Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes April 21, 2015 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met on Tuesday, April 21, 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, Mayor Randy Horton, Vice- Chairman/Commissioner David Lee, Commissioner- Secretary Mindy Hudson, Commissioner Patricia Petray, Commissioner Rebecca Howell, Finance Director Jerry McKaughan, City Council Liaison Robert Wiley and visitor John Montgomery of IMC Studios. Absent: Commissioner Donna Eubanks and Commissioner Anna Fields. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Garland Steuber. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to approve the minutes from the March 17, 2015, regular meeting, as well as the minutes from the Special Meeting of March 31, 2015. Liaison Wiley made a motion to approve both sets of minutes. Commissioner David Lee seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The Second Order of Business was a financial report status update given by Finance Director McKaughan. Besides the usual lawn maintenance outgoing expense, the director mentioned income from two grave openings this month. Director McKaughan also just sent in to the state the 20% for perpetual care. The total fund balance is $60,173.93. Chairman Steuber gave an overview of the state's rules for perpetual care cemeteries. The financial report was concluded. The Third Order of Business was a presentation given by John Montgomery of IMC Studios about surveillance cameras that could be used as a deterrent to vandalism. He donated one camera, a monitor, and the power box. Different types of cameras were discussed, as well as the costs, the placement, and the power source. The power source could be cable through Suddenlink or could be batteries. There are also some cameras that are solar powered. The power box would need a housing and signs about cameras being used would be needed. There was other general discussion before the presentation was concluded. The Commission thanked Mr. Montgomery for his donations. Although some commissioners felt the issued was being rushed, Liaison Wiley made a motion to buy a total of four cameras. Commissioner Hudson suggested that more time was needed to get specific information about all the costs and details. She then asked that the motion be amended to be more specific, and so Liaison Wiley added that the most economical way be pursued. Commissioner Lee seconded the motion. All said “aye” except Commissioner Hudson, who did not voice a vote because of the rush. The Fourth Order of Business was the Overall Operations Report given by Cemetery Director Warwick. The oak tree that was downed by straight-line winds was removed and cleaned up in two days by Lynn's Tree Service. A slice, approximately six feet up from the base, was delivered to Commissioner Hudson's home close to the cemetery. (The tree is estimated to be about 90 years old by two counters and 150 by another. The slice will be available for anyone else  to look at if interested.) Director Warwick stated there were some headstones damaged, a power line pulled down, and some road damage. The ground will need to sit for at least a year before anything is done with it. She requested permission to get the headstone repair and the dirt-work done. Liaison Wiley made the motion to have McGee Monuments repair the two headstones and to have Larry Motley do the dirt-work to fill in the area from the tree removal. Public Works will supply the dirt. Commissioner Hudson seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously. The Fifth Order of Business was the continued discussion of a columbarium for the cemetery. Due to scheduling conflicts and the need to further discuss the matter, the conversation about a possible columbarium has been tabled until the June meeting of the Board, at which time the Board will also discuss the new addition to the cemetery. The Sixth Order of Business was the discussion concerning spraying for weeds. Because Chairman Steuber needed to gather more information, and because it is too late to spray this year, this item was also tabled. New Business: Commissioner Lee brought up the issue of trees, stating his view that the magnolia on 8th Street needs to be removed. Commissioner Hudson was displeased since the issue of this tree and others had already been settled after a lengthy process. There was other general discussion both about the removal and the planting of trees. Chairman Steuber adjourned the meeting at 6:47 p.m.