The Harwich Cemetery Commission is moving away from high-priced wooden signage in favor of durable PVC alternatives, a shift expected to save the town thousands of dollars across multiple burial grounds. During the September meeting, Administrator Robin announced that new double-sided, digitally printed PVC signs cost approximately $1,325 each, a stark contrast to the $8,000 price tag associated with previous wooden models. Robin emphasized that the durability of the new material solves a recurring maintenance headache, noting that refurbishing just one existing sign at Evergreen Cemetery recently cost the town more than $5,000. The repair cost alone on the old signs justifies the new sign cost, she explained, adding that the new posts will utilize stainless steel hardware to prevent rusting.

To evaluate the aesthetic and durability of the new material, the commission selected the Baptist Church cemetery for a pilot installation. Chair Rob Doane suggested the site’s high visibility on Depot Road West makes it an ideal "road test" for the vendor before the commission commits to replacing signs at other locations. Doane noted that the specific placement would be coordinated to avoid snowplow hazards and future construction. Motion Made by R. Doane to proceed with the Baptist Church sign as a test case for the new sign company. Motion Passed (2-0). Jim Stratton of the DPW added that he would personally oversee the installation to ensure the sign is positioned correctly. I can make sure it goes in the right spot and watch how it goes in, Stratton told the commission.

While the signs are getting smaller, the commission hit a roadblock regarding the scale of the proposed Revolutionary War memorials at Evergreen Cemetery. The project, funded by a $256,000 Community Preservation Committee (CPC) article, is facing aesthetic hurdles as the design takes shape. Initial estimates for a monument capable of holding all names suggest a structure roughly eight feet long and six feet high—dimensions Doane compared to a volleyball net that would block sightlines in the open field. I think it loses aesthetic appeal if it's that big in the middle of a field, Doane said. It's like the side of a mausoleum staring you in the face.

Beyond the physical size, the commission is grappling with an expanded list of veterans. While the project originally accounted for 250 names, new research has identified 400 local soldiers and sailors to be engraved. This 60% increase in text is expected to drive up costs, as engraving is billed by the letter. Robin also raised concerns regarding the proposed wording on the monuments. She noted that the current draft’s focus on Infantrymen ignores Harwich's significant maritime contribution to the war effort. We had a ton of sea captains and privateers. We shouldn't just call them infantrymen, she said, suggesting servicemen as a more inclusive alternative. The commission tabled the final design decision until their next meeting to allow for more visual options and the presence of absent member Steve Connor.

The commission’s revolving account remains healthy, with Robin reporting over $8,000 in lot sales since the previous meeting. The current available balance stands at $26,842. However, some expenses highlighted the ongoing "25-year wall" of maintenance issues facing town infrastructure. The commission authorized a $1,100 payment to Whitton Landscaping for a burial relocation necessitated by a marking error, as well as $1,500 for hydro-seeding at the Walk of Remembrance. Stratton reported that recent torrential downpours have made the newly seeded area soupy, and Robin warned that she might need to re-rake and re-seed the area if the grass fails to take hold.

The meeting also touched on the town-wide trend toward professionalization and staffing shifts. The commission welcomed Caitlyn Smith as a new training substitute to assist with administrative duties, which include managing the 2-year backlog of interest-bearing trust transfers. The resignation of the town's Chief Procurement Officer, Megan, was also noted as a potential hurdle for upcoming cemetery bids. To keep pace with industry standards, the commission authorized travel for staff to attend a professional development event. Motion Made by R. Doane to fund the attendance of Robin and Pete at the Massachusetts Cemetery Association Fall Field Day. Motion Passed (2-0).

Safety issues were also a priority as Robin reported a recent sinkhole that caused a grave to topple. Doane expressed frustration with the lengthy CPC funding process, which requires a year of lead time and Town Meeting approval, preventing the commission from using those funds for urgent repairs. It's a safety issue, Doane remarked, though Robin clarified that CPC rules do not allow for reimbursements after the fact. For now, the commission will utilize smaller maintenance allotments to have contractor John Fuier remove the base of the toppled grave, fill the collapse, and reinstall the monument. Motion Made by R. Doane to approve the minutes for March and April. Motion Passed (2-0).