Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes October 16, 2018 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, October 16, 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 Freddie Harris, City Council Liaison Phyllis Carruth, and Mayor Randy Horton Absent: Finance Director Jerry McKaughan, and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier Chairman Lee called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. and welcomed those in attendance. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to review and approve the minutes from the September 18, 2018, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Petray and seconded by Vice Chair Hudson. The minutes were unanimously approved. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the Financial Report by City Attorney Smith. Balances at 9/30/18 were Bank OZK C.D. $145,024.32 and Bank account (Russellville Fund 24) $74,707.77. The C.D. earned interest of $181.11 in September and has earned interest of $1,195.79 since it was opened earlier this year. The cemetery received an appropriation of $40,000.00 from the City during September. Vice Chair Hudson made a motion to accept the Financial Report as presented, Commissioner Slone 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 trees and shrubs plantings, and the replanting of lost plants at the Garden. Director Warwick reported that the new trees are to be planted on October 17, and the new plants are already in place. The Fifth Order of Business was an update on obtaining estimates for running water lines and service to the cemetery. According to Director Warwick, the two estimates that were expected did not arrive, leaving the current estimate from Earth Works in place. That bid is for $4,000.00. Commissioner Hlass made a motion to accept the Earth Works bid, Commissioner Slone seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. New Business: The First Order of New Business was a request to review and approve the Proposed 2019 Budget prepared by Finance Director McKaughan. After looking over the budget, Commission members and Director Warwick discussed the Contract Labor – Mowing account and Supplies account. A question arose as to whether the Contract Labor – Mowing amount of $42,200 was too large. Commissioner Slone made a motion to approve the Proposed 2019 Budget, Commissioner Hlass seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The Second Order of New Business was a suggestion from Vice Chair Hudson to look into repairs for certain retaining walls in the cemetery. A friend had expressed an interest in helping with a needed repair in his family plot. Vice Chair Hudson made a motion to establish a Repair Committee for curbing/retaining walls in the cemetery. The committee will approach concerned extended family members for permission to repair as well as asking for donations to fund the work. Commissioner Petray seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Following a motion by Secretary Howell and seconded by Commissioner Slone, Chairman Lee declared the meeting adjourned at about 6:45 p.m.