Absent: Chris Buzzy

The Cemetery Trustees received one bid for the stonewall construction project. The bid was from Matt Stearns and was for $28,300.00. The Trustees agreed that this was much higher than they budgeted for.

Jeff moved to reject the bid. Nancy seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Doug volunteered to contact Matt and explain the reason for rejecting his bid.

Doug had contacted other companies that showed interest inquiring if they planned on submitting bids. Doug explained their major concern was the site work preparation component to the project.

The Trustees agreed to re-word the Invitation to bid to exclude site work.

Doug spoke to Arthur LeBlanc, DPW Director, and asked if his department was willing to help out with the site work. Arthur seemed open to doing the work for the Trustees. Doug agreed to contact Arthur and find out exactly what the DPW was willing to commit to doing and at what cost to the Trustees. The Trustees also wondered if the DPW would have time to take on the project.

Russell Ux, Police Chief, attended the meeting to discuss letters that had been written back and forth between the Cemetery Trustees and the Police Department regarding recent publicity of the cemeteries. Chief Ux stated that he would prefer speaking over the telephone or in person rather than writing letters. Chief Ux explained that it was also his goal to protect the cemeteries from vandalism but he had to actively look for the perpetrators. The Trustees understood his position and agreed that the police must do their job.

The Trustees asked if the police investigation could be done with as little press coverage as possible in the future. The Chief promised aggressive enforcement of trespassing in the cemeteries from dusk till dawn.

Chief Ux informed the Trustees of an access road that was being used to drive around back of the cemetery. The Trustees agreed to look into who owned the land and ask them to close it for purposes of accessing the cemetery. The Trustees thanked the Chief for this information and for coming to the meeting.

The Hollis VFW asked if the Trustees would have the cemeteries mowed three days prior to Memorial Day so that grass clippings would not be stuck to gravestones. Nancy agreed to inform Ekstrom Lawn Care of this request.

The cemetery looked good. The Trustees discussed the proposed location of the stonewall. They agreed to give more thought to creative ways to reduce the cost.

Doug declined the request from the Cub Scouts to plant Rose of Sharon plants along the library parking lot entrance.

Jeff felt the budgeted money for stone repairs should be used for stones in the Churchyard Cemetery this year. Jeff agreed to contact Dick Medlyn and get a price quote.

Nancy agreed to contact Ekstrom to remove a tree growing over one of the gravestones. She will also remind him that both sides of the wall (library parking lot) need to be mowed.

The Trustees would like to clean up the day lily area to the right of the new gate this year.

burials performed- Information not available to the secretary at this time.

6 Lots Sold- O’Shaughnessy, Daniel & Barbara East H-849,850 3/22/06

Hanley, Elizabeth East H-737-740 4/12/06

Next Meeting will be held May 18, 2006 at 6:30 PM in the East Cemetery.

Respectfully submitted,