Cemetery committee approves millings for South Norfolk Cemetery driveway

The Norfolk Cemetery Committee voted unanimously July 15 to finish the back-section driveway at South Norfolk Cemetery using road millings rather than packed dirt and gravel.

Henry Tirrell, a committee member, reviewed a map prepared by Bob Gilchrest of Allied Engineering and described plans to excavate 12 to 18 inches, fill with stone, and surface with either packed dirt and gravel or millings. The committee agreed the millings would stay drier and present a more defined appearance; the work is slated to begin in early fall. Stan Civco moved to finish the road with millings provided by the town; Sandy Evans seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

Neighbors had emailed with concerns about whether the new road would affect drainage. Tirrell said he consulted Troy LaMere, the town Public Works supervisor, who reported that the grade will not change and drainage should remain the same.

The committee also discussed site fixtures: JoAnn Gundlach asked about drilling holes in 11 newly purchased granite posts to attach chains, and members discussed whether the posts require cement footings. Tirrell said he will arrange for the necessary posts to be drilled and will follow up on footing decisions.

The decision includes use of material available from the town farm. Committee members noted that the packed-dirt option could become muddy and eventually grow grass, while millings—similar to the driveway at Grantville Cemetery—are expected to be longer lasting.

The committee recorded the approval as part of routine cemetery business at the July 15 meeting. The next steps are arranging materials and scheduling work for early fall.