Statement of Mission and Purpose
The Colchester Cemetery Advisory Committee shall advise the staff and Selectboard on the proper operation of the Town's cemeteries, activities and properties. In general it shall be the mission of the Colchester Cemetery Advisory Committee to serve in an advisory role with no fiduciary responsibilities, providing non-binding strategic advice to the Selectboard and Staff on the following:
Modifications:
Modifications of the rules and regulations governing the Town-owned cemeteries, including costs of interment and plots, and recommendations for expansion and landscaping.
Capital Improvements:
Recommendations for which capital improvements should be made to the cemeteries and their relative priority.
Reviews and Reports:
The Committee members shall meet with the Selectboard twice a year (spring and fall) to review the Committee's activities. Annually in August the Cemetery Advisory Committee shall create and submit to the Selectboard a written report for the preceding 12 months (July 1-June 30) of the general activities, operation, and condition of the cemeteries to include number of plots sold, interments, etc.
Membership
The Colchester Cemetery Advisory Committee shall consist of three to seven members who shall serve without compensation. Members shall be chosen by the Selectboard from among the citizens of Colchester and, insofar as possible, represent diverse interests. The Town Manager or their designee shall serve as an ex officio, non-voting member of the Committee.
Terms of Service
Colchester Cemetery Advisory Committee members will fill the following terms of service, to begin on March 1st and end on February 28th in staggered years:
- Up to two members will serve a one-year term
- Two members will serve two-year terms
- Three members will serve three-year terms.
Cemetery Operations
The day-to-day administration and operation of the cemeteries shall be under the direction and control of the Town, through the Town Manager or their designee. In the event there is disagreement with the majority of the Committee’s recommendations, final decisions pertaining to rules and regulations, landscaping, fees, capital improvements, and acquisition of property will rest with the Town Manager or their designee, in consultation with the Selectboard. Where there is no disagreement, the Town Manager or their designee shall have the authority to implement the recommendations of the Committee as funding is available.