HomeMy WebLinkAboutAd hoc Crematory Study Committee - CSC - Charge - Sept 2018 AD HOC CREMATORY STUDY COMMITTEE
Members: The Ad Hoc Crematory Study Committee will have seven (7)voting
members and (1)member from the Board of Selectmen who will act as a
non-voting Chairperson. Membership shall include:
• 4 - Town Meeting/Community Representative
• 1 - Lexington Interfaith Clergy Association member(LICA)
• 1 - Board of Health member
• 1 - Economic Development Advisory Committee Member
Liaisons: While not part of the Committee, the following committees are invited to
recommend a non-voting liaison:
• Capital Expenditures Committee
• Appropriation Committee
Staff Support: Director of Public Works will act as a liaison to this committee.
Appointed by: Board of Selectmen.
Length of Term: Upon completion of all recommendations to the Board of Selectmen in
accordance with the established deliverables schedule as outlined below.
Meeting Times: As determined by the Committee. A minimum of one meeting for the
purpose of soliciting public comment, shall be required.
Committee Goal: To examine public health,public safety,public works, operational,
financial, and quality of life issues associated with locating a crematory at
Westview Cemetery and meeting the needs of deceased Lexington
residents and their families. To assess the following options and provide
the Selectmen with recommendations on:
1) Building a crematory adjacent to or connected to the proposed new
Westview Cemetery Building.
2) Building a crematory on another location on the Westview Cemetery
property.
3) Not building a crematory at this time.
Committee Role: The Ad Hoc Crematory Study Committee's study will include but not be
limited to the following:
1) Review of Applicable Legislation
a. Review of the applicable sections of Massachusetts General
Laws c.114 (Cemeteries and Burials). Review of
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
regulations regarding Crematories.
2) Evaluation of needs:
a. Review of availability of crematory services for residents and
project future cremation needs.
b. Study the economics of death rates for the area.
c. Consider public and private competition in the region and other
communities that may be engaged in the crematory planning
process.
3) Other Crematories:
a. Review of other crematories proposed, established and
managed by municipalities in Massachusetts.
b. Review of common practices and pricing.
c. Review of operational costs and perform modeling to include:
various sales price &numbers of cremations per year.
4) Building Options:
a. Review siting options at Westview Cemetery.
b. Review parking & gathering space needs.
c. Estimate the cost to build at siting options presented including
size.
5) Operational Feasibility:
a. Review estimated annual operating costs, equipment costs,
labor costs (including possible outsourcing labor costs) and a
program budget.
b. Review estimated Capital replacement costs and timeline of
such.
c. Explore regional grant opportunities that may be applied for.
6) Environment:
a. Review of independent research on the health, environmental,
and safety risks associated with the operation of a crematory.
b. Review options for using alternative energy sources to reduce
the environmental impacts.
Deliverables: Present a progress report to the Board of Selectmen once per month from
November 2018 - January 2019 with a report of recommendations addressed
to Board of Selectmen on the feasibility of a Crematory at Westview
Cemetery by a date to be determined in an effort to have information to
inform Annual Town Meeting 2019.
Prior to serving as a member of this committee, members are required to:
1. Acknowledge receipt of the Summary of the Conflict of Interest Statute. Further, to
continue to serve on the Committee the member must acknowledge annually receipt of
the Summary of the Conflict of Interest Statute. Said summary will be provided by and
acknowledged to the Town Clerk.
2. Provide evidence to the Town Clerk that the appointee has completed the on-line
training requirement required by the Conflict of Interest statute. Further, to continue to
serve on the Committee, the member must acknowledge every two years completion of
the on-line training requirement.
Reference: Charge adopted by the Selectmen on September 17, 2018