Harwich is facing a rapid depletion of available burial space at Island Pond Cemetery, with only 15 cremation lots remaining in the section near the lily pond. Cemetery Director Kate Howard informed the Cemetery Commission on Thursday that she is initiating a survey to determine if additional rows can be created by narrowing existing walkways. The scarcity of space is driving a larger planning effort for the back section of Island Pond, formerly the old veterans' area, where Howard intends to seek design proposals this winter to present at a future Town Meeting.

The commission’s focus on capacity comes as the town continues its professionalization drive under Acting Town Administrator Anthony Schiavi. Howard reported that she recently met with Schiavi to review the department’s upcoming budget. I went in with my budget. I didn't have any increases; it's a regular, small budget, Howard noted, confirming that the administrator has approved the flat-funded request. The department currently maintains a business account balance of $32,322.80, though several high-priority projects are expected to draw down those reserves, including a $2,000 restoration of the Harding Rider gravesite and a $2,880 bill from Henry T. Crosby and Son for recent walkway improvements.

Financial commitments for cemetery preservation are also scaling up, as Howard announced that John Fourier submitted the winning bid of $25,000 for the North Harwich Gravestone Conservation project. Fourier, who has previously performed work at Hawk Nest and South Harwich, was the lowest of five bidders. Member Steve noted the benefit of hiring locally, remarking, It's amazing the difference in prices. I suppose it helps that he lives locally and doesn't have to pay a crew to drive from Plymouth. Additionally, a Request for Proposals for Revolutionary War veteran memorials is currently open, with bids due by January 5.

The commission also addressed a specific request from resident Charles Blanchard regarding a family plot. Blanchard sought a waiver to remove a flower box and install a flat marker for himself and his wife, straddling two existing gravesites that contain military markers. My family is from the Cape; I grew up in West Harwich, Blanchard told the board. I'm asking to remove it and put a flat marker... in keeping with what's there already. I didn't want to be put in the back if I could avoid it.

While the board typically limits lots to one flat marker per full-body space, members viewed the removal of the flower box as a benefit for long-term maintenance. Typically, we only do one flat marker per full body space, so this is a waiver, Howard explained, noting the site sits on a slope. Steve initially expressed hesitation based on previous debates regarding the density of markers, but eventually supported the request. Normally I'd be against it, but it's going in a space already taken up by something. Nobody else is going on this lot; he's the end of the line, Steve said. Jim added that getting the flower thing out of there is an improvement, provided it did not set a problematic precedent. Motion Made by S. Member to allow the removal of the flower box to be replaced by a flat flush marker similar to existing markers. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

Security and safety concerns were also prominent during the session. Howard revealed that a solar-powered trail camera, costing $63.69, was recently installed at Island Pond to combat flower theft. When Steve asked, Who steals flowers? Howard replied, It's usually family members who don't like each other. Beyond theft, the commission discussed dangerous driving within cemetery grounds. Steve reported seeing a pickup truck traveling at such high speeds near Route 39 that he would have gone airborne if he hit a bump. The board is now considering the installation of temporary speed bumps that can be removed during winter plowing operations to slow traffic near the cemetery circles.

The commission also weighed the merits of participating in the national Wreaths Across America program. While the program is popular, Steve raised concerns about the significant expense and the physical toll on the grounds. It is a huge undertaking and expense, he said, noting that the wreaths can leave brown rings on the grass if not cleared quickly. I've bailed on it because it's expensive and I think that money could go to real veterans' organizations for scholarships and families. Howard suggested a compromise of placing one large wreath at the veteran circle to honor all former service members collectively rather than placing individual wreaths on every grave.

Historical preservation efforts took an intriguing turn with the discovery of a town-owned lot on Lexington Drive that may be the original site of the George Weeks burial plot. Howard has been in contact with Town Assessor Carly regarding the parcel, which is located at a bend in a dirt road. I wouldn't mind going out there to check it out when it's not 20 degrees out, Howard said. The board also noted the successful placement of wreaths at the graves of eight Revolutionary War veterans in East Harwich by the Women's Club, an initiative that Georgia Smith indicated the club hopes to make an annual tradition.

As the meeting drew to a close, the commission discussed future hardscaping for the Veteran Circle. Steve advocated for using remaining funds to improve the aesthetics of the Evergreen site. I think the flags need to be decorative, Steve suggested, proposing red stamped concrete that mimics brick for the interior of the circle and gray for the exterior. Howard agreed to seek proposals from vendors during an upcoming conference. Rob, who arrived for the conclusion of the meeting, moved for the board to finish its business. Motion Made by R. Member to adjourn. Motion Passed (3-0-0).