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Cemetery Trustees Meeting (minutes)

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Dunbarton Cemetery Trustees
Meeting Minutes
1011 School Street - Dunbarton, NH 03046
August 13, 2026
Opened Meeting: 7:05 J. Nault called to order.
Present: Trustees:  Justin Nault, Mike Lessard, Judy Keefe.
Public Comment:
No public comment
Old Business:
Review and accept minutes from June 9, 2026.  J. Nault made a motion to accept the minutes as 
written.  M. Lessard seconded.  All approved.
New Business:
Our budget remains on track. The projects we have targeted remain within the budget at this 
time. East Cemetery’s erosion problem remains our number one priority. Grass is growing, 
however there are some signs of tire tracks disturbing the new grass. 
Dunbarton Center Cemetery was chosen as the only New Hampshire event - the 48 State Tour, 
presented by Jonathan Appell founder and owner of Atlas Preservation. The 48 State Tour 
workshop day, took place on Thursday, June 4. Many people attended, mostly from out of town. 
Jonathan and his crew, along with volunteers repaired 2 stones. He was also very detailed in 
explaining the repair processes.  Only one cemetery per state was selected. This was quite an 
honor. 
The 6th grade “Give Back Day” happened on Thursday, June 11.  The six grade students were 
enthusiastic and focused as they were instructed on the correct way to clean stones, and 
introduced to the importance of preserving historic headstones. They undertook the task with 
excitement and interest.  This being the third year the trustees and the school have collaborated 
on this project.  The students and staff are not only “giving back” to the community, but the hope
is that their knowledge and understanding will be sustained.  
Custom Care has been out and 2 applications have been completed in East Cemetery.
Some large monuments are in need of dirt/stone build up.  In some cases, the bases are being 
exposed and need attention before a stone could tip or fall. 
J. Nault made a Motion to approve up to $12,000 for Phase 2 of the East Cemetery erosion 
project.  M. Lessard seconded. All approved. Hopefully work on Phase 2 will begin after Labor 
Day.
Discussion continues on the best possibility of utilizing ramps for the Hearse House.  Our budget
dictates what can be used: permanent or removable. We will meet with Fred Mullen who has 
temporary ramps that we will use to see if we should purchase materials for temporary ramps to 
be used. 

The trustees have concern about the mowing in the cemeteries.  A letter will be drafted and sent 
to the company addressing our concerns.  
M. Lessard is in contact with CIMS about updates that need to be addressed, in particular, the 
Wheeler lots in East Cemetery. We are in contact with the Wheeler family as well. The family is 
in discussion about their lots.
We continue to research companies to repair the John Page and family large obelisk in Page’s 
Cemetery.  Manchester Monument came out and decided that they are unable to repair this stone.
M. Lessard and J. Nault are looking into other companies that may be able to do this.
Sargent Trust is still a topic that will be addressed as needed.
At the last meeting, M. Lessard introduced the idea of attaching a QR code on the Hearse House.
This would inform the public on what the Hearse House is and what is inside, along with a 
history of the Hearse. This information will also be available on our website Work continues. 
Dunbarton Public Library is offering a presentation with Erin Moulton, The Beginner’s Guide to 
Cemetery Sleuthing on Sept. 10, 6:30 pm.
Gabriel Abbertons’s Eagle Scout project - cleaning stones in Page’s cemetery is still on track for 
Sept. Exact date not known at this time. 
Drone imaging has been inputted into CIMS.  Work continues to align the map with the imagery.
The trustees continue to address ongoing questions from the public.
During our research we had discovered an infant burial in 1936.  We never knew where the 
infant was buried, only that he was.  A family member has recently reached out with a deed 
locating where the infant is buried.  They plan to visit in the future, and identify the burial with a 
marker. 
We need to update the forms when purchasing lots/plots. (corner stones, full burials/cremains)
Adjourned: J. Nault moved to adjourn at 8:05.  M. Lessard seconded.  All approved.
Next meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, 7:00 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Keefe