8.6.2026 Cemetery Committee

The City of Portsmouth Cemetery Committee held a meeting on August 6, 2026, focusing primarily on cemetery maintenance and improvement projects. Key procurement-related discussions included updates on the Point of Graves wall project, which involves constructing a dry-stacked granite-capped wall with an expected completion in the fall. The committee discussed the need for a finalized design pending survey completion and the acceptance of donations by the city council to fund the project. Additionally, the committee reviewed the allocation of a $10,000 gift for wrought iron repairs at Union and North cemeteries and discussed the potential need for vendor selection for specialized ironwork. They also addressed the installation of grave markers and the development of a Google map for public access, as well as a press release to promote awareness of historic veterans' gravesites. A significant new business item involved the discovery of a 200-year-old grave located on private property, prompting discussion about potential relocation, regulatory permits, and coordination with property owners and state agencies. The committee agreed to continue investigating this matter and to keep members updated. No formal votes on contracts were recorded, but motions were passed to approve meeting minutes and a draft press release related to cemetery projects.