Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes September 22, 2020 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room. Attending in Person: Director Stephanie Warwick, Commissioner/Secretary Rebecca Howell, and Debi Headley, Assistant to the Mayor Attending via ZOOM: Chairperson/Commissioner Mindy Hudson, Commissioner Mary Schwartz, Commissioner Kenneth Startup, and City Council Liaison Justin Keller Absent: City Finance Director Robin Johnson, City Attorney Trey Smith, Commissioner Cindy Hlass, Mayor Richard Harris, and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier Chairperson Hudson opened the September 22nd Russellville Oakland Cemetery meeting at 5:35 p.m. and welcomed those in attendance, then turned the meeting over to Director Warwick. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to review and approve the minutes from the August 18, 2020, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Startup and seconded by Liaison Keller. The minutes were unanimously approved. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the August 2020 Financial Report by Secretary Howell and Director Warwick. The Russellville Oakland Cemetery operating account had a balance of $94,902.44 at 8/31/2020. The Bank OZK perpetual care account was $152,596.90 at the end of August, and the two deposits were interest income of $37.13 and perpetual care of $300.00. Secretary Howell read the August Statement of Revenues and Expenditures; total revenues were $2,721.74 and total expenditures $6,481.00. For the period of January – August, revenues exceeded expenditures by $30,380.48. Liaison Keller asked if the $17,950.00 Memorial Addition roadway appropriation had been taken out of the $30,380.48. Director Warwick said that it should be allocated in October and would be taken from the Cemetery Improvements account. She reported that this was the only project to be accomplished due to COVID. The motion to approve the August 2020 Financial Report was made by Commissioner Schwartz, seconded by Liaison Keller, and unanimously approved. The Third Order of Business was an open floor for the public to address concerns/suggestions, and there were no visitors in attendance. The Fourth Order of Business was an update of the overall current standing and overall operation of the cemetery concerning mowing/grounds maintenance, and other projects (if any.) Director Warwick said that the cemetery looks good. There is a fence panel that needs to be repaired; it has some loose bolts. Mr. Kenneth Duvall is moving forward on getting the new road put in. The repair/cleanup scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2020, appears to be called off due to weather and a lack of communication with the presenter. Hopefully, the event will be rescheduled; the sponsor is Atlas Restoration. New Business: The First Order of New Business was a suggestion from Liaison Keller to work with Arkansas Historical Preservation and local historical groups in order to bolster attendance at Russellville Oakland Cemetery events. A common goal would be cemetery restoration and historical preservation. The Second Order of New Business was a question from Chairperson Hudson as to what should be brought to the next meeting. Mentioned were (a) trees, (b) budget and projects, and (c) fencing along Detroit Avenue. Following a motion by Liaison Keller and second by Commissioner Startup, Chairperson Hudson declared the meeting adjourned at about 6:00 p.m.