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AD HOC CREMATORY STUDY COMMITTEE-FINAL REPORT TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN Executive Summary In September 2018, the Ad Hoc Crematory Study Committee was formed by the Board of Selectmen (BOS) and charged with making one of the following recommendations regarding a potential Crematory at Westview Cemetery: 1. Build a crematory adjacent to/connected to proposed new Westview Building. 2. Build a crematory on another location on the Westview property. 3. Do not build a crematory at this time. Given the correlation between the ongoing work of the study committee and two Articles on the 2019 Annual Town Meeting Warrant (Article 6 and Article 209), the Ad Hoc Crematory Study Committee agreed to publish an Interim Report for the 2019 Annual Town Meeting. In order to meet the ad hoc committee charge, the Committee's continued work has included an operational and feasibility analysis; exploration of various business models; numerous interviews; a Massachusetts municipality survey; further review of public comments; and conferring with Town Counsel, DPW, and Town Finance on Town financial implications. This additional information as well as the Interim Report to the 2019 Annual Town Meeting can be found in the attached appendices. In an effort of being respectful of all Lexington residents, the Committee feels that the needs of the community can be currently served without constructing a crematorium at the Westview Cemetery. In making its recommendation, the Committee reflected on a range of variables, including: • The capacity of Town services • Existing crematory options available within a reasonable travel distance • The logistics and expense of operating such a facility • The sensitivities and aspirations of the Lexington Interfaith Community(Appendix F) • The current lack of interest in the development of a regional crematorium • The adaptation of design efficiencies that make the new Westview building "addition ready" The Committee is sensitive that not all end-of-life religious observances can presently be performed in our community. However, given the lack of a predictable quantity of clients needed to financially break even in combination with the stringency of current state regulations, a crematory operation is not felt to be a feasible operational addition to the Town at this time. This matter may be revisited if state regulatory practices regarding crematoriums are relaxed, local demand increases, or other significant changes to factors studied by this Committee occur. Final Recommendation voted on August 20, 2019: With a deep sensitivity to the delicate nature of the Committee's charge, the Committee voted 5-1 (with one member absent) NOT to support building a crematory at this time. 2 NOVEMBER 12,2019