Southwick Cemetery Commission reviews columbarium RFP, grounds work and proposed fee increases

The Southwick Cemetery Commission met July 15, 2026, at Town Hall to approve prior meeting minutes and to review cemetery maintenance plans, a draft request for proposals (RFP) for columbariums and a proposed fee schedule. The commission confirmed a quorum and cleared routine business before turning to operations and new business.

Sexton reported crews removed several large pine trees in Section 8 and prepared the adjacent new Section 11, and a contractor (named in the record as Don Frelani) completed stump grinding to clear planting areas. Staff said they replaced acid-damaged plantings, applied mulch and plan to seed bare areas and add topsoil so stones remain upright; they plan further restoration work on older cemetery sections this fall. "We went and got new ones. It looks gorgeous," the sexton said of the replanted areas.

The commission discussed site access and small parking improvements near the shed and memorial. Staff said they will try to obtain millings from the highway department to stabilize the short drive so visitors and funeral vehicles avoid driving on lawned areas.

Commissioners addressed a recurring dog-walking trespass at the cemetery. Staff reviewed camera footage, shared license-plate information with police and reported the issue has not recurred since officers checked the vehicle on Granville Road.

On new business, staff said a draft RFP for columbariums will be circulated to commissioners ahead of a planned September meeting. Commissioners reviewed example designs (including one from Washington state), discussed a commonly referenced unit that holds 48 niches, and debated inscription methods. The sexton favored removable plates because plates can be changed if remains are moved; others noted sandblasting inscriptions directly into stone is permanent. The commission agreed to add specific questions about extra doors and plate supply to the RFP. "We could at least place the two there…and then every couple years see how we're selling it," the sexton said of the proposed units.

The meeting record includes a proposed fee schedule the commission said is intended to recoup costs; items presented in the meeting record include a full burial plot for $550 and a cremation plot for $300. The record lists a "columbarium vault" fee of $600 and several line items for opening/closing and stone installations. The transcript contains inconsistent breakdowns for some line items (for example, an opened/closing line showing multiple, contradictory dollar amounts); commissioners indicated they will circulate the full fee proposal and finalize it after review. The chair read the proposed schedule to the group and said commissioners would review the suggested increases before formally voting.

Commissioners noted operational improvements from a recently added equipment shed that has centralized tools and supplies, and outlined upcoming fundraising and donation efforts tied to a December event; staff will mail donation letters in July to local banks and organizations. The sexton also reported that some monument suppliers no longer provide foundation work; cemetery staff are performing foundations and mixing concrete for veteran markers.

The meeting concluded after commissioners agreed to meet again in September to review the RFP and fee proposals. A motion to adjourn passed by voice vote.