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Gilmanton trustees approve policy allowing families to buy and install cornerstones
Summary
Trustees adopted a policy allowing families to purchase approved cornerstones and install them under specified conditions; the board said installations must meet size, material and placement standards and final transfer of grave rights will follow approved installation. The motion passed unanimously (3-0).
GILMANTON, N.H. — The Trustees of Cemeteries voted June 16 to allow families to purchase approved cornerstones and install them, a change trustees said balances consistent appearance and grave protection with lower-cost options for families.
The policy, adopted unanimously on a motion by Trustee Leonard “JR” Stockwell, Jr. and seconded by Trustee Cailyn Fillion, requires that cornerstones meet approved specifications for type, color, size and marking; be installed within the owned right-to-inter (grave) area; and be set to preserve the elevation and location of adjacent graves. Families will be responsible for installation methods, disposal of spoils and ensuring compliance; transfer of grave rights will occur only after the Trustees approve final installation. The motion passed 3-0.
Trustees said the policy responds to a request from resident Michael Kehoe, who confirmed the location of a grave at Beech Grove and expressed interest in purchasing a grave and installing cornerstones himself. Board members emphasized their primary duty is to protect and maintain town cemeteries and discussed the need to verify installations to preserve the integrity of adjacent graves and markers.
Because town staff currently cannot perform stone installation, Trustees said the policy includes a requirement for a timely installation window and additional staff time to confirm compliance. The policy also gives the board authority to review and revise the program if results are not compliant with expectations.
The Trustees did not specify a vendor or brand; the policy sets technical limits on acceptable stone materials and sizes and places responsibility for correct placement and final approval with the family and the Trustees. The board recorded no fiscal impact to taxpayers for allowing family installations; staff noted the arrangement will require extra review time but stated there should be no additional cost to town funds.
Trustees said they will monitor early installations and revisit the policy if compliance problems arise. The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for July 21.
