Present: Chris Buzzy, Nancy Bell, Joe Oliver, Jeff Snow, Doug Gagne
Chairman C. Buzzy opened the meeting at 6:10 p.m. On a motion made by N. Bell and seconded by J. Oliver, the minutes of March 16, 2006 were unanimously approved as amended.
Old Business:
C. Buzzy has drafted a letter to Russ Ux, Chief of Police, stating the Trustees’ concerns over recent publicity regarding the Pine Hill Cemetery, and asking that in the future, all requests for paranormal investigations be submitted to the Trustees. It further expresses the concerns that publicity be avoided, as it causes additional curiosity that may lead to further vandalism. After some minor editing, Chris will submit the letter to the Hollis Police Department, with a copy to the Selectmen.
Cemetery maintenance bids which were opened last week were discussed again. Chris reported that he had spoken with Einstein’s, Inc., who provided a list of references, each of whom gave very positive comments regarding service received.
J. Oliver reported the same results after speaking with references given by Brewer Landscaping, who would provide an insurance binder upon awarding of a contract.
D. Gagne spoke with references for Ekstrom Landscaping, noting that each gave a high degree of recommendation.
J. Snow contacted Outdoor Escapes to request a list of references, which was provided. However, although each spoke well of the contractor, none had hired Outdoor Escapes for lawn maintenance, and all were residential clients only.
Nashua Lawn Maintenance indicated to N. Bell that they would be insured as of April 1, 2006, and did not send a list of references as requested.
After discussion, Chris moved that Ekstrom Landscaping be awarded the cemetery maintenance contract for the upcoming year. Seconded by Nancy, the motion passed unanimously.
Chris will contact Kim Dogherty to have the notice of the contract award appropriately handled. He will also ask for a copy of the approved budget for FY 2006, in order to plan and schedule fertilizer and lime applications.
Chris assured all that he will contact Reggie Ouellette to discuss surveying the bounds at the Churchyard Cemetery, and will draft the bid proposal for the stone wall work for the Trustees’ review.
Doug reported that he had shown another stone mason the project, and an estimate for the work will be forthcoming. The stone mason expressed concern regarding the removal of the tree stumps and any effect it may have on the headstones. Doug will get in touch with Arthur Leblanc, Hollis DPW, to see if the town would perform this work. He also stated that he had attended a talk on stone wall construction given by Kevin Gardner, a noted stone mason and author. Doug will contact him to gauge any interest in the wall construction.
New Business:
Chris reported that a local monument company had generously donated its services for the repair of Abel Blood’s monument in Pine Hill Cemetery. Jeff replied that he had removed the broken stone, and was in the process of reconstructing it.
Nancy nominated Doug as chair of the Trustees for the following year, seconded by Chris. The motion was passed with Chris, Nancy, Joe and Jeff in favor and Doug against.
Jeff moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m., seconded by Chris, and unanimously approved.
The next meeting of the Trustees will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2006, at the Churchyard Cemetery.
Respectfully submitted,
Doug Gagne
Acting Secretary