SUMNER – Historical society President Steve Peters and member Connie Cushing presented a proposal to improve Sumner’s cemeteries.

Their proposal would include surveying each town cemetery, identifying each grave, making before and after photographs, and cleaning and repairing stones. Cushing has a computer program that will make the data into a book for each cemetery.

Peters said that people from all over the country stop at the library in the historic Increase Robinson house to search for information on their relatives. He said that the books will be particularly helpful to those who can not reach the cemetery because of infirmities or weather. Many of the cemeteries are remotely located.

Cushing reported on training she has taken for cleaning, resetting and repairing stones. Pressure washing and harsh chemicals can permanently harm stones, she said. She will supervise cleaning and restoration of the stones using approved methods.

In other business, several citizens questioned the design of the new fence installed at the Buckfield-Sumner dump. Bob Runes said that there were “so many other things the money could have been spent on rather than a fence around the transfer station.”

The fence is intended to make it more difficult for people to get into the station to leave garbage when the facility is closed.

The fence is part of a project that includes adding a universal waste building, staff restroom, well and septic system. Universal waste, such as fluorescent tubes and old computers, is now being stored in a temporary container. The neighboring town of Hartford was recently permitted to use the facility for a one day universal waste collection day. Hartford paid all expenses and hauled off the collected waste on a day the station was normally closed.

Chairman Mark Silber said that this sharing was an indication of improved cooperation between the neighboring towns. Buckfield, Hartford and Sumner have entered into a cooperative purchasing agreement and are considering sharing an emergency management director.

Mary Ann Haxton, co-chair of the Sumner Comprehensive Plan Committee, asked selectmen to establish the order in which ordinances are considered for updating. Selectmen suggested that the Planning Board provide input on the question. All Sumner ordinances will be put on the town Web page so that citizens can offer improvements.