Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes December 17, 2019 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 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 Cindy Hlass, Commissioner/Vice- Chairman David Lee, City Council Liaison Phyllis Carruth, and City Council Liaison Justin Keller. Others in Attendance: Visitor Erin Michael Absent: City Finance Director Robin Johnson, Commissioner Cecelia Slone, Commissioner Kenneth Startup, Mayor Richard Harris, and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier Chairwoman Hudson welcomed everybody and opened the Cemetery meeting at 5:34 p.m. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to review and approve the minutes from the November 19, 2019, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Liaison Keller and Seconded by Vice-Chairman Commissioner Lee. The minutes were unanimously approved. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the November 2019 Financial Report by Director Warwick. Balances at 11/29/19 were Bank OZK C.D. $149,794.57 and Bank account (Russellville Fund 24) $74,612.47. As shown on the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures, October revenues were $532.59 and total expenditures $376.29. The Finance Report was accepted as presented. The Third Order of Business Director Warwick requested to take the floor to recognize Vice- Chairman Commissioner David Lee and presented to him on behalf of all the Cemetery Board Commissioners and Liaisons, with a crystal clock inscribed in appreciation of five (5) years of service to the Russellville Oakland Cemetery. Vice-Chairman Lee spoke briefly and was reflective of his time with the cemetery. Following the meeting, refreshments were served. The Fourth Order of Business was an updated of the planting of trees/shrubs project along the North line of the cemetery in Center A Addition. In this area, six (6) Gold Mop Cypress shrub/trees and a Japanese Maple have been planted. This project lends itself to one that can be expanded upon in the near future across the North line of the cemetery. The cost for this project was $964.66. This came well under the $2,000 limit set by the Commission. In addition to this item, the Cemetery was gifted the labor and two Willow Oak trees to be planted by the Hudson family. On behalf of the Commissioners, Director Warwick accepted the gift. These trees will be planted in the same area (Center B) where the 61 foot Oak once stood. New Business: The First Order of New Business was a reminder from Director Warwick that our Commission may start the coming New Year down one member. Members are picked by the Mayor and approved by City Council. Director Warwick suggested that the Commissioners think of who they know who would be interested in serving on the Board, and to have them attend the December meeting. The Second Order of New Business was the presentation of a proposed project list for the year 2020 for Oakland Cemetery. Among the various proposals were repair to curbing/walls in the cemetery, completion of fencing along the East line of the cemetery next to Detroit, and the annual workshops and tours. The Commissioners were excited about the ideas and look forward to full discussion in the coming 2020 session of the Commission. The Third Item of Business was Items not listed on the Agenda. Director Warwick updated the Commissioners on the damage to the sign at the corner of 8th and Detroit of the cemetery. A claim has been filed with the responsible party’s insurance company and we have been assured payment will be made upon completion of the estimate for the repairs/replacement of the sign. Chairwoman Hudson thanked Commissioner David Lee and again for his five years of service and wished him all the best in his retirement. Chairwoman Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at about 6:15 p.m.