Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes September 18, 2018 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room. Attending: Director Stephanie Warwick, City Attorney Trey Smith, Commissioner/Secretary Rebecca Howell, Commissioner Cindy Hlass, Commissioner Patricia Petray, Commissioner Cecelia Slone, and City Council Liaison Phyllis Carruth Absent: Finance Director Jerry McKaughan, Chairman/Commissioner David Lee, Vice Chairwoman/Commissioner Mindy Hudson, City Council Liaison Freddie Harris, Mayor Randy Horton, and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier Secretary Howell called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. and welcomed those in attendance. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to review and approve the minutes from the August 21, 2018, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Petray and seconded by Commissioner Slone. The minutes were unanimously approved. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the Financial Report by City Attorney Smith. Balances at 8/31/18 were Bank OZK C.D. $144,843.21 and Bank account (Russellville Fund 24) $39,263.60. The C.D. earned interest of $199.92 in August, and there was a deposit from our first installment sale. Per Mr. McKaughan’s note, the Genworth balance was still $95,514.20 at 8/31/18, making the total of Perpetual Care Trust funds $240,357.41. 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 an update on obtaining estimates for waterlines/drip irrigation lines. The estimate in hand is from Earth Works, and it’s figured two ways. The cost is $1,400.00 for a waterline substation with frost-free faucets. Adding a dripline extending northward for trees along the creek brings the total cost to $4,000.00. Director Warwick advised this work could possibly be done soon if it can be billed before December 10. This update on estimates was then tabled to the October 2018 meeting as two more estimates are expected. New Business: The First Order of New Business was an update for the 2018 Fall Tour and Dia de los Muertos event that will take place October 27. Beginning at 4:30 near the flagpole, a variety of activities will be offered, showcasing the history of Oakland Cemetery. Something new this year is “My Front Porch,” which will have eleven (11) vignettes of players portraying several persons of Oakland. An architecture/design tour, two (2) color- coded tours, a booth for kids, and information booth are also planned. Thinking of our area citizens who are able to attend, Director Warwick explained that “we’re bringing history to you through storytelling – all these people contributed much.” She hopes the event will be a celebration of life, remembering those who have passed on before us. Secretary Howell made a motion to have available one portable toilet for October 27 and to spend $100.00 for advertising. Commissioner Hlass seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The Second Order of New Business was a report from Director Warwick that the new trees should be planted in about two weeks. Later, more trees may be added to the north. Following a motion by Commissioner Petray and seconded by Commissioner Slone, Secretary Howell declared the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.