriault said the town contacted several monument vendors, including Laconia Monument, Mayhew, Arthur’s Memorials, Methuen Memorial and Perry Memorials; he reported that Laconia Monument offers free re‑balancing when possible and that foundation repairs begin at $400.
Theriault also provided an inventory of available plots at Shannon Cemetery — 38 cremation spots, 45 double burial plots and 10 single burial plots — and noted an increasing trend toward cremation, which he cited as about 81% industry‑wide. Board members discussed the need to plan for more cremation spaces and the visual and landscaping considerations for any columbarium installation.
Selectman Christopher P. Shipp made the motion to allow DPW Director Chris Theriault to proceed with preparing the base for four columbarium units in Middle Neck Cemetery and to prepare the space for cremation burials; Selectman Karel A. Crawford seconded. A roll call vote was recorded: Shipp — Aye; Crawford — Aye; Vice Chairman Charles M. McGee — Aye; Chairman Kevin D. Quinlan — Aye. The motion carried 4‑0.
The board also discussed continuing to search for suitable land for long‑term cemetery expansion and identified challenges in finding appropriate parcels. Members agreed to pursue clarification about the existing cemetery expendable trust fund and to consider creating a clearer expendable trust funded by plot sales and burial fees for maintenance and expansion needs. No formal motion to establish a new trust fund was taken at the session.
Finally, the board agreed to review Policy #14, the town cemetery policy, to consider adding foundation requirements for monuments so that repairs and stabilization are addressed in future policy updates. The meeting was adjourned at 6:03 PM following a motion to adjourn that passed 4‑0.
Minutes were written on behalf of the Selectmen by Executive Assistant Alison Kepple.
