The Peacham Selectboard learned July 15 that removing maple and pine trees from the town cemetery could cost nearly $100,000. Board member William Kempton said he had met with sexton Joe Mangan about the quote from Snapping Turtle Tree Service. Mangan suggested removing one tree per year instead and raised the need to straighten headstones. The board took no action and will revisit the matter.
The board voted to adopt revised regulations for purchasing cemetery burial lots. The new policy redefines who qualifies as a town resident for pricing and formally establishes a natural burial section. A resident whose primary home is Peacham can buy a two-grave lot for $1,000. Cemetery Committee member Wendy Morgan said the goal was to open eligibility while keeping the cemetery self-supporting, since non-residents pay more. The board approved the changes, with Kempton abstaining because he said he had not had enough time to review them.
The board also approved a revised contract with Groton Timberworks to finish preparatory work on the Town Hall renovation before the company closes July 22. Contractor Rusty Barber said he negotiated for Groton Timberworks to complete prep work, with his crew handling the erection afterward. Exterior concrete work remains delayed, and old wiring requires the gym scoreboard to be disconnected. The board aims for interior completion by late August or early September.
Village speeding drew renewed concern. Resident Laurie Kozar supplied printed materials about the issue, and Joe Notini said through-traffic is the biggest challenge. Chair Alfred Dedam suggested speed bumps, which he called "sticky uppy thingies." Road Foreman Jeremy Withers raised concerns and suggested increased sheriff's patrols. The board discussed speed humps, lowering the speed limit to 25 mph, and additional signage. Dedam said he would request a new patrol quote from the sheriff's office.
Withers reported that steelwork has begun on the Mill Trace Bridge project and that Grants-in-Aid funding will help upsize culverts near Ewells Mill, requiring a temporary road closure. He said ongoing meetings with FEMA over paperwork for older projects continue, with money still owed to the town pending compliance verification.
Originally reported by North Star Monthly.
Photo: Erik Mclean via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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