Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes August 21, 2018 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, August 21, 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, Commissioner Cecelia Slone, City Council Liaison Phyllis Carruth, City Council Liaison Freddie Harris, and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier Absent: City Finance Director Jerry McKaughan and Mayor Randy Horton Chairman Lee called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and welcomed those in attendance. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to review and approve the minutes from the June 19, 2018, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Vice Chair Hudson and seconded by Commissioner Slone. The minutes were unanimously approved. Due to lack of a quorum, the July 17, 2018, Cemetery Regular Meeting was not held, and minutes were not posted. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the Financial Report by Secretary Howell. Balances at 7/31/18 were Bank of the Ozarks C.D. $144,223.29 and Bank account (Russellville Fund 24) $46,636.03. The C.D. had earned interest of $814.76 since it was opened earlier this year, and the July part of the interest was $205.81. A look at the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures showed the sale of one niche during July 2018. Commissioner Slone made a motion to accept the Financial Report as presented, Commissioner Petray seconded it, and the motion 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 a discussion and submission of estimates for the planting of shrubs or other “screening” to be placed along the west line of the cemetery (carried from July 2018). Director Warwick reported that summer storms had caused power line problems, large fallen limbs, and flowers strewn about. Then Commission members discussed the proposed new plantings/supplies – arborvitae, loropetalum, and mulch. Public Works helps water new plants, and this Fall planting will be in October or November. The Improvements account still has $4,895.00 in it. Commissioner Petray made a motion to accept the Earth Works Landscaping/Nursery estimate of $3,863.79. Vice Chair Hudson seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. New Business: The First Order of New Business was a request by Director Warwick to replace seven (7) weaker plants near the columbarium. These were originally placed by Taylor Nursery. Commissioner Slone made a motion to accept the Cumberland Street Nursery estimate of $344.44, Vice Chair Hudson seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The Second Order of New Business was a discussion about a water spigot for the plants in the Memorial Garden. Several good suggestions for maintaining and protecting plants were given by Commission members. Director Warwick will seek three (3) estimates for plumbing and connecting with a water meter. As previously mentioned, Public Works is a huge help with watering. The Third Order of New Business was information from Director Warwick about ongoing work. The first installment contract for plot sales has been made. And Director Warwick is currently doing database work in the Northeast (Old) section of the cemetery. To date, three thousand gravesites (3,000) have been pinned (GPS) in the east and west parts of Oakland. Chairman Lee complimented the excellent job our Director does. Following a motion by Commissioner Petray and seconded by Secretary Howell, Chairman Lee declared the meeting adjourned at about 6:35 p.m.