Bucksport committee reviews Oak Hill tree work, Riverview markers and recent memorials

The Town of Bucksport committee met to review cemetery maintenance and recent memorial installations, focusing on new tree inspection findings at Oak Hill, the fate of corner markers at Riverview Cemetery and recent dedication activity.

The Chair opened the meeting and led roll call before members turned to Oak Hill. A committee member (S2) said an inspector named Jay revisited Oak Hill and “sent me a kind of a quote for what he wants to do,” describing target pruning, removal of deadwood and an inspection for cable bracing and other specialized rigging. S2 said the new work appears to go beyond the prior contract and that they would "pull the original invoice" and check with the public works director about whether highway or other town funds could cover the extra work; a $3,000 figure was mentioned as a reference but not confirmed.

One committee member (S4) urged caution about repeated cabling costs, saying it might be cheaper long-term to remove a problematic maple rather than repeatedly spend on bracing. The comment prompted members to request cost estimates for both limited pruning/cabling and full removal, and to check whether a crane would be required (committee members noted crane rentals can be expensive).

Committee members also reported progress on other cemetery projects. S3 said the ceremonial cannons were installed on June 16 “with the help of the American Legion,” and described the work as visually beneficial. Members noted the cannons were purchased or paid for in part by the historical society, the American Legion and several committee members. S3 also summarized the Ginn Memorial dedication on June 20, attended by the Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Legion and descendants; he said the memorial stone had been donated by several local donors including Chris Johnson, Denise Hall and Gary Bagley.

At Riverview Cemetery, members said corner markers and a plaque remain to be addressed. S3 and others discussed bringing small equipment down a side hill and using ramps to avoid damaging newly surfaced roads; the group estimated many markers sit about two feet deep and suggested palletizing removed markers if immediate reinstallation is not possible. S3 said staff (Ryan and others) had discussed using a small tractor and ramps to minimize impact.

On security, a committee member asked about Oak Hill cameras; the Chair and others said signal coverage and distance create challenges and that no budget is currently allocated, so the project has not advanced.

A committee member raised a constituent inquiry about Brookside Cemetery, reporting efforts to find a local contact and noting the committee had been unable to identify a municipal manager for that site; members said mowing and upkeep appear to be handled by local individuals or groups.

Procedurally, the minutes were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote earlier in the meeting, and members agreed to schedule the next meeting for Sept. 10 at 4:30 p.m. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded; the transcript records the motion and second but does not capture the adjournment vote tally.

Committee members agreed to obtain the original invoice for prior cemetery work, gather quotes for pruning, cabling and full removal (including possible crane costs), and to consult the public works director about available labor and equipment before any additional spending.

The committee closed business by scheduling the next meeting, with follow-up tasks focused on cost estimates and consultation with public works.