Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes August 20, 2019 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room. Attending: Director Stephanie Warwick, City Finance Director Robin Johnson, Chairwoman/Commissioner Mindy Hudson, Vice-Chairman/Commissioner David Lee, Commissioner/Secretary Rebecca Howell, Commissioner Kenneth Startup, and City Council Liaison Justin Keller Absent: City Attorney Trey Smith, Commissioner Cindy Hlass, Commissioner Cecelia Slone, City Council Liaison Phyllis Carruth, Mayor Richard Harris, and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier Chairwoman Hudson 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 July 16, 2019, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Vice-Chairman Lee and seconded by Commissioner Startup. The minutes were unanimously approved. Director Warwick officially welcomed new Commissioner Ken Startup. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the July 2019 Financial Report by City Finance Director Robin Johnson. Balances at 7/31/19 were Bank OZK C.D. $148,721.95 and Bank account (Russellville Fund 24) $83,188.55. Finance Director Johnson reported from the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures that there were three revenue sources in July totaling $874.61. She also explained the three expenditure accounts for July – mowing, utilities, and cemetery perpetual care. Director Warwick said that there will be extra August expenses due to a settled grave in the northwest part of the cemetery. The Third Order of Business was not addressed. Director Warwick and Commission members did not have any concerns from the public. The Fourth Order of Business was a discussion/submission of ideas for fall activities of the cemetery. Commission members picked Sunday, November 3, between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m., as a time for a cleanup workshop and Decoration Day. Other possible activities may include self- guided tours, genealogy booth, and information booth. Details will be addressed at the next meeting. Commission members also need to decide which areas of the cemetery should be targeted as part of the cleanup workshop. New Business: The First Order of New Business was a discussion about strategic fall planting of trees and shrubs within the cemetery and along its borders. Suggested locations include 8th Street, Detroit Avenue, and the berm in the northwest area. Crepe myrtle (small), elaeagnus, and live oak were mentioned. Director Warwick asked Chairwoman Hudson to check on pricing of shrubs and Vice-Chairman Lee to gather more information about the live oak tree. Commissioners agreed that plantings should be done by professionals. Plans to give a more finished look to the Detroit Avenue fencing were made. During the upcoming cleanup workshop, Commissioners will take a closer look at interspersing shrubs and new fence panels, and pole and chain along sections of the street. All planting and fencing work is part of the 2019 Project List for Oakland Cemetery. The Second Order of New Business was not addressed as there were no new Items. Chairwoman Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at about 6:21 p.m.