Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes April 18, 2017 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room. Attending: Director Stephanie Warwick, Vice Chairman/Commissioner David Lee, Commissioner/Secretary Rebecca Howell, Commissioner Cindy Hlass, Commissioner Patricia Petray, City Council Liaison Eric Westcott, Mayor Randy Horton, and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier. Absent: City Attorney Trey Smith, City Finance Director Jerry McKaughan, Chairwoman/Commissioner Mindy Hudson, Commissioner Cecelia Slone, and City Council Liaison Mark Tripp. The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman David Lee at 5:33 p.m. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to review and approve the minutes from the March 21, 2017, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Petray and seconded by Liaison Westcott. The minutes were unanimously approved. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the Financial Report. Finance Director McKaughan was unable to attend. Liaison Wescott reported that the Schwab account balance at 3/31/17 was $131,995.48. He explained that this is made up of a Deposit account of $14,773.87 and an Investment account of $117,221.61. Noted on the Schwab statement by Director McKaughan was the Genworth account balance of $96,360.00. Schwab and Genworth accounts totaled $228,355.48. Commissioner/Secretary Howell reported that the Total Liabilities and Fund Balance at 3/31/17 was $63,842.86. Director Warwick advised that March cemetery lot sales were $3,000.00 and grave openings were $2,783.00. April lot sales through 4/17/17 have been $2,200.00. Commissioner/Secretary Howell made a motion to accept the report as read, Commissioner Petray seconded the motion, and it 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 shared with the Board her "humbling experience of receiving flowers from a thankful family." Also, she does occasionally receive calls thanking the Board for its work. 1. Overall operations have been normal for the month. It has been a busy time for operations. 2. Decoration Day is May 7. Liaison Westcott made a motion to approve the rental of a porta- potty for May 7. Commissioner Hlass seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. 3. Commissioners are encouraged to look at the attractive lettering for the rim of the Columbarium. Five new speed bumps are now in place at a cost of about $550.00. The new signs for the cemetery will soon be ready; these signs will mark the various sections of the cemetery. 4. Director Warwick explained the lighting improvements she has researched. The cost of two types of lighting on poles within the cemetery are (a) directional $13.21/month and (b) shoebox $17.58/month. She hopes to have park lights, which are a little prettier, for the Memorial Garden. The cemetery will pay the cost of installation on decorative lights. 5. Regarding the Grave Discover database, there are now 1,632 people mapped with names and dates. By the end of 2017 the public should be able to see more of the detail. New Business: The First Order of New Business was a discussion of an option for gates on the drives of Oakland Cemetery. Director Warwick and other citizens have recently observed several drivers using the drives as if they were city streets. Drive 3 is aligned with South Boston Street, and Drives 2 and 3 are the ones used at any time of day or night. These drivers make it unsafe for the families, including kids, who are walking in the cemetery. Director Warwick asked Commissioners to think about solutions. She presented two maps, one with gates on entrances, and the other with one-way roads. We also discussed decorative chains and signs for cameras. Vice-Chairman Lee asked if there may be a law prohibiting through- traffic in cemeteries. The cost of a 12' wrought iron gate, including hardware and labor, is about $1,600.00, according to Director Warwick. The Second Order of New Business was introduced by Commissioner Hlass, regarding the intersection of East 8th Street and South Detroit Avenue. Visibility is limited if one is at the stop sign on 8th and attempting to continue east on 8th. Director Warwick advised that this is a City issue. Also mentioned was the cemetery service road onto Detroit Avenue. Following Liaison Westcott's motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Petray, Vice- Chairman Lee declared the meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.