Cemetery Commission Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2026
The Commission convened at the Town Clerk’s Office at 6:30 pm. A quorum was present, and
all motions were seconded.
Commission members present: Susan Stitely, Patti Garbeck, and Amy Hunt.
Guest: Graham Christie, Robin Durkee, and Richard Patten
Update on Sexton Research
The meeting began with a review of the conversations Susan and Patti had with other towns
including Calais, Worcester, St. Johnsbury, Glover, and Cabot. See Appendix A.
Amy mentioned she saw Joe Mangan. He said we were too “nitpicky” which is why he doesn’t
want to be the sexton. He did say he would help us with burials. Susan had talked with the
sexton in St. Johnsbury who stated they have a contract with him for burial.
Susan recently learned he also has ended his contract with Worcester.
After Susan sent him pictures showing that his staff had placed cornerstones several inches
below ground, he did not want to renew his contract. He did not offer to fix the cornerstones.
We discussed taking on the various role of the sexton ourselves including showing plots, drafting
deeds, installing cornerstones, digging cremation burials, supervising monument installation.
Digging for full and green burials would need to be contracted out.
Further discussion is needed as to what each Commissioner can do. Temporarily Susan will
show plots and draft deeds. Patti will set cornerstones.
Former Cemetery Commissioner
At 7:05 pm, Richard Patten former Cemetery Commissioner joined the meeting. Richard talked
about past processes. The town clerk sold the plots, did the deeds, and drew out the lot for the
buyer. Dotted lines on the map show where a person is buried. The New Section A actually has
rebar at the corners of the plots. A metal detector would be needed to find the rebar as it was
sunk in the ground so as not to impede mowing.
Robin has been using dotted lines to show how a plot is divided. She will switch to a straight
line and change it to a dotted line when someone is interred. We discussed the size of the plots
and how that corresponds to the price list.
Richard recommends that a cement vault should be required with full casket burials so that the
ground does not sink. Cement vaults are not required by law in Vermont, but towns can require
them.
After the discussion, Richard left the meeting.
Removal of brush around fences in South Woodbury, Woodbury Center, and Woodbury-
Cabot Cemeteries
Susan relayed that Mike Tatro quoted $1,700 to cut the brush on both sides of the fence in the
above-named cemeteries. We have permission from the Woodbury-Cabot owner but still need
permission for the other two cemeteries. Patti moved that once we have permission, we pay
Mike $1,700 to cut the brush. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Cornerstone purchases & setting
Brenda Muoio has a Warranty Deed for a 4-person plot in the New Section A 4 #60. She would
like to purchase her own cornerstones as Joe wants $450 for cornerstones and installation. Four
cornerstones can be purchase and shipped from several sources on the internet for approximately
$160.
Previous Meeting Minutes
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motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50.
Submitted: Susan Stitely
Signed by: Susan Stitely, Chair
November 5, 2026