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Orwell Cemetery Commission approves summer mowing contract and orders stone-cleaning equipment
Summary
At its April 8 meeting the Orwell Cemetery Commission approved the March minutes, accepted a $1,200-per-mowing bid from VT Finest Lawn Care, authorized purchase of a battery sprayer and concentrated stone cleaner, reviewed sign estimates and mapping efforts, and adjourned at 7:18 PM.
Chair Wayne Hall called the Orwell Cemetery Commission to order at 6:00 PM on April 8. The commission approved the minutes of the March 19 meeting with a typographical correction after a motion by Arlene Batschalet and a second from Wayne Hall.
Treasurer Diane Jackson presented the financial report showing an opening balance of $29,684.77, receipts of $86.48 (savings interest $23.19; CD interest $63.29), and disbursements totaling $696.28 (RMG Stone Products $60.50; Wayne Hall $34.81; Flags USA $600.97), leaving a closing balance of $29,074.97.
On old business, the commission reviewed a single mowing bid from Jeremy New of VT Finest Lawn Care. The bid listed per-mowing line items (Mtn View $700; Hack $100; N. Orwell $250; Mud Dock $150), totaling $1,200 per mowing. Susan James moved to accept the bid; Arlene Batschalet seconded and the motion passed. Members noted the commission may use savings to cover the cost if necessary.
The commission also discussed signage and mapping plans. Arlene Batschalet said she has a first-draft sketch for a 36-by-48-inch cemetery sign, has an estimate of $772 plus shipping from Mitchells in Pittsford, and will solicit a quote from A+H Signs in Vergennes. Wayne Hall reported that land north of the cemetery is now owned by the North East Wilderness Trust and that surveyor Scott Kittredge is working in the area; Hall said he spoke with Kittredge about adding waypoints in the new north section. Members have not yet received a mapping update from Joe Murphy; Susan James said she has tried to contact the Patricia Hannaford Career Center about waypoint assistance.
The commission plans to add Dave Patterson and Paul Patterson to its veterans list. Flags have arrived and the parade committee will display a flag on the Town Green; members agreed to put out flags on May 6 at 5:30 PM with a rain date of May 7.
Commissioners reported ongoing maintenance issues: a downed tree on the Coates lot remains awaiting removal; there is a dug-out spot on the southeast corner of the cemetery vault; and a quantity of stones and gravel was found thrown onto the cemetery along the roadside. Treasurer Diane Jackson said she contacted Derrick Clifford, who swept the material back into the road with a commercial sweeper and was paid $200.
The commission noted that "Wet & Forget" cleaning solution appears to be effective on stones where it has been applied. Arlene Batschalet moved and Susan James seconded that Treasurer Diane Jackson order a two-gallon battery-powered sprayer and a large container of concentrated "Wet & Forget"; the motion passed.
There was no new business or public comment. Diane Jackson moved to adjourn; Arlene Batschalet seconded and the meeting ended at 7:18 PM.
