Meeting held in the Williston Historical Society Meeting Room at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library

MEMBERS PRESENT:      Jack Price, Hazel Winter, Drew Nelson, and Cameron Clark

ABSENT:                          Shannon Hiltner

OTHERS PRESENT:         HR Coordinator / Assistant to the Manager Erin Dickinson

 
The meeting was called to order at 2:38 p.m.

The draft May 9, 2024, meeting minutes were presented. A motion was made by Hazel Winter and seconded by Drew Nelson, and the Commission unanimously approved the minutes.

The Commission reviewed and accepted the Treasurer’s report for the fiscal year 2024 budget through May. They are on target to stay within their budget through the close of the fiscal year.

Jack Price reported that he and Nelson met with Finance Director Shirley Goodell-Lackey to discuss funding for the Morse Cemetery Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) research for suspected unmarked burials. Director Goodell-Lackey indicated there was enough money in their budget to move forward with GPR exercise.

Cameron Clark offered to follow-up on a possible collaboration project for a Veterans Burial Record Display Case in Deer View Cemetery.

Price updated the Commission that James ‘Woody’ Woodman has completed three uprightings, three repairs, and additional miscellaneous maintenance this season.

Drew Nelson reported that from May 9, 2024, to the present, there has been one interment, and five interments are scheduled. There have been no new lot sales.

Winter inquired about columbariums in East Cemetery. Nelson confirmed there is currently one columbarium.

Nelson stated that the GPR research was conducted on June 12, 2024. A report will be generated and provided to the Trustees and Director of Public Works Bruce Hoar.

Price provided an update on the proposed Memorial Garden refurbishment project. He indicated he met with the group of volunteers who have been helping refresh the garden the last few years. They had a landscape designer assess the garden to provide insights on how it could be improved. The designer will work on a proposal and the volunteers have offered to pay for the design and work. Price will coordinate with Finance Director Goodell-Lackey for donation recognition and with Director Hoar for project approval and execution.

Price reported that he received a complaint regarding a damaged decoration. However, he also noted that the decoration is not technically allowed in the rules and regulations.  The Commission will consider providing more clarity regarding decorations during the next review of the rules and regulations document.

Price received an inquiry from an Essex Junction resident about purchasing a lot in Deer View Cemetery. He confirmed non-residents can purchase lots at the non-resident rate. The person also asked about using a landscape stone from their yard as a monument. The Commission discussed this request and decided the next step would be to consult a professional monument company to ensure such a monument could be installed in compliance with rules and regulations. Pending that information, they will revisit the request.

Nelson reported concerns of possible acts of vandalism, including a tampered stone and unauthorized brush cutting with clippings left on the paved roadway.

The Commission’s next meeting will be held July 18, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston Historical Society Room. Price will be absent, and Nelson agreed to run the meeting on his behalf.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:19 p.m.

 
Respectfully Submitted,

Hazel Winter, Secretary