Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes March 21, 2017 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room. Attending: Director Stephanie Warwick, City Attorney Trey Smith, Chairman/Commissioner Mindy Hudson, Vice Chairman/Commissioner David Lee, Commissioner/Secretary Rebecca Howell, Commissioner Cindy Hlass, Commissioner Patricia Petray, and Commissioner Cecelia Slone. Absent: City Finance Director Jerry McKaughan and Connie Holstein, City Council Liaison Mark Tripp, City Council Liaison Eric Westcott, and Mayor Randy Horton. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mindy Hudson at 5:30 p.m. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to review and approve the minutes from the February 21, 2017, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Petray and seconded by Vice Chairman Lee. The minutes were unanimously approved. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the Financial Report. Finance Director McKaughan and Connie Holstein were unable to attend the meeting. City Attorney Trey Smith reported that the Schwab account balance at 2/28/17 was $130,917.66. For the month of February this account increased by 1.36% due to dividends/interest of $173.29 and an increase in the value of investments of $1,582.65. Year to date increase in value of investments was $2,286.05. Chairman Hudson reported that the Total Liabilities and Fund Balance at 2/28/17 was $62,705.14. February revenue of $454.79 and expenditures of $3,462.28 were explained by Director Warwick. Commissioner Slone made a motion to accept the report. Commissioner/ Secretary Howell seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The Third Order of Business was not addressed. This had been planned as a time to open the floor to the Public to address concerns/suggestions; however, there were no visitors in attendance. The Fourth Order of Business was the Monthly Operations Report given by Director Warwick. She reported that operations of the cemetery have been normal. Decoration Day is set for Sunday, May 7, 2017. Mowing is started, and Commissioners are asked to keep an eye on this. Maintenance and repair work are ongoing at the cemetery. Lynn's Tree Service cleaned up the trees in the Memorial Garden. Mr. Steuber advised that the water line work will be done when the area has dried more. ROC Director and Commissioners appreciate Mr. Steuber's continuing help on the water line project. Lettering for the top rim of the Columbarium (A - F) will soon be done by McGee Monument Company. The Director and Commissioners briefly discussed future lighting and cameras for the Memorial Garden. McGee Monument Company will repair the "Flag Pole" monument at no cost to the cemetery as this was not the first time repairs have been necessary. The Commissioners are appreciative to McGee for this courtesy. Speed bumps have been repaired, replaced and attached to the drives of the cemetery by the Street Department. Commissioner/Secretary Howell made a motion to approve the cost of additional speed bumps, and this was seconded by Commissioner Hlass. The motion was unanimously approved. Director Warwick mentioned the marker for Mayor Battenfield's grave. After a brief discussion, it was decided by the Director and Commissioners that a historical marker would be easier to see and less expensive than a stone marker, even with a brass plate. Director Warwick updated the Commission about the Norristown Cemetery. A survey has been completed, and it shows that the cemetery is situated on land owned by the city and on land owned a farm property. There is no clear deed. Director Warwick is awaiting a letter from the land company that manages the farm. The size of Norristown Cemetery is about one acre and has 37 known graves. National Historic Register in the 1990s registered it as being owned by the City. If it is owned by the City, then there is grant money available to maintain this cemetery. Chairman Hudson thanked Director Warwick for her continued good work. New Business: There was no new business. Following Vice Chairman Lee's motion to adjourn and seconded by Commissioner Petray, Chairman Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.