After gravestone fragment found at Cedar Lane, board goes into closed session and agrees to consult Maryland Historical Trust

During the meeting, members discussed a small gray gravestone fragment recovered at the Cedar Lane site and examined the two pieces that had been turned over to the sheriff's office. Because the fragment contained no legible dates and the board was concerned about property access and legal exposure, a member moved that the group go into closed session to obtain confidential legal advice; the motion was seconded and carried.

After seeking legal advice in closed session, the board returned to open session and agreed by consensus to contact the Maryland Historical Trust to seek guidance on how other jurisdictions had handled similar situations and what steps are recommended for returning or re-placing a disturbed marker. Board members also agreed to update and coordinate with the sheriff's office and Lieutenant/Detective Beck regarding next steps.

Legal counsel told the board that state's attorney Sloan Franklin had reviewed the Cherrywood technical report and concluded that the project team had, so far, complied with the relevant criminal statute; counsel said that Sloan gave permission to proceed with the previously approved preservation process at Cherrywood. The Cedar Lane fragment remains with the sheriff's office pending further action.