Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes February 17, 2015 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers Conference Room on the second floor for the regular monthly meeting. Attending: Director Stephanie Warwick, Chairman Garland Steuber, City Attorney Trey Smith, Mayor Randy Horton, Vice-Chairman/Commissioner David Lee, Commissioner- Secretary Mindy Hudson, Commissioner Donna Eubanks, Commissioner Rebecca Howell, Finance Director Jerry McKaughan, City Council Liaison Robert Wiley, and visitor Laura Bean from the Courier. Absent: Commissioner Patricia Petray and Commissioner Anna Fields The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Garland Steuber. He introduced new liaison Robert Wiley to the commissioners. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to approve the minutes from the January 20, 2015 regular meeting. Commissioner Eubanks made a motion to approve the minutes. This was seconded by Commissioner Howell. The motion passed unanimously. The Second Order of Business was the financial report given by Finance Director McKaughan. City Attorney Smith asked a question about the remittance of funds to the state concerning the cemetery's annual permit and whether a response had been received. Director McKaughan stated that the paperwork and funds were submitted to the state in January, and as of this date, we have not received a response. He stated that it typically takes 90 days to process the paperwork. The Third Order of Business concerned the ongoing monument repair project. Director Warwick stated that because of some email discussion from commissioners, she had not moved forward with hiring McGee Monuments to proceed with the repairs of the first list of eighteen monuments. All agreed this should be done, and City Attorney Smith requested the commission give her authority to do the contract work. Liaison Wiley made a motion to give Director Warwick the authority to contract with McGee Monument for these repairs. Commissioner Hudson seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. After discussion, the commissioners decided not to use a letter to the editor to notify the public of the project or ask for funds. If donations are sought, the mailing out of letters will be considered. Director Warwick said that if the commission makes this an ongoing project for the cemetery as a whole, McGee Monuments suggested it would be more effective for them and the commission if there were groupings in one area at a time, rather than all over. McGee also suggested to the Director that this would be more cost-effective for the cemetery budget. The company encouraged the commission to start at the corner of Detroit and 8th Street since it is the oldest section, and then move in a grid across the cemetery. Those on the commission who could start a list for the next monuments to be considered were urged to do so. Page 1 of 2  There was also some continued discussion about vandalism in the cemetery and possible means of deterring this problem. An estimate of cost for security cameras has not yet been obtained, so the rest of the discussion was tabled until the next meeting. The Fourth Order of Business was consideration of the plaque marking the grave of the first city mayor. Liaison Wiley mentioned that recognizing one might cause problems. As was mentioned before, some members of the commission suggested one central marker to recognize a list of notable names in the cemetery, as well as the possibility of a map or listing for the public to locate graves. New Business: The First Order of New Business was an operations report given by Director Warwick, which she plans to use as a means to keep the commission updated. First in the report, was mention of the damage done by a young driver who hit the fence on 8th and Detroit. Those panels were replaced. The second update was on damage caused by an impaired driver to the fence and to some headstones on the 11th Street side of the cemetery on July 5, 2014. A check was received from the driver. McGee will repair the monuments. The fencing company, A Dependable, is waiting on a panel for completion of these repairs. Thirdly, All Seasons has done a trash and limb pick up in the cemetery and is preparing for the mowing season. Liaison Wiley stated that we need to follow the ordinance on removal of loose flower arrangements. Mr. Wiley made a motion to put up notices about the ordinance at the entrances and at the flagpole to alert the public. This was seconded by Vice-Chairman David Lee and was passed unanimously. The mayor agreed to have a notice made, and City Attorney Smith suggested it be brought to the next meeting for final approval. Lastly, Director Warwick reported that two graves had been sold today. The Second Order of New Business was a discussion of the purchase of and placement of a columbarium for those who wish a resting place for cremains. Several pictures were available including a hexagonal with 72 spaces that would cost $13,400 plus the cost of a concrete pad and a crane to set it in place. Another possibility is a rectangular unit that has 48 spaces for a cost of about $8,000. The city would have to receive $187.50 per space to break even. Director Warwick suggested a possible price of $500 each. More information will be gathered and the discussion will continue at the next meeting. The Third Order of New Business was brought up by Commissioner Howell concerning the term limits of the commissioners listed incorrectly on a handout. Director Warwick agreed to adjust the dates and send out a new form to all. Chairman Steuber adjourned the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Page 2 of 2