Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes November 20, 2018 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room. Attending: Director Stephanie Warwick, Chairman/Commissioner David Lee, Commissioner/Secretary Rebecca Howell, Commissioner Cindy Hlass, Commissioner Patricia Petray, and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier Absent: Finance Director Jerry McKaughan, City Attorney Trey Smith, Vice Chairwoman/Commissioner Mindy Hudson, Commissioner Cecelia Slone, City Council Liaison Freddie Harris, City Council Liaison Phyllis Carruth, 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 October 16, 2018, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Petray and seconded by Commissioner Hlass. The minutes were unanimously approved. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the Financial Report by Secretary Howell. Balances at 10/31/18 were Bank OZK C.D. $145,484.69 and Bank account (Russellville Fund 24) $72,319.62. The C.D. earned interest of $213.79 in October; the interest rate (annual percentage yield earned) is 1.64%. Finance Director McKaughan included the Genworth Annual statement as of 10/21/18 with the financial reports, and that balance was $104,588.05. He elected to freeze this account for two years at an interest rate ranging from 0% to 4.75%, and this was approved by Commissioners by email vote in November. Looking at October expenditures, Director Warwick explained that the cost of the new trees and water line were recorded in the Grounds Maintenance account. Chairman Lee 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 trees and shrubs plantings, and the replanting of lost plants at the Garden. Director Warwick reported that all of the lost plants have been replaced and all are thriving well. The new trees and shrubs have been planted. The Fifth Order of Business was an update on the status of water line and service to the cemetery. The water line is in full service, and the cost was $1,439.44, according to Director Warwick. Earth Works and City Corporation worked together to install and approve the water line, and there is a frost-free hydrant now. Plans are underway for a February project to install a drip irrigation system for trees to the north. This will keep our investment going; our goal is to have a peaceful place for visitors and in an environmentally friendly way. In five to eight years the new trees should reach their full height. New Business: The First Order of New Business was the 2018 Progress Report of Russellville Oakland Cemetery. Commission members received a copy of this informative and inspiring report. The Second Order of New Business was a suggestion by Director Warwick to look into the possibility of allowing new Commissioners to live outside the Russellville city limits. It was agreed that this could enhance membership because some who want to serve live in neighboring towns. Following a motion by Secretary Howell and seconded by Commissioner Petray, Chairman Lee declared the meeting adjourned at about 6:10 p.m.