Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes April 16, 2019 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room. Attending: Director Stephanie Warwick, City Attorney Trey Smith, Chairwoman/Commissioner Mindy Hudson, Commissioner/Secretary Rebecca Howell, Commissioner Cindy Hlass, Commissioner Cecelia Slone, and City Council Liaison Justin Keller Absent: Finance Director Debra Van Evera, Vice-Chairman/Commissioner David Lee, Commissioner Patricia Petray, City Council Liaison Phyllis Carruth, Mayor Richard Harris, and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier Chairwoman Hudson called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. and welcomed those in attendance. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to review and approve the minutes from the March 19, 2019, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Slone 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 3/31/19 were Bank OZK C.D. $146,678.97 and Bank account (Russellville Fund 24) $88,764.99. Interest earned on the C.D. during March was $189.67. Items on the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures were discussed, with an emphasis on mowing and grounds maintenance. Due to one change needed in the current period column, Chairwoman Hudson recommended tabling the Financial Statement report and approval until the next meeting. 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 about the Workshop held on April 11th at the cemetery. Several Commissioners attended and were introduced to Mr. Charley Bennett, an expert in rockwork, whose business is located in Hot Springs. He looked at four sites, and then prepared four proposals for Director Warwick. Commission members worked on a strategy and game plan for this large project, which includes fixing retaining wall and monument problems. Among the points discussed were: (1) Do we need to look into local contractors for the repair work? (2) Is City of Russellville Public Works willing to do the repair work? (3) Which sites should be repaired first? (4) Do we need specialists in both concrete and rock work? (5) If a family suggests that repairs are needed, how do they proceed? Chairwoman Hudson recommended tabling this discussion for the next meeting. The Fifth Order of Business was a reminder about Annual Decoration/Cleanup Day scheduled for Sunday, May 5, 2019, from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. New Business: The First Order of New Business was a suggestion about the 2019 Project List. Chairwoman Hudson emphasized the importance of trees being planted along 8th Street next Fall. Chairwoman Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at about 6:10 p.m. and thanked everyone for attending.