The proposal, compiled by foundation president David Shanteau, includes reviewing the cemetery’s burial records, mapping, initiating standard operating procedures and creating a 10-year capital investment plan. Shanteau would charge $135 an hour for an estimated 103 hours worth of work. The total cost would be $13,905.
Some of the work could be done by the board independently, thus lowering the cost of the plan, said board Chairman Michael McNeil during Wednesday’s meeting. Each member agreed to review the proposal and discuss cost-savings at its April meeting before making a funding request to the city.
Members also will be prioritizing the 62 comments received regarding what needs to be done at the cemetery. Overwhelmingly, comments were directed at upkeep — or lack thereof — and several residents suggested the cemetery’s dilapidated vault be repaired, while others said it would be a waste of money.
The board will be sending a list of rules to City Council for approval and posting. Members were adamant that the city needs to lock the gates each night to avoid vandalism, despite remarks by Public Works Superintendent Ron Phelps that it costs $14,000 to fund the overtime to have an employee do so.
“It’s not up to us to figure out whose budget it is going to come out of. It’s up to us to set desirable rules and regulations,” McNeil said. “If the City Council doesn’t want to do it, they can send it back to us.”
The board also will be submitting the final request to the Middletown Community Foundation for a $9,307.93 grant to make repairs to the tombstones in the oldest parts. The 12.5-acre cemetery is the final resting place of more than 7,000 people, including 238 veterans. To receive the grant, the board will have to create a pamphlet with information about the veterans buried there for a potential walking tour.
The cemetery board next meets at 5 p.m. April 13 in conference room 2C, One Donham Plaza.
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