Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes March 20, 2018 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room. Attending: Director Stephanie Warwick, City Attorney Trey Smith, Chairman/Commissioner David Lee, Vice Chairwoman/Commissioner Mindy Hudson, Commissioner/Secretary Rebecca Howell, Commissioner Cindy Hlass, Commissioner Patricia Petray, City Council Liaison Phyllis Carruth, and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier Absent: City Finance Director Jerry McKaughan, Commissioner Cecelia Slone, City Council Liaison Freddie Harris, and Mayor Randy Horton Chairman Lee called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and welcomed those in attendance. In greeting Sean Ingram, our Courier reporter, Mr. Lee commented that Sean does a good job. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to review and approve the minutes from the February 20, 2018, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Vice Chairwoman Hudson and seconded by Commissioner Hlass. The minutes were unanimously approved. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the Financial Report. City Attorney Smith brought our attention to the Schwab Account balance of $142,971.29 as of 2/28/18; he advised that, as of this time, City Finance Director McKaughan has probably moved this money into a local bank certificate of deposit. The Genworth Account balance was still $95,514.20 at 2/28/18. Secretary Howell made a motion to approve the Financial Report, it was seconded by Commissioner Petray, 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 an update from the Planning Committee for the 2018 Decoration Day and 175th Anniversary of Oakland Cemetery. Saturday, May 5, is the day set aside for the events, and they are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Activities may include grave decorations, speakers, picnic, music, tribute to veterans, treasure hunt for young people, and two self-guided walking tours. Location will mainly be the new addition, which is not yet in use. New Business: The First Order of New Business was a discussion about a December 21, 2017, decision made by the Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission. Several Commissioners wanted to revisit the issue of fees for the new section of the cemetery known as the Memorial Garden Addition. Some Commissioners were still concerned about prices in the new section increasing, as well as the structure of the price. Vice Chairwoman Hudson made a motion to rescind the previous decision on restructuring of fees on the new section of the cemetery, and Commissioner Hlass seconded the motion. City Council Liaison Carruth abstained from voting, and all others voted in favor of the motion. The motion passed. The Second Order of New Business was a presentation of ideas by Director Warwick for other events and plans through the year for Oakland Cemetery. A Christmastime celebration of veterans, fencing and other improvements, plantings and tree placement, and a tree donation opportunity for families were mentioned. The Third Order of New Business was a report by Chairman Lee of possible damage to some monuments along Drive 1 by 11th Street, apparently caused by a car in the ditch. Vice Chairwoman Hudson made a motion to adjourn, Commissioner Hlass seconded it, and the meeting was adjourned at about 6:07 p.m.