Absent: Chris Buzzy – Chairman

Graves:

Mrs. Polly (wife of Capt. John Clapp): leaning severely, not properly set after being snapped off at base

Lawn: many dead areas, resulting from grubs and perhaps chinch bug damage. The raised lots are especially affected, as are certain lots more or less in the center of the cemetery, as well as those on the south-facing knoll to the rear. Crabgrass, oxalis, and occasionally yellow nutsedge are the predominant weeds. The fescue is doing better than any other lawn grass. The consensus was that the lawn is in serious need of repair. There may be some money in the donated funds for the maintenance of North Cemetery for the overseeding. (This needs to be a follow-up item.)

J. Snow said that the meeting with the company from Maine who is able to repair broken stones at the South Cemetery was postponed, and has not yet been rescheduled. Meanwhile, he met with Roger Pellerin from Gate City Monument Co. in Nashua to get a quote to repair these same stones. He and Mr. Pellerin visited the cemetery, but he hasn't yet received a quote for the work. Mr. Pellerin has done similar repairs in Litchfield.

A discussion took place as to the current policy of installing plants, mostly shrubs and trees around monuments. There was a consensus that a specific list of plants that are allowed or not allowed is not needed at this time; however, perhaps some criteria could be established that would help to guide those wishing to install landscape plantings in Hollis cemeteries (e.g. dwarf, slow-growing, low maintenance, etc.) It was mentioned that compliance with existing regulations isn't always met, and that this issue needs further discussion.

J. Oliver asked about the status of surveying North Cemetery, and was informed that there are apparent problems with an earlier survey that the new one would presumably be based upon.

J. Oliver asked about the planning of the new section of East Cemetery, and this evolved into a discussion of tree planting in the portion presently being used for burials. J. Snow suggested that a row of trees could be planted in Section H, the new 2-grave-lot section and moving toward Wheeler Road.

She agreed to compose the letter, and will contact Kim Dogherty for assistance. Discussion then proceeded to the types of trees that would be appropriate to plant. Doug suggested that perhaps a list of trees that would be unacceptable (due to insect/disease problems, other maintenance concerns, invasiveness, etc.) be formulated, and agreed to come up with such a list. A list of recommended trees will follow, once more planning is done. J. Snow suggested that there might be some money in the budget for some trees to be planted initially by the town, who would presumably hire a landscape contractor to furnish and install the plants.

N. Bell asked whether the area to the outside of the stonewall of North Cemetery is mowed; the answer is yes.

1 burial performed- Durkee, Janet Lee East, C-68 6-7-05

0 lots purchased

Next Meeting will be held July 21, 2005 at 6:30 PM in the Churchyard Cemetery.

Respectfully submitted,