[Adopted 6-20-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-04]
In accordance with and under the authority of RSA 289:6, the City Council of the City of Lebanon hereby adopts the following article to establish a Board of Cemetery Trustees.
The purpose of this article is to establish a City of Lebanon Board of Cemetery Trustees pursuant to RSA 289 to operate and maintain all cemeteries owned by the City of Lebanon.
A. 
The Board of Cemetery Trustees shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) 
All powers and duties set forth in RSA 289:7, as amended except as set forth in Subsection B below.
[Amended 9-2-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-03]
(2) 
Creating an inventory of all cemetery plots, including photographs and condition assessments of all monuments.
(3) 
Making recommendations to the City Council regarding management of the cemeteries.
(4) 
Preparing an annual report inclusive of Board activities and updates to the cemeteries.
(5) 
Consulting with Grafton County Extension Service relative to improving soil and turf conditions in the cemeteries.
(6) 
Regulation and management concerning the following matters, following consultation with the City Manager and Director of Public Works:
(a) 
Consulting with subject matter experts, particularly in matters relating to restoration and historic preservation, prior to undertaking repair projects.
(b) 
Utilizing landscape architects or other design professionals whenever cemetery expansions are being planned.
(c) 
Considering alternatives to conventional burials to both efficiently utilize remaining space within the cemeteries and optimize revenue.
(d) 
Establishing a program to repair damaged stones and monuments, prioritizing based on the degree of damage.
B. 
Exceptions.
[Amended 9-2-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-03]
(1) 
Notwithstanding RSA 289:7, II, maintenance and other work on cemeteries shall continue to be performed by employees of the Department of Public Works, who shall continue to be subject to all applicable City personnel policies or collective bargaining agreements.
(2) 
Notwithstanding RSA 289:7, I, the City Manager shall have authority to expend appropriations from the Cemetery Maintenance Special Revenue Fund established under City of Lebanon Code Chapter 46.
A. 
In accordance with RSA 289:6, the Board of Cemetery Trustees shall consist of five members who shall be appointed by the City Council. The members shall include one representative from each of the three wards and two at-large members. All members shall be residents of the City of Lebanon.
B. 
In determining each member's qualifications, the City Council shall take into consideration the appointee's demonstrated interest and ability to understand, appreciate, and promote the purpose of the Board of Cemetery Trustees. Examples for qualifications include, but are not limited to:
(1) 
A genuine interest in municipal cemeteries, burial grounds, and community;
(2) 
A general knowledge of cemetery procedures;
(3) 
Familiarity with the RSAs governing Cemetery Trustees;
(4) 
A readiness to devote time and effort to the duties associated with service on the Board;
(5) 
The ability to work well with other Trustees, City officials, and the public; and
(6) 
The willingness to adhere to City policies.
A. 
Initial Cemetery Trustee appointment terms shall be as follows:
(1) 
Ward representatives: two years.
(2) 
At-large representatives: three years.
B. 
Cemetery Trustees shall be subject to reappointment by the City Council for two-year terms.
The Cemetery Trustees, at an annual organizational meeting, shall elect a chair and a vice chair.
The Board of Cemetery Trustees shall meet on a monthly basis at a time and date to be determined at the initial meeting.