LIVERMORE — Selectpersons on Tuesday night charged Cemetery Committee member Tim Cox with obtaining more information regarding cemetery rules and regulations.

Cox said he had received several complaints from Robert Martin who mows the town cemeteries.

“People have gotten carried away, decorating their lots with cans, plastic flowers and signs,” Cox said. “Cedar and hemlock have been planted that cover neighboring stones too. They have good intentions but it gets to be an eyesore. The mower can’t do his job.”

The only rule he knows is that no planting is allowed. He asked if the committee had the authority to enact rules.

Selectperson Megan Dion asked if Cox had anything in writing regarding the no-planting rule.

Cox said it is in the committee’s rules and bylaws.

Administrative Assistant Amy Byron said the committee could change its bylaws. If it is an ordinance, a public hearing would be needed and the town would need to vote on changes.

Resident Donald Morrill said trees and shrubs could become a problem over time for the town.

Selectperson Scott Richmond said the town should check with the Maine Municipal Association on how to change the rules. He was all for changes but wanted to make sure they were legal.

Board Chairperson Tom Gould said changes would only apply to town cemeteries. The town owns some two dozen.

Cox said if not an ordinance, one could be adopted at the next town meeting. Beer cans blow around and plastic flowers are a problem for the mower.

“You can’t expect him to pull up hundreds of stems and replace them afterward,” Cox said. “He’d be there all day.”

Dion said there might be some state laws regarding polluting public lands.

Selectperson Wayne Timberlake said the board needs to find out what it can do.

Dion said once the information is available the board can act.

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