BOARD OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
The Board of Cemetery Commissioners herewith files our annual report of activities for the calendar year 2002, our 142nd year of operation.
Highland Meadow Cemetery Activities
This year has been a year of waiting and preparing. As we await the conveyance of the McLean land to the Town for use as our new cemetery, we continued to finalize our plans for its development. ~Our activities included: establishing a name (Highland Meadow Cemetery), completing bid documents, working with Town Planner and Land Management Committee to amend Conservation Restriction B2, working with the Town's Telecommunications Committee regarding new public safety/commercial communications tower, collaborating with the Water Department, McLean and its developers to route the water line, developing pricing plan and marketing strategy for cemetery lots. Lastly, our chairman has acted as our representative to the McLean Land Management Committee, which has benefited both the cemetery and open space interests.
Belmont Cemetery Activities
Although new burial lots for traditional interments have not been available at Belmont Cemetery since 1988, 124 interments were made to existing plots in 2002 including 36 cremations. ~(This compares to 108 total in 2001 including 31 cremations). Of the 124 total, 52 (42%) of the interments were non-residents of the Town, up from 37% last year. This percentage has fluctuated slightly but remains approximately 40%; we continue to charge a non-resident fee. Total resultant fee receipts for the calendar year 2002 were $117,720, up from $92,975 in 2001.
We continue to benefit from the care and expertise of our terrific cemetery staff, led by Superintendent Robert P. Gardiner. Our full time employees John McDonough, Dan Tempesta and Jeff Currier and part time workers, Bill Walsh, Nancy Fay and Nick McCartney succeed in making Belmont Cemetery one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Greater Boston, public or private. It is a consoling place, treasured by our many families.
We are pleased to report the following progress against our stated goals for fiscal year 2003:
· Acquire and develop land for a new cemetery. Await the transfer of land.
· Continue to promote and improve the Annual Planting Program for individual lots that was established in 1997. Program continues to thrive and receive positive reviews from participants. Continue to expand awareness.
· Continue tree-planting program established in 1996 and enhance landscape areas to beautify Belmont Cemetery. Recently reinvigorated and changed program, securing several new enrollments. Also received several dozen lilac seedlings from Belmont Garden Club.
· Continue to encourage Town officials to implement a performance-based review system for employees. First year of Town-wide system, management employees. Completed our review on time. Town-wide result not yet clear.
· Develop new ways to inspire and reward long-term employees and encourage newer employees to remain. We are most pleased that we have had no staff turnover again this year. We continue to involve all our staff in design and operations planning efforts, solicit their ideas and rely upon their expertise.
· Develop new revenue opportunities and identify cost-savings opportunities. New ideas in development for existing and new cemetery, in addition to Memorial Tree program and Annual Planting program. Participate and analyze carefully proposal by Selectmen to consolidate into Public Works Department to assure operational and cost efficiencies while ensuring continued level of service expectation at cemeteries. Cemetery Commissioners will vote only after full analysis.
Calendar Year 2002 Operational Statistics:
Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund |
$489,077 |
Interest Income from Perpetual Care Fund |
$36,090 |
Annual Planting Fund (includes H. Smith Fund) |
$58,422 |
Fee Receipts |
$117,720 |
# Full Time Employees |
4 |
Total Budget Appropriation for FY2002 |
$286,211* |
*Reduced Budget for FY2002 |
$280,487 |
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen O'Brien Cushman, Chair
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