Minutes for the Joint Meeting of Selectmen and Cemetery Trustees

Held on June 27, 2011 @ Town Office at 6 p.m.

Immediately Followed by scheduled Selectmen’s Meeting

Selectmen present: Larry Ladd and Tim Brooks. Others: Patty Summers, Ron Connary (Cemetery Trustee), Charles Goulet, (Cemetery Trustee), Gwen Paquette, Mike Brauer, Rose Connary, Amanda Scott, Frances Ruch

Meeting called to order at 6 p.m. by Larry Ladd, Chair.

Joint Selectmen/Cemetery Trustees Meeting

Summers explained she had contacted our insurance carrier and town counsel to seek advise on how to proceed to best correct problems associated with Gwen Paquette lot at Baldwin Cemetery.

Connary explained the current concern at the Baldwin Cemetery pertaining to the Gwen Paquette lot and where the urn may be.  He explained what he would like to do to correct this problem—continued probably, digging, measuring. He wants to make sure we legally are doing everything properly before moving forward with the process of finding the exact location of the urn. (Urn is a granite block/box about 11”x 8” according to Gwen Paquette.)  Connary wanted to be sure everyone concerned understands he needs permission of lot owner before any work can be performed. He has taken measurements and probed site but needs to do further research.

Selectmen, Trustees, Gwen Paquette and all concerned looked at the map of cemetery. Gwen believes the stone is in the wrong spot and that the urn appears to be missing. She is very upset at this time due to not being able to find the urn.  We would like to move forward and do everything we can to find the urn placement and correct any problems. This particular lot does not show names on map.

Gary Paquette stopped B. Normandeau and J. Flanders from further work by providing information that the urn may be in a different place then Gwen believes it is. Gwen stated she was given no notice of exact location by Gary.  She stated she should have been notified of any meeting and as owner of lot should be consulted before any decisions are made. Others cannot make decisions or changes for lot owner..

An area of 5’x4’ was excavated by J. Flanders as requested by Gwen.  There appears to be no urn in the cleared area.

Gwen is upset about Gary Paquette being in on emergency meeting .  Summers explained to her that Gary just happened in to pay his taxes and knew nothing about the meeting but when he came in the Selectmen asked him to give some input into this matter. Stanley Marshall was called; per Connary, per Ron, Marshall doesn’t believe the urn could be buried at a 5’ depth.

Connary explained cemetery map to Tim and others. He also spoke of possible location of the urn.  Gwen shared digital pictures of the site.  The 2^nd tree from road was excavated. Marshall believed he had cut down tree (bush).  Gwen affirmed that wasn’t true.  Gwen gave Cemetery Trustees permission to dig her lot in order to locate urn if they find it is legal to do so. Brooks agreed we need to find the urn and work with Gwen to get this problem resolved to her satisfaction.

B. Normandeau  probably should not have listened to Gary’s instructions without consulting his client. Now the Selectmen would like to more forward to solve this situation.

Connary believes next step is to move to the left of next lot as Stanley suggested, being sure to get all owner’s permission and check with Town Counsel in advance of any work and check if there are  any  state requirements. Gwen believes urn is near tree. Connary would like to check close to unmarked lot .

Gwen mentioned that she has a four hour drive to get here and needs to be kept informed of any meeting or work in advance.  This would help prevent misunderstandings, lack of communication.  Gwen is to be informed as soon as urn is recovered. Summers will be the point of contact for Gwen. Summers will keep Gwen informed and will forward any information to Gwen by g-mail/fax/phone. Connary will also be a lead in this search.  Gwen stated she would accept responsibility for any damage done by B. Normandeau or J. Flanders.

Connary wants by-laws updated to include placing temporary markers on lots and also the use of corner lot markers in the future.

General discussion followed on Gwen being notified of anything going on. If urn found it should go to B. Normandeau after notifying Gwen. Gwen wants to be present for any excavating and must be informed in advance of any work done.  Tim stated we will do one step at a time while keeping Gwen informed.

Connary would still like to have measurements done for lot placement. Urn should be under tree near road per Gwen. G-mail and e-mail and phone will be means to keep in touch with Gwen. They will come from Summers and Connary.

July 11, will be the next Selectmen’s meeting.  Gwen will be called as soon as any information is available. The Town will move as quickly as possible to resolve this situation.  Summers gave Gwen her home number as a contact point if office is closed. Per counsel, trustees must have meeting information open to the public, even though Gwen asked to keep the matter proviate..  Connary, Trustee made motion to unseal prior trustee minutes on this current situation.  Goulet , Trustee, seconded the  motion. Motion carried.  Counsel verified that meetings should be public.   Gwen was upset about this problem which all agreed is understandable.  Cemetery Trustee meeting adjourned at 7 p.m. Motion made by Motion made by Connary and seconded by Gouetl.

Minutes recorded by F. L. Ruch

Selectmen’s Minutes for June 27, 2011 Town Office - Continued

The joint portion of the meeting ended.

Selectmen present: L Ladd and T Brooks; Others:  Brauer, Goulet, Ruch

Selectmen’s Meeting continued at 7:05 p.m.

Manifest was verified and signed.

Minutes were read and accepted.

Six Current Use Applications were signed.

Notes from the Coos quarterly meeting held in Lancaster Fire Station on 6/21/11 were reviewed.

G-mail concerning street signs to be forwarded to Mike Lynch

There would be no decisions on bids for lots R25-28 and R25-29 tonight.  Bids were opened.

Read as follows:

            R. Feltham                    $2,533.00                    Lot # R25-R29 (Percy)

            S. Marshall                   $3,000.00                              R25-R28 (Bog)

            S. Marshall                   $3,000.00                              R25-R29

            Tim J. Fuller                 $2,510.00                              R25-R29

            Larry Gray                   $8,200.00                              R25-R29

            Kent Holden                 $2,025.00                              R25-R29           

            Kent Holden                 $2,425.00                              R25-R28

            Wilber Forbes              $5,007.00                              R25-R28

            Wilber Forbes              $7,007.00                              R25-R29

Goulet stated he is working on trailer at recycle for plastic, chairs etc.

Selectmen thanked F. L. Ruch for her working as Temporary Selectmen.

No meeting scheduled for July 4,  holiday..  Office to be posted

Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.  Motion made by Brooks, seconded by Ladd. Motion carried.

Recorded by:  F. L. Ruch