Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes June 20, 2017 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room. Attending: Director Stephanie Warwick, City Attorney Trey Smith, Chairwoman/Commissioner Mindy Hudson, Commissioner/Secretary Rebecca Howell, Commissioner Patricia Petray, Commissioner Cecelia Slone, City Council Liaison Eric Westcott, and two visitors, Sean Ingram from The Courier and Russellville Fire Chief Kirk Slone. Absent: City Finance Director Jerry McKaughan, Vice Chairman/Commissioner David Lee, Commissioner Cindy Hlass, City Council Liaison Mark Tripp, and Mayor Randy Horton. The meeting was called to order by Chairwoman Mindy Hudson at 5:30 p.m. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to review and approve the minutes from the April 18, 2017, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Liaison Westcott and seconded by Commissioner Slone. The minutes were unanimously approved. Director Warwick noted that the May 2017 meeting was not held. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the Financial Report. Finance Director McKaughan was unable to attend. City Attorney Trey Smith reported that the Schwab account balance at 5/31/17 was $135,807.79. This was an increase in account value of $7,760.67 year to date. For the month of May 2017 the increase in account value was $1,775.97. Overall, the five- month investment growth was very good. In looking at Current Year Revenues/Expenditures, Liaison Westcott asked if any large expenditures were expected through the rest of 2017, and Director Warwick mentioned primarily the mowing at about $2,000.00 per month. She said that the revenue side is up this year. Liaison Westcott commented that the cemetery looked to be in "great shape." Liaison Westcott made a motion to accept the report as read, Commissioner Petray seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The Third Order of Business was to welcome our visitor Russellville Fire Chief Kirk Slone. The Fourth Order of Business was the monthly Operations Report given by Director Warwick. 1. Overall operations have been normal for the month. The cemetery is doing well. 2. Our 2nd Decoration Day event was held on May 7, and the estimated number of visitors was 70 to 75. Many families placed new flowers and cleaned grave markers. One picnic was held. Chairwoman Hudson expressed appreciation for all Director Warwick does for these decoration days. 3. Commissioners are asked to look at trees along the creek bed, because some may need pruning or removal. The risk of doing nothing might be damage to nearby graves. Stumps should remain in place as support of the creek bed "walls." The Fifth Order of Business was a continued discussion of the Battenfield Project. Mayor Battenfield was the first mayor of Russellville, and Commissioners heard two prices for a marker to commemorate this historic gravesite. A stone marker would cost about $900.00. Steel Standing Monuments quoted $250.00 for a pick sign marker. Costs could be paid from the 'Cemetery Improvements' account which is budgeted at $5,000.00. Liaison Westcott suggested selecting several other significant persons and ordering multiple pick signs from Steel Standing Monuments. Also, the dedication of these markers could coincide with another special event at the cemetery, such as its 175th birthday in 2018, or the 'Day of the Dead' parade this coming October. Chairwoman Hudson thanked Director Warwick for her work on this. New Business: The First Order of New Business was a request from former Commissioner John Harris to restore some curbing near his family plot on Drive 2 by the magnolia tree. Director Warwick will check into exactly which curbing and whether the Commission is allowed to repair it. The Second Order of New Business was a brief discussion of ongoing cemetery issues. 1. Chairwoman Hudson suggested making a list of all trees needing trimming. 2. Several ideas were given about obtaining a donated flag. 3. Regarding traffic flow, Director Warwick mentioned possibly more speed bumps, one-way signs, and cameras. Also, the danger of the Detroit exit was briefly discussed. 4. Director Warwick said that the dumpster fencing may need re-approval. Following Liaison Westcott's motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Slone, Chairwoman Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.