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1998-11-18November 18, 1998 Mr. John Dunn Director of Municipal Financef/Treasure Beverly City Hall Cabot St. Beverly, MA 01915 Dear John: At the October meeting .of the Board of Cemetery Managers, the subject oTthe financial status of the City's cemeteries was once again the prime topic of discussion. This is a formal request from the Board for the following: 1) A report (print-out) of the Endowment Fund for years 1994 to current depicting all activity on this fund including what types of funds they are invested in. 2) A report (print-out) of the Sale of Lots Fund for years 1994 to current depicting all activity on this account. In addition We are requesting a Bi-monthly financial report, which includes all receivables and payables for the City's Cemeteries. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Loring J. Ward Jr. Chairman Eugene Wood Elyse A. Cotreau Board of Cemetery Managers Mr. Peter Gilmore, President Beverly City Council /~ City of Beverly Board of Cemetery Managers Meeting Minutes: November 18 Present: Mr. Ward, Wood, Dunn and Seamans, and Ms Cotreau Approve minutes of previous meeting: Unanimous Review of events since last meeting: None Application by Mason family to erect second stone on family plot in Central Cemetery. After discussion that this case is substantially different from other requests for multiple stones (lot ownership is clear and interests of all owners of the lot are in agreement) approval was unanimous. A discussion took place regarding the application for veterans markers. The application clearly states that markers are not to be placed in addition to markers already installed on graves. George White, the City's Veterans Agent, has provided assurance that this practice is permissible and should continue. Board discussed Beverly Farms Cemetery, particularly issues of expansion, signage and fences. P. Searoans to discuss expansion with consultant to determine limits of filling permissible. Discussion of potential expansion into the City's ancient cemeteries. P. Searoans presented notion of using vacant space in Dodges Row for future indigent's lots. This option would have a minimum impact on the neighbors and provide ample capacity into the future. Discussion continued on a letter from the Chair to John Dunn relative to financial reporting of the Cemetery DeparUnent' s condition. There was an exchange of views resulting in a wish by the Board .for some budget for a program to be established for Fiscal Year 2000. Timing for the board' s consideration of budget issues is good as the FY 2000 budget begins being prepared shortly after the be~nning of the new year. Board will develop a list of items to be considered, then prioritize the list for inclusion the next city budget Adjournment at 7:00 FINAl, By Ryan Fortin REPORT Project Day Saturday May 9, 1998 750- I woke up and looked out the window to detennine the weatl~er and see i.fi it was suitable 'for the project that today. I decided that th~ project would still be on if it was just cloudy but not raining. 900- I went to pick up my "Main corp" consisting of Billy Beaulie~a Matt Mason and Eric Brokvist. I decided that this group of young Men would be my section Leaders for the groups I would be forming. 930- Arrived at the cemetary, and proceeded to draw a map, which would be used during the project to assist them in finding the stones that nee. a:led the most attention. After making the "Final Map Copy" I demonstr'~ted to Eric, Matt, and Billy how the project of repairing the stones would be done. 1000- Most of the volunteers arrive. (Project Begins) Along with the group Leaders I demonstrated the method of repairing to the volunteers. I explained the method while my group Leaders provided "Visual Aide". 1020- Everyone has arrived. They were seperated into 3 groups with team leaders and an adult for responsibilty and safety. At this time Ms. Catharine O,Hare arrived from the Beverly Citizen to take pictures of the project and an interview with myself. 1Vh-. Peter Searoans Administrative Aide to Mayor ScanIon arrived as support from the City of Beverly. 1020 to 1230- Proceeded with the project. As I travelled from group to group overseeing, I found that the volunteers were working very efficiently, safely and according to plans. 1230 to 1300- Lunch pizza and drinks. 1300 to 1430- Project continued. Although we had originally planned to repair 30 stones by 1430 we had repaired 45, several we were able to bury back into the ground and others we were able to repair the bases prior to gluing the headstones on them. During this project we had several citizens who were walking through the cemetary and thanked us for the repaires. 1440- The project was over and I thanked everyone for their time, effort and energy they put into my Eagle Scout Project. Wed. May 13- Mr. Jack Makros agrees to go to the cemetary and collect the 2X4 braces we had used to hold the stones in place. I thanked him for his time in helping me. My Conclusion- While doing this project, I felt very sucessful as it was all about giving back to the Community..I enjoyed the leadership role and leamed a lot about working together as a group. During the project I felt everyone did their best and all did an excellent job. Mon. May 18- I returned to the cemetary to check on the resu!ls of our work, the stones I checked were solidly on their bases. My project was a sucess and it had ended. On May 9, 1998, I had met the requirements in I'lanning, Carlying out and Completing my Eagle Scout service project. My project w~ to rep~r 30 headstones that wct c siltruled al · e Centr~ Cemete~ in Beverly in the area of I lale, Bunnan Bisson s~. These stones were off their bases duc Io deterioration or vandalism. I first beg~ to pl~ this project on Jan. 27 with my Fathcl' when we ~ove ~ough the c~mete~ and observed that many slo~cs were off their base~..~e following week my Fall~er and I wenl back to the cemete~ to count the stones that needed ihe most allenlion. We counted 77 of ~em. 1 decided ~at this would be the pert~cl project. Later that week I contacted ~. Peter Scmnans and planned to meet wi~ him on Feb. 13 to discuss my project, that day we reel at · e cemete~ to view the pmicul~ ~ea I wished to do, which is · e older section of ~e cemete~ (~ong the area of Hale and Bu~an sB ) down to where some of the newer stones were (along Bisson st.)'During ~at day ~. Semans advised me to contact him and set a future meeting on what steps I would use to carry out tl~e project. On Feb. 13 we proceeded to Abate montunent and asked lhcir advise on the type of glue we should use to repair the stones, they recommended we use a sealtite concrete adherrent made by Red Devil as it is premixed and made for that. On Mar. 11 I met with the Cemetery Co~nmission at the City Hall and updated them on my project, Mr. Searoans asked if we would supple to the Comission a list of names and dates of the stones we wished to repair. On mar. 20, I returned to the ce~netery along with my Father and my best friend Matt Mason to obtain .. the names and dates on the stones we were going to repair. I brought the list to Mr. Searoans the following Monday. On Apr. 12 I met with my troop Leader Mr. Bill Beaulieu to to discuss a date for the project which was set for May 9th, we spoke about the equipment and tools we would need and a way to set it up. On May 3, I contacted Scouts, Scout Leaders and Friends for commitments to participate in the project. Previous to tny calling I had sent out a flyer to all those willing to participate. On May 8, I proceeded to my Fathers office to discus last minute preparations. We then went home and cut braces for the stones. Total time for planning and preparations was 10 hours. On May 9th I carded out my project with 20 volunteers including myself. I choose 3 people to be section leaders, before the project began and showed them the method my Father and I had established using 2X4s to put under the stone so it would be easier to slide to the base and use them to help lift the stones, I then showed them how to clean the bases and stones of dried on glue and dirt using a chisel, also demonstrated to them how the glue should be applied in one continuos line 1 inch in from the stone exterior to allow for spreading. I also showed them how to straighten the bases out using a pinch bar and wedging dirt under them. When the project began I brought the whole group over and demonstrated it once more with visual aide from my group Leaders (Eric Brokvist, Billy Beaulieu and Matt Mason ). Following .the demonstration I broke the volunteers into 3 groups, One'group for cleaning and chiselling, another for gluing and litling the stone onto the base and another for cleaning any excess ghae and etc. One major change that occured in the project is that we repaired 15 more stones than we planned to do that were found as we were working. Carrying out this project used a total of 60 hours. On Wed. May 13 Mr. Jack Makros (one of the volunteers went to the cemetery to collect the braces we had used to hold the stones up while the glue dried. (Thank you Mr. Makros ) On May 18, I went to the cemetery to check on the results of our work and the stones were all solidly in their places. My Project was a sucess and had ended. I would like to express my gratitude and heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported me in this Eagle Scout project for their time effort and energy. I could not have done it without all of the~n ( Thank You ) While doing this project, I felt very successful as it was about giving back to the Community. I enjoyed the leadership role and leamed a lot about working together as a group. I. felt everyone gave their best and did an excellent job. Thank you to the Boy Scouts of America for this great opportunity. Board of Manager, Z otlng Ward, Jr., Chairman Peter Seamanx, Clerk Eugene Wood John Dunn Elyse Cotreau-Ferrts -. ' Ci .of Beverly ..'....;. cemet oe a"ment - .. , 191 Cabot ~treet Beverly, Massachusetts 0191 Telephom~' (978) 921-6000 July 21, 1998 Ryan T. Fortin 136R Livingstone Avenue Beverly, MA 01915 Dear Mr. Fortin: The Board of Cemetery Managers wishes to acknowledge and express our appreciation for the work you and your group performed at Central Cemetery on May 9. This long neglected section of one of this city's older cemeteries needed the ministrations provided and this effort has inspired others to seek out projects in other city cemeteries. Specifically, you provided this board with a specific plan of action to meet your goal of righting fallen headstones. I observed you as you presented to your group work assignments, demonstration of procedure and delegation of responsibilities. Work was orderly, efficient and above all, safely performed. You had an appreciation of the abilities of group members and assigned jobs accordingly. Finally, you accomplished more than you had initially planned, righting some thirty-eight headstones. Many of these had been over for many years and the city has no resources for performing the important work you have accomplished. Again, we thank you for this job well conceived and executed. Sincerely, Peter Searoans Commissioner of Cemeteries (pro tem) PBS/s c/o Beveriy Cemetery Beverly City Hall Beverly, MA 01915 Dept. Dear Sir: My name is Robert Sarkisian, and I am interested in working at the Dodge Street Cemetery in Beverly for my Eagle Scout service project. I am a Boy Scout in Troop 35, Hamilton, MA. It has been brought to my attention that areas of brush must be cleared away along the perimeter up to the stone wall. I will be clearing this brush for my project. Once the greens are cut they will be piled up beyond the wall. I will be working with Mr. Albert W. Dodge of Hamilton, MA on this project. It is necessary for you to approve my project plans before I can begin. I have enclosed a copy of these plans for you to look over. If these plans meet your satisfaction, please send a written statement (signed), in the envelope I have enclosed, that you have reviewed and accepted the project. This envelope is addressed to my Scoutmaster. I look forward to discussing my project with you if you have any questions. You can contact me at 978-468-2807. Thank you very much, and I look forward to your approval. Robert D. Sarkisian Jr. Age 17 Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 35, Hamilton MA August 14, 1998 LAW OFFICE OF Non~xA~ C. I-IA~SE~ 52 WASHINGTON AVENUE CHELSEA, MASSACHUSETTS 02150 (617) 884-9636 (617) 884-8864 FAx (617) 884-9205 City of Beverly Cemetery Department 191 Cabot Street Beverly, Massachusetts 01915 Attention: Chairmare Board of Managers Lot 305, Plan 4 Beverly Fares Cemetery Dear Sir/Madam: I am submitting my request for appointment as Lot Representative of the aboVe-captioned Lot. I trace my fight as being a nephew, therefore, an heir, of Dagney Jacobsen, the lots original purchaser, in July, 1928. Beverly City records indicate Mrs. Jacobsen was a widow in 1928. I have no family knowledge of a remarriage, or other children than her daughter, Eva Jacobsen, buried in May, 1928. My mother, Ruth Hansen, was Dagney Jacobsen's sister. She was buried in the Lot in 1938. My father, Christian Harksen, Ruths' husband, was buffed in the Lot in 1945. Considering the age of Mrs. Jacobsen, who was bom in the last century, and after a diligent search, I cannot find her whereabouts or any other of her heirs. Kindly advise me of your decision. If approved, I designate my cremation interment in the said Lot near my parents. City of Beverly August 14, 1998 Page 2 In the event of my decease I designate my cousin, Andrea Richie of I Harraden Street, Rockport, Massachusetts, as my successor Lot Representative. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Very truly yours, Norman C. Hansen cc: Andrea Richie 531 Oxford Road Oxford CT 06478 August 10, 1998 Mr. Loring Ward, Chairman Board of Cemetery Managers c/o Cemetery Department 191 Cabot Street Beverly MA 01915 Dear Mr. Ward: Enclosed you will find a copy of a letter sent to you on June 10, 1998. Since I have received no reply or acknowledgement in two months, I thought it best to resend the letter in case it had been lost. I did call your department, but they could not say for certain that my letter was received. I hope you will understand my concern, and also understand that I am not familiar with the operations, procedures or schedules of the Board of Cemetery Managers. This is a matter of great importance to me. I would be more than happy to meet with you personally at any time if you should feel that necessary. I would also be happy to supply any additional information that you might require. Please feel free to call me M - F, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at 860-741-3027. Richard J. Hemenway ~ City of Beverly Board of Cemetery Managers Loring Ward, chair Ely~e Cotreau Eugene Wood John Dunn Peter Soamatm, oletk September 29, 1998 Bruce R. Morris 9 Vive Street Beverly, MA 0 1915 Dear Mr. Morris: The'Board of Cemetery Managers met September 3 and deliberated a request for an exemption from Cemetery rules relating to markers, specifically multiple markers on family cemetery plots. The Board voted to stand by the present rules and deny the pending application. It is the Board's consensus that otherwise the future orderliness of our cemeteries will be impossible to enforce. Since you had not formally applied for an exemption to these rules, no action was taken regarding your interest in placing a second upright marker on your family's plot. The application option is still available to you; however, the Board's action September 3 might dissuade you and I thought you would want to know. I am sony to be the messenger of this disappointing news, and be assured that the Cemetery Department stands ready to help in any appropriate way. Sincerely, Peter Searoans, Commissioner City of Beverly Board of Cemetery Managers Loring Ward, chair Elys~ Cotreau Eugen~ Wood John Dutm Peter Seamam, clerk September 28, 1998 Richard J. Hemenway 53 1 Oxford Road Oxford, CT 06478 Dear Mr. Hemenway: The Board of Cemetery Managers met September 3 and deliberated your request for an exemption from Cemetery rules relating to markers. You made an impassioned case for your request; however, the Board voted to stand by the present rules and deny your application. It is the Board's consensus that otherwise the future ordediness of our cemeteries will be impossible to enforce. You might consider the purchase of a six grave cremation lot, which permit the installation of upright markers, and relocate your parents' cremated remains. The Beverly Cemetery system has such a section under construction at Central Cemetery, which will be available, later this fall. I enclose a price list for your consideration. I am sorry to be the messenger of this disappointing news, and be assured that the Cemetery Department stands ready to help in any appropriate way. Sincerely, Peter Searoans, Commissioner 531 Oxford Road Oxford CT 06478 June 10, 1998 Mr. Loring Ward, Chairman Board of Cemetery Managers c/o Cemetery Department 191 Cabot Street Beverly MA 01915 Dear Mr. Ward: I am writing to you after speaking with Mr. Peter Seamam concerning my request to place a slant memorial stone on my parents grave in Central Cemetery. It is my understanding that a standing regulation prevents the placement of more than one upright stone on a lot. I am requesting a waiverof this role for the following reasons. My father, William W. Hemenway, died in 1989 and was cremated. My mother had the um placed on the Appleton Family plot that is close to the first gate on Butman Street. She did so because my mother, Mary Jane (Iverson) Hemenway, was related to the Appleton Family through her paternal grandmother. When her mother died, she was raised at 28 Dane Street by her father's mother who was an Appleton by birth. My mother always told me that a grave plot was reserved for her there in the Appleton lot. As my mother's financial adviser after my father death, I advised her to place only a small flush marker over my father' s urn, as I knew that as much money as possible would be needed for her long term care. It was, however, always our intent to place a larger stone bearing the Hemenway family name. We discussed this on many occasions, and I knew of no reason why my Mother' s wishes could not be carried out. My mother died in July of last year, and now that the estate is finally settled, I would like to carry out those wishes for a permanent memorial. The care of family markers was always a strong tradition in our family. Some of my earliest memories are of trips to Peabody to plant flowers at the grave of my grandfather, and, later, after my grandmother's death, at both graves. This would be done at lease four times throughout the year. The Appleton and Iverson graves in Beverly were tended with the same frequency. I have continued that tradition in my own family, and I f'md it extremely difficult that I will not be able to return to Beverly periodically and plant flowers at a Hemenway family stone. Mr. Searoans has pointed out that there is already an Appleton stone on the lot, but I believe that there is no room for more names, and, above that, Appleton is not my family name. I would like to be able to honor my parents with a Hemenway marker. -2- The existing flush marker will be removed so that there will be only one Hemenway marker. I will be happy to either waive claim to any care around the stone ( Iwill provide it as necessary), or to pay any reasonable endowment fee that you might deem appropriate to cover any future additional care. I can only hope that I have managed to convey to you how important this matter is to me. I do not wish to cause additional work for someone, but this is a matter that I must live with for the rest of my life. I would deeply appreciate you kind consideration of my request. Respectfully yot:rs, Richard J. Hemenway