Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Flagpole area plans prompt debate over spending from Cemetery Trust Fund
Summary
The commission discussed a veterans-driven flagpole and a larger meditation hardscape with benches; two benches have been purchased but bids for a supporting hardscape exceeded available funds. The commission obtained $5,000 from the trust fund but members urged considering alternative funding to avoid depleting preservation funds.
Commissioners discussed plans for a flagpole meditation area (referred to in the meeting as the "5 Pole" area) that would include two curved granite benches already fabricated by Chester Granite. Pat Flynn said the commission had accepted Tom Farley's bid at a prior meeting but lacked funding to proceed; she noted the town meeting approved a $5,000 withdrawal from the Cemetery Trust Fund for improvements around the flagpole.
Several members urged caution about using trust funds for a new installation that would increase future maintenance obligations. "I just I just worry about that," said Chris Marsden, expressing concern about depleting funds that the commission had been using for preservation of older stones and structures. Commissioners discussed scaling back to benches only, pursuing joint funding with the veterans' group, or seeking general-fund support at town meeting instead of using trust principal.
