MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE CEMETERY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 20th MARCH 2013 AT 7.00PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, SIMPSON CENTRE, STOTFOLD
Committee Members present:Mrs J Hyde (Chairman)
B CollierMrs M Cooper
S DhaliwalG Smith
L Stoter
Also present:The Administration Assistant, Councillors Mrs S Bundock and Mrs A Clarey
3308.APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received on behalf of Councillors Mrs Clark and Cooper.
3309.DISCLOSURE OF MEMBERS INTERESTS
There were none. Members were reminded that if at any time during the meeting they feel they have an interest in an item being discussed, they should declare it at that point.
3310.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – QUESTIONS, COMMENTS & RESPONSES
There were none.
3311.CLERK’S REPORT, CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND MATTERS ARISING FOR INFORMATION
Steve Dear Trees are currently carrying out works in the Garden of Rest. The Chairman commented on how nice the Cemetery looks at present and the summer will be a good time to re-evaluate any future works.
3312.CLARIFICATION OF TREBLE FEES POLICY
The committee looked at the current list of charges at Stotfold Cemetery and requested that various items be amended. The Committee were happy with the Clerk’s clarification notes and these should be used as a guideline by the office staff.
Resolved that amendments are made as follows:
- Interment - Child under 3 (Baby Section Only) this should read Child under 3 (in Baby Section Only)
- Remove the line Child 3 Years and Over
- Purchase of Burial Grant be changed to Purchase of Burial Plot
- Re-registering of Exclusive Right of Burial Grants be changed to Re-registering of Exclusive Right of Burial Plot
- Flat plaque – Twenty Four inches by Eighteen inches is the only permission size – remove a)
- If possible, please leave a larger gap between Lower Lawn flat plaque and above Garden of Rest
- An asterisk is to be added to all charges which are not trebled for non-residents, as follows:
Re-registering of Exclusive Right of Burial Grant£50*
Scattering of ashes in Diana Memorial Garden or around the central lime trees£65*
All areas of Cemetery
a)Additional inscription to an existing memorial£50*
b)Reserved Plaques (Not Garden of Rest Section)£60*
- Charges for Purchase of Right of Burial, Interments and all Memorials are to be trebled for non-Stotfold residents, all other charges are at the single rate, whether a Stotfold resident or non-Stotfold resident to be changed to:
‘Charges are trebled for non Stotfold residents with the exception of those charges asterisked’.
3313.FUTURE OF THE CEMETERY
The Committee discussed the question raised ‘Are we justified, generation after generation, in buying more land to use in perpetuity for interment and thus enlarging cemeteries perpetually?’. The general feeling was that the Committee sees no problem in purchasing more land to be used as grave space. The Cemetery is used as a green space/amenity and as such it is a way of preserving our green space and area for wildlife. Many Cemeteries are Listed spaces and Stotfold Cemetery offers a peaceful view. It was pointed out that the Cemetery has only been extended twice over 100 years and is part of the local history of the town. Two members suggested that residents are asked their views on purchasing more land to extend the cemetery. The Chairman pointed out the current legislation which does not permit the Town Council to exhume remains and re-use the grave space. Currently burial grants are issued for 100 years.
Resolved that the Committeereaffirmstheir intention to purchase more land for Cemetery use, to take us up to 2050.
3314.ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN FOLLOWING INSPECTION
None to report.
3315.BUDGET & RESERVES UPDATE
Members considered the budget update and reserves status and it was:
Resolvedthat that anyremaining funds available in the Committee budget at the end of the financial year, is vired to Earmarked Reserves Projects.
3316.ITEMS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY
Austins Funeral Services are currently undertaking renovation works on the Chapel. The Handyman has spoken to the building contractor who said that in addition to works on the Chapel they plan to replace the ceilings in the toilets and paint store room door.
The Administration Assistant will contact Austins Funeral Directors and request a list of all works to be carried out.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 7.59pm
CHAIRMANDATED
Cem-20/03/131