HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-22-CSC-minAPPROVED MEETING MINUTES
Ad Hoc Crematory Study Committee
Wednesday, January 22, 2019
Public Samuel Hadley Public Services Building, DPW Training Room
201 Bedford Street, Lexington
Committee members present:
Doug Lucente (non-voting chair), Narain Bhatia, George Burnell, Jay Flynn, Bridger
McGaw, Msgr. Paul Garrity, Judith Crocker (7:30 arrival),
Committee liaisons present:
Carolyn Kosnoff, Sanjay Padaki
Doug Lucente called the meeting to order at 7pm.
Review public hearing outline
Public Hearing is set for February 7th. The Goal is to receive communication from
the public. The intent is to stay focused on crematory issues. The committee
presentation will consist of a brief history and committee charge, a summary of
gathered facts to date, and most importantly a list of key questions to elicit public
comment. The committee is interested public comments on the community needs
for crematory services and input on mourners viewing participation at the
cremation services.
The committee reviewed a draft of the public hearing notice scheduled for
publication Jan 23'd in local papers and Town community lists.
Continued review, examination and discussion of gathered materials
- Evaluation of needs: Judy Croker presented a summary of traditions for funerals
across many diverse religions. The data indicates that many religions include
cremation services. This data included significant backup references. Data is
available on-line.
- Lexington Burials: George Burnell summarized research to date. Concluding that
Lexington is averaging 307 deaths per year. That is 0.9% of the population. Further
analysis needed to determine % using Cremation services.
Continue list of assumptions to be used for analysis
Discussion continues on a focus to be sensitive to religious minorities. What are the
Lexington community needs. An uderlying question is "if built, how many will
come"?
Prepare interview questions for subject matter experts
The committee intends to invite maybe two local funeral directors to speak to the
committee. This will be scheduled after the public hearing. This will allow the
committee to coordinate/incorporate questions arising from the public hearing.
Next Committee Meeting Schedule
• February 6
• Public Hearing on February 7
AT 9:10 PM, a motion to adjoin was made by Narain Bhatia and seconded by George
Burnell.
Respectfully submitted,
Jay Flynn