FARMINGTON — After reviewing the care needed for town cemeteries, selectmen voted unanimously Tuesday to put maintenance for 15 smaller cemeteries out to bid.

The work is now done by Public Works employees.

Riverside and Fairview cemeteries, with about 37 acres, will remain under the care of the sexton and cemetery department workers.

Some selectmen wanted to put all maintenance work, mowing and trimming out to bid in an effort to save money. At a previous meeting, Town Manager Richard Davis raised the question of how to include burials, grave digging and closings and the work of the sexton. He could not identify significant savings from contracting the mowing and trimming.

Davis said the cemeteries average about 45 burials a year with the sexton keeping track of lots. The burials also bring in about $10,000 a year in revenue that partially offset operating costs for this year’s cemetery budget of $69,385, which included a one-time tractor purchase that would bring that number down to $63,000, he said.

The town took over the cemeteries in 2009.

The board agreed to seek bids for care of the 15 smaller cemeteries scattered around Farmington and consider a change.  

In other business, the board discussed options for better lighting at the crosswalks near Hippach Field.

Street lights along the Intervale do not correspond with crosswalks often used by children and families attending sporting events at Hippach Field.

After reviewing suggestions provided by Central Maine Power Co., the board voted unanimously to upgrade three lights by increasing from the present 150 watts to 250 watts. The higher annual cost is $336.12.

The board also asked Davis to check on the costs for installing solar-powered crosswalk lights similar to those used by the University of Maine at Farmington on Main Street. Some students start the light flashing when they want to cross the street.

Chairman of the board, Stephan Bunker, acknowledged and thanked Davis for completing 10 years service as town manager.

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