Oakland Cemetery Commission

K L A A N South Detroit & 8th Street, Russellville, Arkansas D STATUS REPORT IN LIEU OF AN APRIL 2020 AGENDA In lieu of an Agenda for the month of April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to give the community an update of the activities of Oakland Cemetery 1. In January, Ordinance No 2338 extended the boundaries of the residency status for the Cemetery Commissioners in that they were no longer restricted to living within the city limits. The Oakland Cemetery Commission Board is an advisory board and expanding the residency limits allows others who have interest in the operation and history of the cemetery the opportunity to serve on the board. The Board welcomed new member Mary Schwartz in February. She is looking forward to serving on the board and will bring fresh ideas to continue to preserve the history while moving into the future with the cemetery. 2. In late February the Commissioners held a Special Call meeting for the grounds maintenance/mowing contract. The contract was placed out for bids, and several were received. City Council approved Priority Lawncare and Landscape. We are looking forward to working with them and anticipate a good fit. 3. As many will recall, in the spring of 2015, the centerpiece of Oakland Cemetery, a Sixty-one foot Oak was felled during severe storms. This year, thanks to the generosity of Walter and Mindy Husdon, there have been Willow Oak trees planted in that area. 4. Another project approved by the Commissioners was the continuing endeavors of beautification projects in the cemetery. The most recent was the planting of eight Hawtorn Indian white shrubs and four Southern Teddy bear Magnolia trees along the north line of the cemetery near 8th street. 5. Replacement of the damaged sign at the corner of 8th Street & Detroit Avenue has begun. A final design has been approved and physical work is anticipated to start mid to late April 2020. We will post photos once the work is completed. 6. The excessive days of rain since November 2019 have kept workers from completing many tasks in the cemetery and we thank the families and community for their patience and understanding. We are seeing a small break in the weather patterns and hope to be able to work and re-dress graves and fix areas in the cemetery needing fill-in and leveling. ___________________________________________________________________________ Stephanie Warwick, Director Russellville Oakland Cemetery