Harwich is preparing to adjust cemetery lot prices for the first time in over a decade as officials look to align with rising regional costs. During the first meeting held since a months-long hiatus due to administrative injury, Cemetery Administrator Robin Kelley informed the commission that neighboring Orleans now charges $4,500 for a single lot, significantly higher than Harwich’s current rates. Our prices haven't been raised in over 10 years, Kelley noted, adding that she would present a comprehensive comparison of surrounding towns at the next meeting to guide the coming revision. We don't want to go crazy, but we are much lower than other towns.

Town Administrator James McGrail, attending the session to support the department’s transition, endorsed the hiring of a new 15-hour-per-week assistant to manage meeting minutes and provide operational coverage. The need for staffing was underscored by a chaotic period following Kelley’s surgery, during which a serious accident occurred at a local funeral. Kelley reported that a truck belonging to the acting administrator’s team flipped over and crushed an employee just as a service was beginning. While the employee was hospitalized with severe injuries, Kelley noted he has since returned to work and the funeral was completed on time. When I was out for surgery, I was still on call 24 hours a day answering messages, which shouldn't happen, Kelley said, emphasizing the necessity of the new part-time position.

The commission also addressed significant maintenance costs following Winter Storm Hernando, which downed 54 trees and left 28 precarious hangers at Island Pond. The Select Board has agreed to reimburse the cemetery revolving account approximately $4,000 from Free Cash to cover the cleanup by Bartlett Tree Experts. Further maintenance is looming at Mount Pleasant, where a 600-foot stockade fence is failing. McGrail suggested a $35,000 replacement project, though he expressed a preference for a more durable design. I'm not a fan of stockade fences because they act like a sail in the wind; I prefer split rail, which is easier to repair, McGrail said. Kelley noted that while split rail is durable, the current stockade provides necessary privacy for neighbors.

Efforts to professionalize cemetery management will soon include stricter enforcement of rules regarding grave decorations. Cindy, a member of the commission, pressed for action on items that violate town regulations and hinder maintenance. We need to follow through on enforcing the rules and regulations. People are asking why nothing has been done yet, she said. Kelley plans to bring the issue before the Select Board, noting that she intends to send formal letters including photographs of infractions to families. Some decorations, like large statues, are disturbing to others and make mowing difficult for Jim's crew, Kelley explained.

The commission welcomed its newest member, Maryann Peina, a long-time resident who admitted she is still getting acquainted with the town’s 16 burial grounds. I haven't actually visited all 16 cemeteries yet; I live near the North one, Peina said. As a kid, I stopped going into cemeteries after I saw a snake once. Cindy, meanwhile, offered her own labor to help preserve town assets, stating, If nobody has time to oil the wood [on the signs], let me know and I can manage to do that to make them last longer.

Preparations are also underway for a series of commemorative events, including the dedication of a new Revolutionary War monument at Evergreen Cemetery. The foundation must be poured by November 1 to avoid conflicts with Veterans Day. For the upcoming Memorial Day ceremony, Kelley is working to resolve long-standing audio issues at Brooks Park. We had major sound system issues last year... we don't want to start late again due to technical problems, she said. The board also acted to remove redundant infrastructure to clear the way for future projects. Motion Made by S. Member to remove the flag pole at Island Pond. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Additionally, the board moved to protect grounds from invasive species. Motion Made by S. Member to spend $900 for Japanese Knotweed treatment. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Chair Rob concluded the session by noting the shift in the meeting schedule to the third Thursday of the month starting in July to better accommodate member attendance.